Ailsa Shipyard

Sophie Spicknell delves into the 122-year history of the 55.4-metre superyacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303565/image/large-3f658f1b58993d63c8b6a1e64c871288.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303565">With a history spanning back over 120 years, the 55.4-metre classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> is one of just a few yachts to have survived from the early 20th century. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> has lived a colourful life since her maiden voyage in 1902 and is one of the oldest yachts to still hold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyds</a> classification.&nbsp;She started her life at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1642" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ailsa Shipyard (Company)">Ailsa Shipyard</a> in Troon, Scotland, where she was built under the name Triton. Crafted under the meticulous eye of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson</a>, she was launched on 27 February 1902, with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd's Register</a> of Yachts 1903-4, stating she had a length of 44.95-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318054/image/large-e0bd354cd55034e9b11c29e28a0df50a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318054">Initially intended to serve as a supporting vessel for the grand schooner-rigged sailing yacht Gleniffer, Triton found her place in the fleet of James Coats Jr, a philanthropist and avid yachtsman. She remained here, moored alongside Gleniffer at the Gourock Bay and was stored at the James Watt Dock in Greenock, Scotland until his death in 1912, when she was passed to his Executors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303582/image/large-26bc6a9e4be10ea2e9ee5339ac77b6af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303582">Following the passing of Coats, Triton found herself under new ownership, with her name changed to Rhouma, as she embarked on a new chapter in the hands of Sir George Bullough. A thoroughbred racehorse breeder and Victorian playboy, Sir George Bullough had named her after his first steam-powered yacht of the same name. Although her history is sparse during his ownership, Triton is believed to have later served as an auxiliary patrol yacht for the Royal Naval during the First World War. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303585/image/large-208f8fc69bed9b25c962076c46402a9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303585">In 1920, Rhouma was registered to Vincent S.E. Grech, who resided at 318 Finchley Road, London, N.W.3. But by 1923, the vessel entered Scott's Shipbuilding &amp; Engineering Co Shipyard in Greenock, where she underwent an extensive rebuild. She was lengthened by almost three-metres to 47.76-metres and was fitted for oil fuel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303589/image/large-7bcf6b7b48cde74eee8e48bcd611b776.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303589">Rhouma changed hands several times over the next few years, and in 1924 she was registered to Captain C. Oswald Liddell, who renamed her Osprey. By 1938, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd's Register</a> of Yachts recorded that the vessel was to be renamed Rhouma, but by the following year, she was renamed Hiniesta and registered to Sir Frederick Preston. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303588/image/large-4795613ecebef959027c25f3d968a19f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303588">During World War II, the yacht found herself at the forefront of innovation, and was employed mostly in the research and development of the HFDF (High Frequency Direction Finder) and also as an anti-submarine craft. However, as the war ebbed towards its conclusion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a>'s duties took on a regal air.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="120 year old classic 55m motor yacht Madiz for sale (2024-03-04 11:30:00 +0100)">120 year old classic 55m motor yacht Madiz for sale</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303579/image/large-88f492312f31a8997c26de8d9f4296c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303579">She rose to prominence as the Royal Patrol Yacht, where the esteemed trio of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princess Elizabeth embarked on a historic journey to Ulster in 1945. Here they viewed 62 surrendered German U-boats anchored in the river Foyle, a stark reminder of the triumph of the Allied forces. Images from the tour showed King George VI, descending from the bridge of the vessel, cheering to crowds and soldiers at Guildhall Square, Londonderry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303580/image/large-660e8cc9d36586c4eae022387890612d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303580">In 1953, Hiniesta was registered to The International Trust Company of Liberia, in Monrovia, under the name President Roberts, however, in 1954 she was registered to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> and renamed back to Hiniesta. The yacht was eventually acquired by the Honourable John North, second son of the 8th Earl of Guilford, who headed for the Mediterranean onboard her. But in 1968 North decided to sell the yacht, as she lay dormant in Piraeus, Greece. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318055/image/large-c0a127e4a3caddff59dc20da10ed9eae.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318055">In the early 1970s, Hiniesta's journey took an intriguing turn, as she came under the ownership of Konstantinos Keletsekis, a prominent figure within the Greek community. Born in Iran, he was believed to be the President of the Greek community there, with ventures spanning contracting works, shipping, and commercial shrimp fishing. Although no port of registry was recorded at this time, it is believed that this was one of the first times that the yacht was registered to an owner outside of the United Kingdom. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303575/image/large-045e9cefa84945d1a602018d6a73a2c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303575">In 1972, the yacht was renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a>, but by 1975, her class was suspended due to the owner's reluctance to adhere to surveys. As a result of this, the last entry for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyds Register</a> was for 1977. From here, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> was registered to the Conduct Shipping Company in the 1980s, before she was transferred in 1993 to the Prince Trading Corp, based in Monrovia, Liberia. It is believed that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> underwent several meticulous refits over the next few years, including new engines. As a result of this, she returned to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyds Register</a> in 2006 with original +100A1, LMC notation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318053/image/large-ac9e4e6069df458da818fa944e0c703c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318053">Today, the steel-hulled motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> operates with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1823" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercedes (Company)">Mercedes</a> 250 horsepower engines and a crew of 10. She features accommodation for up to 14 guests, maintaining the same quintessential British Victorian motifs from her initial launch. Her master suite includes a private exterior deck, while one of her other staterooms is equipped with an office. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303573/image/large-0418f683f6234f4adad9b5a28e457761.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303573"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> showcases ample outdoor deck areas for dining and unwinding, including an open sundeck and shaded forward seating. She is also equipped with a six-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a> Superflorida tender, as well as a six-metre classic launch.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303568/image/large-173b0fa3f182b704089d025058c1e1e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303568">Madiz</a> is currently lying in Perama, Greece and is for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> broker Jean-Marie Recamier and yacht sales advisor Jessica Ruez.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303564/image/large-139de94a67c11c416fc5b5bbf10c88df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303564">This article is featured in&nbsp;Issue 49&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times</a>&nbsp;newspaper.&nbsp;You can find a full archive of all previous SuperYacht Times newspapers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Exploring the 122-Year history of the superyacht Madiz

Sophie Spicknell delves into the 122-year history of the 55.4-metre superyacht Madiz.

Marvellous Madiz: Exploring the history of the 122-year old superyacht

The 55.4-metre classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> is now on the market. The yacht, which was launched in 1902 by the Scottish yard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1642" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ailsa Shipyard (Company)">Ailsa Shipyard</a> in Troon, is offered for sale by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons International</a> broker Jean-Marie Recamier and yacht sales advisor Jessica Ruez.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303565/image/large-3f658f1b58993d63c8b6a1e64c871288.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303565">An incredibly unique <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/madiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht, Madiz, for sale</a>, is one of the few motor yachts of her size to have survived from the early 20th century and is the oldest vessel in operation to have <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyd</a>'s classification. As many as 14 guests are accommodated aboard the yacht between spacious staterooms on the main and lower deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303582/image/large-26bc6a9e4be10ea2e9ee5339ac77b6af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303582"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303581/image/large-cafd7d9986a7670697b0b6b014a7b913.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303581"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303579/image/large-88f492312f31a8997c26de8d9f4296c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303579">Originally commissioned by James Coates Junior, from his friend and now legendary yacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G L. Watson</a>, Madiz served an as Auxiliary Patrol Service for the Royal Navy during the First World War. The vessel was then returned to her status as a luxury yacht in 1920 and passed through the hands of several British yachtsmen, but it was not long before she was again called to naval service during the Second World War.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303589/image/large-7bcf6b7b48cde74eee8e48bcd611b776.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303589"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303590/image/large-fd6660f25340c4e64a6f1b3aa9868fab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303590"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303592/image/large-e5539c64de1e5618771d975cda482435.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303592">Post-World War II, the yacht was acquired by the Honourable John North, second son of the 8th Earl of Guilford and with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a>, he headed for the Mediterranean. In 1968, North decided to sell the yacht and she was laid up in Piraeus until she inspired Greek businessman Costas Keletsekis to become her owner. Keletsekis equipped <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> with new engines and refitted the boat in 2003 to bring her back into class with Lloyds Register. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303596/image/large-ccbe5841f150965ec11678990358d3c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303596"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303594/image/large-7914e7bb2bfa7594085b963a9cd85754.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303594"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303595/image/large-152f0181b96ed9dd3e6243f81121c5ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303595">40 years later, in 2010, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> was acquired by her current owners and has been lovingly cared for as an icon of classic yachting style. Today, this steel-hulled <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is powered by two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1823" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercedes (Company)">Mercedes</a> 250 horsepower engines.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303575/image/large-045e9cefa84945d1a602018d6a73a2c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303575"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303571/image/large-a3c120c04fe991a0ae21a79a955440d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303571">She typically operates with a crew of 10 and is served by a 6 metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a> Superflorida tender as well as a 6 metre classic launch. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> is available for viewings by appointment in Perama, Greece.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/303602/image/large-a77997924dbee4f10d451c74e4c51994.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/303602">

Classic yacht Madiz for sale

The 55m classic motor yacht Madiz is now on the market. 

120 year old classic 55m motor yacht Madiz for sale

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/80075/image/large-f00495372dcfb236b9a65b9ab8fb8b0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/80075"> Built in 1902 by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1642" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ailsa Shipyard (Company)">Ailsa Shipyard</a> in Troon, Scotland as Triton, the classic superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> has enjoyed a rich and illustrious career, including military service during World Wars I and II, a brief period hosting royalty and an appearance in the British television series, Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Seen here outside in Vouliagmeni, Greece, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> is the oldest steel superyacht to be in class with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd's Register</a> of Shipping. Powered by twin 650hp MTU/Maybach engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madiz55.4m (181'9&quot;)Ailsa Shipyard1902">Madiz</a> has a top speed of 11.5 knots and a range of 2,750nm.

The 1902 classic superyacht Madiz in Vouliagmeni

Built in 1902 by the Ailsa Shipyard in Troon, Scotland as Triton, the classic superyacht Madiz has enjoyed a rich and illustrious career.

Edmiston has sold the classic yacht La Bimba in an inhouse deal. La Bimba, designed by the famous Scottish naval architects of GL Watson &amp; Company along traditional lines, was built as Themara by Ailsa Shipbuilding in 1962.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/152865/image/large-b3d725361b544fc758321d0628fce728.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152865">This 24.60 metre compact ocean going yacht, powered by twin Gardner diesels (now completely rebuilt) has cruised extensively in all latitudes including a circumnavigation starting in 1988. La Bimba's previous owner has spent considerable money as part of a comprehensive refit.She offers accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, as well as a crew of 2.Her asking price was €450,000.

Classic yacht La Bimba sold

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150398/image/large-687d6638d2e33faad3f8734d74ff057c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150398">Superyacht Madiz in GreeceMadiz, seen here last week cruising past the Greek island of Poros, was built in 1902 by the Ailsa Shipyard in Troon, Scotland as Triton. She has had a rich and illustrious career, encompassing military service during World Wars I and II, a brief period hosting royalty and an appearance in the British television series Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Madiz is the oldest steel superyacht to be in class with Lloyds Register of Shipping. Powered by twin 650hp MTU/Maybach engines, Madiz has a top speed of 11.5 knots and a range of 2,750nm.By Maarten Janssen / <a href="https://www.superyachtphoto.com/media/" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Superyacht Madiz in Greece

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142936/image/large-c2a05c00a0dd44467a630a3ba07f4167.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142936">The classic yacht Madiz seen near Poros<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831">Madiz </a>was built in 1902 by the Ailsa Shipyard in Troon, Scotland as Triton. In 1972 <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831">Madiz</a> was purchased by her previous owner, who extensively refitted the 55.4 metre yacht from 2003 until 2006, bringing her back into class. Built in 1902, she is the oldest steel superyacht to be in class with Lloyds Register of Shipping. The yacht can often be seen cruising around Greece. Powered by twin 650hp MTU/Maybach engines, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2831">Madiz</a> has a top speed of 11.5 knots and a range of 2,750nm. Photo by Maarten Janssen