Restoring a Legend: The 102-Year-Old S/V Mandalay
Leading The Windjammer’s Way fleet is the iconic S/V Mandalay. The vessel’s journey through history reads like a maritime adventure novel. Built in 1923 as a luxury yacht by renowned financier E.F. Hutton for his wife – and Post cereal heiress – Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Mandalay later served as a research vessel for Columbia University, putting in over a million nautical miles and helping to prove the continental drift theory, before becoming a beloved Caribbean charter ship. Each chapter of her life left its mark – from Gilded Age luxury fittings to scientific equipment modifications to decades of charter service wear.
The Mandalay is currently undergoing a complete restoration, far beyond cosmetic repairs, with estimated completion by Spring 2026. The Windjammer Way’s craftsmen are rebuilding her steel hull, restoring traditional rigging systems, and preserving original design elements while incorporating modern safety systems. The project represents one of the most ambitious classic vessel restorations currently underway in the world.
“The overwhelming response to our crowdfunding efforts demonstrates how much people value authentic sailing experiences and maritime preservation,” said Charles J. Kropke, CEO of The Windjammer Way. “Partnering with US Sailing elevates our mission and creates exciting possibilities for sharing our restored vessels with sailing enthusiasts at every level.”
The Mandalay represents just the beginning of The Windjammer Way’s ambitious vision. As the flagship of a planned diverse fleet of beautifully restored sailing vessels, she will lead intimate voyages to every remote anchorage and hidden cove throughout the Caribbean. The company’s long-term mission extends beyond a single restoration – they’re assembling a collection of classic ships designed to reach the far-flung corners of the Caribbean that larger vessels simply cannot access, offering passengers authentic sailing adventures to pristine locations few travelers ever experience.
