Apollonia was originally named ‘Wappen von Bremen’ and is one of three sister ships designed by Bill Tripp and built at the Bremen yard of Johann de Dood. These fine yachts were originally commissioned by sailing clubs in Hamburg and Bremen for the use of their members – and for training young sailors. Along with sister ship Hamburg VIII, she has successfully competed in transatlantic-races, and has sailed in North Polar waters.
Apollonia was subsequently damaged in Hurricane Hugo and acquired by a well known boat builder and professional shipwright, Fred Thomas whose yards Shipwrights Ltd in West End Tortola and at Grenada Marine are famed in the Caribbean for high quality work. Over some 15 years he carefully restored and upgraded the vessel under the watchful eye of a Lloyds approved surveyor, with major refurbishment including new decks, engine and sails. Although he has been unable to make full use of the yacht in recent years due to ill health, he has always had her maintained to a good standard A 2006 survey showed no major requirements at the time, but some minor recommendations. Unfortunately Mr. Thomas died before completing the vessel’s interior forward of the saloon.
Above information courtesy of Sandeman Yacht Company
Hurricane Irma
New owner Thorpe Leeson was in Virgin Gorda, BVI, happily planning future trips when Apollonia was ‘knocked to the ground’ during Hurricane Irma in early September, 2017. Fortunately the mast remained intact and the boatyard righted her in December. Then a chance encounter in a pub in Grenada with Harry Ricciardi, wooden boat builder par excellence from Gannon and Benjamin, Martha’s Vineyard, triggered the pair of them to tackle the ongoing intensive repairs needed. The goal: to be ready for the Antigua Classics regatta in April, 2018.
