As soon as the current owner has purchased Norfolk Star (ex. Khalessi) in 2018 the historic sailboat was to be filled with the whole family and a new adventure was to begin. But first, he invested in a multi-million dollar renovation.
Bottle green sailboat Norfolk Star is on sale at Burgess
Completed in 2020, the work involved the five-year Lloyd’s survey of the yacht and the painting of her hull, which was changed from a dark blue color to a striking bottle green. As a British businessman and avid yachtsman, the owner had always dreamed of owning a Perini Navi, and the opportunity presented itself when Norfolk Star (ex. Khalessi) was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2018. “And there she was – a lovely 37-metre Perini Navi. The rest is history,” he said.
As well as a new main engine, the owner has added two new generators and a Williams 505 tender. A variety of yacht systems have also been upgraded to include a PLC system, Inmarsat VSAT dome, Doyle sails and a Reckmann rigging. As soon as the work was completed, the owner set off for the Caribbean to fully enjoy the yacht with its brand new furniture and freshly sanded teak decks.
Now for sale with Burgess, Norfolk Star has been transformed into a luxurious and modern version of a classic sailboat. Still finished in cool cherry wood, interiors are brightened by plush cream carpets and upholstery, with gray-veined white marble in the bathrooms and large portholes along the hull to let in streams of natural light.
Her two bright interior salons have been designed so that the time inside the yacht is relaxing and enjoyable while sailing. Equipped with a comfortable seating area, an office space and enough windows to provide panoramic views, the upper salon is connected to the main salon by a grand staircase. Here guests will find more sofas and a formal dining area formed by a rich walnut table.
Those who like to be on deck while sailing can do so from the shelter of the yacht’s main cockpit. Designed to be divided into two areas – one for seating and one for eating – the cockpit can ensure that everyone on board can collectively experience the thrill of being under sail. “On board, I like the silence and the sound of the wind in the sails, and I have noticed that I feel much safer on a sailboat than on a motor yacht”, says the current owner.
Another unique feature of Norfolk Star is its story, which began in 1987 when a British entrepreneur wanted to sail the world. As an experienced yachtsman, the owner chose to rely on the expertise of Perini Navi and interior designer Bruce Farr to design and build a brand new 36.8 meter superyacht. In 1996, the completed schooner was handed over to its owner under the name of Salperton.
The yacht, with her original dark navy hull, faster red stripe and crisp white superstructure and sails, was her first owner’s home for many years. She was a force to be reckoned with on the race track and competed regularly. Regattas such as the Perini Navi Cup were her chosen competitions and in 2013 she secured first place in the Perini Navi Class B race.
Read more/Aboard the 36.8m Perini Navi sailing yacht Norfolk Star with owner Gary Widdowson
When not occupied by her racing crew or cruising with her owner, the yacht, known as Spirit of the North between 2000 and 2015 and Khalessi from 2015 to 2018, was available for charter in many yachting hotspots around the world, one being the Great Lakes of North America. As Captain Damien Dempsey recalls, in the summer of 2014 the area offered “spectacular sailing with flat water and optimum winds of 15 to 20 knots”.
Having been home at sea for families, small groups and solo sailors, Norfolk Starit is the three guest cabin layout is perfect for six guests, including the owner, who has a dedicated full-beam private master cabin aft of the yacht. This glamorous space is completed by a dressing room, an adjoining bathroom with bathtub and a separate office area. Next to it, two twin cabins, both with en-suite shower rooms, can accommodate four more people. In case there is an extra overnight guest, one of the bedrooms has an additional Pullman berth.
To entertain his guests, Norfolk Star houses an impressive toy store offering a dinghy, water skis, windsurf boards, kayaks, inflatables and fishing gear. And for the business men and women on board, her office and internet service can keep the yacht in touch with work commitments ashore. All of these features and more are why the time spent on board Norfolk Star is meant to “capture the true essence of sailing and combined with the luxury of a world-class hotel”.
Available for visits to Valencia, Spain, Norfolk Star is for sale with its Burgess brokers. For more information and pricing, visit the Burgess website directly here.
Sponsored content created for Burgess
