Weatherly

Weatherly, at anchor, features her European take on modern-classic design idioms. Photos courtesy of De Valk Yacht Brokers.

Of all the intriguing vessels drawn by leading European designer Andre Hoek, there’s something about Weatherly that endures.

Drawn back in 2002, this 65-foot sloop captures most of what moves the Spirit-of-Tradition plotlines in Europe. She features a traditional, full-volume hull shaped out of a graceful sheer and significant overhangs fore and aft. Her waterline is just 45 feet!

Weatherly also hits all the right modern-classic design references: Retro deck structures, open spaces fore and aft and a traditional, yet modern, ergonomic cockpit. The high-tech epoxied mahogany, rod rigging and bulb keel are all where they need to be.

But what’s important with Weatherly is how this German-built vessel organizes the Spirit-of-Tradition ideas into a larger, more European narrative, that is classic and modern simultaneously. There is a delicate balance of elements in play here, that takes time to consider.

But if you invest the effort to see Weatherly on her own terms, this boat sums what’s old and new in European naval traditions. And for what makes a modern-classic yacht tick overseas, Weatherly is as important a design reference as any.