This section provides information on refits and restorations carried out since the early 1980's as to describe how White Heather obtained her current layout and the condition that the structure is currently in.

1980, Halifax, Canada: Dentist Dr. Gene Jensen bought White Heather and decided to adopt the yacht for charter purposes. Subsequently, the boat was stripped down to a bare hull after which she was built up again to incorporate a more practical interior for guests and all new systems. It was also then that the gaffed mainsail was replaced with a bigger Bermudian rig. During this restoration high quality and safety standards were followed to ensure continuing Lloyd's Register 100 A 1 classification.

White Heather then operated as a charter vessel during the 80's until she was dismasted in a Caribbean hurricane in 1989. Financial problems forced the owner to sell the boat, after which she was transported to the Netherlands. The new owner started with the planning and designs for a new restoration, which were never executed because the Dutch fiscal authorities claimed her. The current owner then bought White Heather when she was auctioned in 1995 with the plan to fully restore her in the Netherlands so that she could be operated trouble free for the years to come.

1996/97, The Netherlands: The restoration was conducted with a number of carefully selected Dutch specialist companies; layout and a larger sail plan were prepared by Olivier van Meer. The objectives during the restoration were clear; entirely new systems, wiring, piping, appliances, engines, crew quarters and two luxury en-suite guest cabins instead of four in the area forward of the saloon. All was to be carried out with the highest standards Dutch yachtbuilding can offer and the yacht was to incorporate the highest level of comfort possible while maintaining all the style and warmth of a classic vessel. A year and a half were spent from initial planning to seatrials. The new systems, exterior and interior modifications are listed below (for makes and types of items please refer to the specifications):

Internal Systems

External

Interior

Further Refits / Dry Dockings (for replacements of systems please refer to the full specifications)

1998, Serbim, Marseille: Drydocking for new antifouling. Rudder and shaft check before departure to Caribbean. Servicing of all seacocks.

2000, Serbim: Wood repairs to keel deadwood after damage in Caribbean. Antifouling, bilge pump servicing.

2002, Manoel Island Yacht Yard, Malta: Full reconditioning of rudder and rudder stock and steering gear, replaced any soft wood. Reinforced the rudder stock entry horn timber and attachment of the gland. Replaced rudder skeg and reconditioned heel fitting after mooring damage (pic 1). Further activities included antifouling and topside painting. Also, following the slipping period the internal steel structure and inner planking in the lazarette, aft bilge and tankhold were professionally painted. Both bilge pumps were replaced with larger versions.

In the past two years the steel exhaust systems of both the propulsion engine and the generators have been replaced with corrosion and erosion free flexible exhaust systems, silencers and water separators.

2004, At Manoel Island Yacht Yard, Malta: Antifouling and improvement of anoding system. Reconditioning of tailshaft. Topside painting. (pictures 2 and 3)

Further refit photo material and reports are available upon request.

Click to enlarge the picture

Click to enlarge the picture

Click to enlarge the picture