Silk, an exceptional 8 mJI, a living witness to classic yachting, is for sale! Designed in 1947 by the famous naval architect François Camatte and const...
Silk, an exceptional 8 mJI, a living witness of classic yachting, is for sale!
Designed in 1947 by the famous naval architect François Camatte and built at the renowned Chiesa shipyard in Cannes, Silk is one of the jewels of French nautical heritage. It is an emblematic representative of the 8 mJI class, one of the most elegant categories of classic sailing yachts. Its hull is made of copper-riveted mahogany on acacia frames.
It is one of the rare 8 mJI built in France to have won the Royal Regattas of Cannes in 1949.
A prestigious signature: François Camatte
A talented designer, he was renowned for the design of numerous racing yachts that were both efficient and harmonious. Camatte mastered the art of optimizing hull shapes to meet the rating rules of his time. His creations are still recognized today for their finesse, balance, and timeless elegance.
Over the decades, Silk changed hands several times, passing from passionate owners to knowledgeable collectors. Its current owner entrusted it for several months to the Le Borgne shipyard for an authentic restoration. Silk was refurbished and relaunched in 2015.
Despite the years, it had retained its pure lines and robustness, until a restoration project following the rules of the art was undertaken, scrupulously respecting Camatte’s original plans. François Van de Velde, classic boat specialist at Le Borgne shipyard led by Éric Lanoé, worked with his team for six months on Silk. Everything was redone identically.
This meticulous restoration, carried out with noble materials and traditional techniques, restored Silk’s sleek silhouette and its seafaring qualities of yesteryear.
A living heritage legacy
SILK is part of the Atlantic 8mJI fleet and races every year during metric challenges, particularly at classic yacht gatherings where it attracts admiration both for its beauty and its history. It embodies the excellence of French naval craftsmanship, the rigor of demanding rating rules, and the genius of a visionary architect.
It can be seen on the Atlantic metric challenge circuit, ready to race!
For more information, you can contact me at 06 28 46 02 98