Classic S&S So Fong 1937: ‘The Elegant Lady’ Returns Home to HongKong
After 88 years of extraordinary history, So Fong, the 82 foot classic gaff-rigged schooner designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built in Hong Kong in 1937, has completed the final chapter of her remarkable journey. The elegant lady is now set to return to the place where it all began: Hong Kong.
Her journey has spanned oceans, continents, and decades, making her one of the most storied yachts in maritime history. From her inception as a long-distance voyaging yacht commissioned by New Jersey banker A. Thornton Baker, So Fong has lived a life filled with adventure, historical significance, and intrigue.
Throughout her 88 years, So Fong has crossed the Atlantic three times, circumnavigated the globe, and even served as a US Navy coast guard vessel during World War II. However, her adventures took a darker turn when, during the Cold War, the yacht was held hostage by the Vietnamese government for over ten years. She was eventually rescued in 1990 by Irish yachtsman Robert Verschoyle, who negotiated her release and oversaw a meticulous refit that would restore So Fong to her former glory.
Her rebirth included a complete unrigging, new deck rails, and even the replacement of the main boom. The masts, still the originals, stand as a testament to the yacht’s storied past. Since then, So Fong has been lovingly maintained gaining admiration for her historical significance and undeniable beauty.
In 2006, So Fong won the prestigious Rolex Voiles de St Tropez, competing in the Epoque Gaff-Class category. Her continued participation in classic yacht regattas has made her a favorite among yachting enthusiasts, admired for her beauty, her heritage, and her exceptional craftsmanship.
The Return Home
Now, after a long and colorful history, So Fong is back in the hands of a new owner: an American businessman residing in Hong Kong. The yacht, which was originally built in Hong Kong in 1937, will return to the place of her birth, where she will once again take pride of place among a fleet of classic yachts.
This new chapter is full of promise, as the buyer, a dedicated lover of classic yachts, is no stranger to So Fong’s history. The captain, who now manages his entire fleet, was once involved with So Fong in a previous life and knows the yacht’s savior, Robert Verschoyle, who rescued her from near ruin in Vietnam. With such a knowledgeable team at the helm, So Fong is in good hands and ready to continue her legacy.
A Timeless Classic
So Fong’s return to Hong Kong marks the completion of a full circle, from her origins in the bustling shipyards of Causeway Bay to her final destination on the waters of the South China Sea. The yacht, with her stunning craftsmanship, elegant design, and remarkable history, has become an icon in the world of classic yachts.
For many, So Fong is more than just a yacht; she is a piece of living history. Her beautiful lines, impeccable restoration, and fascinating journey through time make her a rare find in the world of yachting. Whether competing in regattas, cruising the world’s oceans, or serving as a floating tribute to maritime heritage, So Fong will continue to be admired and loved for years to come.
A Special Sale
S&S So Fong 1937 was listed with Flensburger Yacht Service, based in Mallorca, and successfully sold by Anja Eckart, who closed this unique sale. We are proud to have been part of this incredible journey and look forward to hearing more about her adventures as she returns home to Hong Kong.
Link to SuperYachtTimes:
https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/ah-king-yacht-so-fong-sold
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