Lakeland_Boating_-_September_2016

by Kate Bush

CLASSIC CRAFTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK GRIMES

It all began in 1961 on the docks of Whiticar Boat Works in Stuart, Florida: The motoryacht Elegante

started out as Aphrodite when she was built for John Hay “Jock” Whitney by boat builder Curt Whiticar.

The boat held many names throughout the years. In the early 1980s, Louise O’Connor of

Houston, Texas rechristened the Bandarlog and added much of the teak and mahogany you’ll see

on the Elegante today. In 1995, O’Connor sold the Bandarlog to Wilbert and Peg Hamstra of Indiana,

who rechristened the Elegante and began a 16-year voyage with her.

For more than 50 years, the Elegante has been host to fi shing trips and cruising explorations

everywhere from the North Channel and Nova Scotia to Naples, Florida and the Bahamas.

In 2011, William and Pat Anton began their time aboard the Elegante. Since then, a complete overhaul

of the yacht began by the current crew, Jack and Renee Grimes. Some upgrades were functional, some

mechanical, and there were quite a few navigational and technological improvements. Other upgrades

include a custom swim ladder; wine storage; commercial icemakers and refrigeration; fl oating islands;

and a special champagne chilling and storage system. If you know the Antons, you’ll understand their

need for a proper audio system and an authentic disco ball, which was included in the overhaul.

The Elegante celebrated her 50th birthday in 2014 where it

all began — at Whiticar Boat Works.

— Jack Grimes, Harbor Springs, MI

Elegante

Five decades on the water.

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