Photo: Hamilton Marine International
While it's always thrilling to see new yacht models flaunting their eye-catching features at top industry events, it's even more exciting to see American classics getting the chance at a second life. Like others across the globe, the US superyacht building industry has faced serious challenges over the last decades, and some of the shipyards did not make it. This makes luxury yachts like the 24-year-old Cupcake extra special.
Cupcake is an appropriate name for this all-white, elegant vessel that looks like a giant marshmallow on the water. The gorgeous interior design inspired by the island lifestyle, with its clean lines and fresh colors, makes it hard to believe this isn't a contemporary baby. Cupcake will soon celebrate a quarter of a century, yet the reason behind its impeccable look and amenities is a recent refit (2022) worth around $2 million.
This American classic was lucky enough to be properly maintained throughout the years. Launched in 2001, it was regularly upgraded until the beginning of 2022, when it was purchased and sent by the new owner straight to the shipyard for a complete refit. Carpeting, wallcoverings, lighting fixtures, furniture, and décor – everything was entirely renewed. All the bathrooms onboard were also completely remodeled and renewed, from the plumbing to the mirrors.
With an extensive list of upgrades, Cupcake basically became a new yacht. Its gorgeous layout includes a stunning formal dining area with a glass table and seating for 12, a six-person jacuzzi on the sundeck with wraparound seating, multiple sophisticated al-fresco areas, and a lavish master suite with a glamorous en-suite. These are just some of the highlights, along with iPad-controlled smart LED TVs throughout, Starlink internet, and on-demand Kaleidescape entertainment.
This tri-decker comes with two major advantages. Boasting a 422 GT volume, it's one of the most spacious luxury yachts in the 40-meter (132 feet) range. At the same time, the 2.26-meter (7.5 feet) shallow draft makes it suitable for cruising destinations like The Bahamas. Another plus when it comes to charter operations is the flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests across five gorgeously refitted cabins, with an eight-person crew ready to cater to their needs.
Cupcake's exterior design was signed by Carr Design, with naval architecture by Jack Sarin and interiors by Yacht Design Associates. This refitted classic yacht is one of the beautiful 40-meter models delivered by Westship before the global economic crisis of the late ‘2000s. Westship started building luxury yachts back in the 1990s.
This was, at first, the sales and marketing arm of the famous Westport Shipyard in Washington, but the two eventually split. After taking over the facilities of Trident Shipyard in Tampa, Florida, the new company started operating under the name of Westship World Yachts. The mid-and late 2000s were a rocky time in the shipyard’s history until a much-needed revival around ten years ago, thanks to a former customer, Henry Respess, owner of the beautiful 110-footer Prestige Lady.
Cupcake is a remarkable Westship to this day and a highly competitive charter yacht with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary pleasure craft. Its previous owner pumped a couple of millions into this American classic after purchasing it and quickly sold it for a profit. Before the refit, Cupcake (known as Invision at the time) was worth a little over $5 million. This month, it sold for $7.5 million – not bad for a 24-year-old American yacht in the 40-meter range.
Once in a while, positive examples like Cupcake demonstrate that there's a place for US-built classic yachts on the market, even if they don't always get as much as they should. While other boating enthusiasts are betting on shiny new toys made in Europe, connoisseurs are investing in revamped classics with a proven track record.
This American classic was lucky enough to be properly maintained throughout the years. Launched in 2001, it was regularly upgraded until the beginning of 2022, when it was purchased and sent by the new owner straight to the shipyard for a complete refit. Carpeting, wallcoverings, lighting fixtures, furniture, and décor – everything was entirely renewed. All the bathrooms onboard were also completely remodeled and renewed, from the plumbing to the mirrors.
With an extensive list of upgrades, Cupcake basically became a new yacht. Its gorgeous layout includes a stunning formal dining area with a glass table and seating for 12, a six-person jacuzzi on the sundeck with wraparound seating, multiple sophisticated al-fresco areas, and a lavish master suite with a glamorous en-suite. These are just some of the highlights, along with iPad-controlled smart LED TVs throughout, Starlink internet, and on-demand Kaleidescape entertainment.
This tri-decker comes with two major advantages. Boasting a 422 GT volume, it's one of the most spacious luxury yachts in the 40-meter (132 feet) range. At the same time, the 2.26-meter (7.5 feet) shallow draft makes it suitable for cruising destinations like The Bahamas. Another plus when it comes to charter operations is the flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests across five gorgeously refitted cabins, with an eight-person crew ready to cater to their needs.
Cupcake's exterior design was signed by Carr Design, with naval architecture by Jack Sarin and interiors by Yacht Design Associates. This refitted classic yacht is one of the beautiful 40-meter models delivered by Westship before the global economic crisis of the late ‘2000s. Westship started building luxury yachts back in the 1990s.
This was, at first, the sales and marketing arm of the famous Westport Shipyard in Washington, but the two eventually split. After taking over the facilities of Trident Shipyard in Tampa, Florida, the new company started operating under the name of Westship World Yachts. The mid-and late 2000s were a rocky time in the shipyard’s history until a much-needed revival around ten years ago, thanks to a former customer, Henry Respess, owner of the beautiful 110-footer Prestige Lady.
Cupcake is a remarkable Westship to this day and a highly competitive charter yacht with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary pleasure craft. Its previous owner pumped a couple of millions into this American classic after purchasing it and quickly sold it for a profit. Before the refit, Cupcake (known as Invision at the time) was worth a little over $5 million. This month, it sold for $7.5 million – not bad for a 24-year-old American yacht in the 40-meter range.
Once in a while, positive examples like Cupcake demonstrate that there's a place for US-built classic yachts on the market, even if they don't always get as much as they should. While other boating enthusiasts are betting on shiny new toys made in Europe, connoisseurs are investing in revamped classics with a proven track record.
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