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  Photos by Martin Fine and Chesler Photography

Before and Aft: Megayachts on the Market

Fluto Shinzawa

April 1, 2002

These days, the emotion registers in Johnson’s face when he talks about the Feadship, which he has since renamed Carolinian. The yacht, completely restored by Johnson and his crew of designers, builders, and vendors, is currently for sale through Camper & Nicholsons International for $9.95 million. “We did not go on a rebuild campaign. We went on a new campaign,” says Johnson. “We replaced every system, every motor, and every device with state-of-the-art equipment.” The equipment includes two 2001 Novurania tenders, a pair of new 625-hp Caterpillar engines, a new air-conditioning system, even a new commercial refrigerator for the galley. (Click image to enlarge)

In Johnson’s own words, the yacht has 2002 gear encased in a 1982 hull.
Carolinian, however, might not have turned out so well without the help of Bill Sanderson, a Camper & Nicholsons broker, who steered Johnson toward the vendors he needed. By hiring people like Patrick Knowles, a Fort Lauderdale–based yacht interior designer, Johnson ensured his restoration project would be as successful as possible. He could have hired lesser-known vendors, but Johnson was willing to spend enough on the right talent. “People always say that they didn’t spare a nickel. Well, we didn’t,” says Johnson.

Whenever he wanted, Johnson would drive to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, catch a Midway Airlines flight, and arrive in Fort Lauderdale less than two hours later to observe the progress on Carolinian. Johnson and his vendors worked with Feadship, requesting parts or plans or specifications. The Dutch boatbuilder would e-mail responses within hours and ship whatever Johnson requested. Meanwhile, Johnson and his crew rewired the entire yacht, ordered a new lighting system, installed a new anchor chain, and redesigned the interior, even adding new marble and new fixtures in the bathrooms. (Click image to enlarge)

As Carolinian neared completion, Johnson invited Feadship executives to inspect the newly refurbished yacht. Don Kenniston, president of Feadship America, was astonished when he boarded the yacht. Dick Van Lent, managing director of Feadship, and Andrew Winch, director of Andrew Winch Designs, a British interior design firm, gushed over the decor of the 1982 yacht. As they toured the vessel, they congratulated Johnson on his work in overseeing the project. “The process was very enjoyable,” says Johnson. “I’d do it again. I don’t mind the mechanical challenge. It’s a labor of love. Watching the transformation is incredibly beautiful.”