Our Mission
With a build like no other vessel on the water today, a rich and ever-unfolding history, and the unique operational potential afforded to it by both, our mission is to give El Primero the future it deserves, and in turn the modern general public an authentic perspective into our vanished past.
We dream of restoring the iconic features of the vessel back to their original glory and re-opening its deck up to the public for private tours, events, and both long and short-distance cruises. To accomplish this feat, the Primero’s first stop is South America, where high-quality materials are abundant, readily accessible, and much lower in cost. The Owner and his team of recruited volunteers will work to clean, repair, and finish the deck, cabins, kitchen, living and dining rooms before returning her to the West Coast for her biggest debut to date.
Anyone who appreciates careful craftsmanship, timeless luxury, and unwavering fortitude will be pleased to witness El Primero to overcome the odds, one more time, as she draws on 130 years since her first sail. Whether by volunteering or donation, every act of service made in helping to complete her restoration is recognized as an instrumental operative in our mission. These contributions are essential to our team achieving the high caliber of excellence, adaptability, and efficiency that a job of this undertaking commands.
To learn more about the Primero Revival Mission, visit our campaign page on GiveSendGo.com
Volunteers and donors alike can elect to have their name entered in our Restoration Raffle for a chance to win a free cruise for two in one of El Primero’s estate suites during her maiden voyage.
One hundred other contributors entered will be awarded a voucher for 75% a cruise for two.
“I have had the pleasure to go on several cruises on El Primero. It’s kind of a marine architect’s dream...If you want to go fast, make it long, make it narrow, make it shallow and put a cutter bow on it, and just on a tiny bit of power, you can get to 15 knots and it’s the smoothest it can be.”
- Richard Hildahl, Tacoma Historical Society, 2016
“There have been a number of restoration attempts in recent years, but there is still much to be done. How great it would be if she could be put back in near-original arrangement...Let’s hope El Primero finds a new caretaker who can set her up for another 100 years!”
- Classic Yacht Association, 2020
“[El Primero is] historically significant as the oldest power superyacht in the world. Her present is just as remarkable as her long, storied past.”
- Diane M. Byrne, Megayacht News 2022