Frank Sinatra was American royalty, a figure who became the biggest and most defining entertainer of the 20th century. He was no stranger to a life of excess, living larger than life as one of the first private individuals to own a Learjet 23. Yet, between 1968 and 1974, the man with the velvet voice frequently retreated to a 75-foot 1956 Burger-built classic. In a strange twist of fate, the vessel is currently no reminder of luxury, nor is it even in the periphery of the glamorous life he once lived. This ship, which borders on the term superyacht, has sat abandoned for over 12 years in London.
Having survived as an Airbnb of sorts in its afterlife, the vessel, originally built by the Burger Boat Company for Victor McCormick of Wisconsin, has been taken under the wing of Billy Pethericks. The British restoration YouTuber intends to undertake a massive project to revive the ship that once housed the “Fly Me to the Moon” singer. Before the ship, now named Nostalgia 10 after previous stints as Heidi 3, King Tut, and Another Toy 2, takes on a new avatar, Pethericks has provided a tour of the ship exactly as he found it.
Believed to have cost $500,000 to build, or roughly $6 million in today’s money, it is currently only a shadow of its former self. Still, with a bit of imagination, one can see the beauty beneath decades of neglect. Here is a look inside a bygone era of yachting that has since been replaced by helipads, beach clubs, and glossy teak.
Wallasea Island in Essex is the current address of this 75-foot abandoned American classic. Today, it is enveloped in rust and dust, a haunting silhouette of its former Hollywood glory days.
It may not be obvious at first glance, but the eight-seater dining section carries a distinctly nautical theme. Portholes bring light into the lower deck, while the chairs are upholstered in blue and red stripes, matched by coordinating curtains and a rustic vintage-style chandelier. The space is designed for utility, featuring a hatch to serve food directly from the galley and window handles made in New York that still function to roll the glass up and down.
The main salon is completely swathed in mahogany wood and filled with period-correct furniture and cabinets. It features a television set that would likely confuse Gen Z more than a math test, paired with a center table featuring classic cabriole legs.
These traditional mahogany interiors are now met with some modern additions like stabilizers, autopilot, and Vetus hydraulic steering. Once repaired, this means the 75-footer can actually be steered by a joystick. The vessel is powered by Detroit engines, famous for their “Screaming Jimmy” sound. This high-pitched whine is a signature of their two-stroke design and roots blowers.
All guest accommodations are located on the lower deck, where three cabins can sleep up to seven guests.
A guest cabin with a single bed, plenty of storage, a night light for reading, and a small window to keep the water in view.
The bathroom was once well-appointed, featuring a marine-grade toilet located next to a full bathtub. A small porthole window sits above the toilet for light and ventilation, framed by interiors that are typical of the mid-1960s and 70s.
The master suite is roomy for a 75-footer, offering a large bed, a side bunk, generous storage, fitted cupboards, and an escape hatch, along with, unfortunately, a great deal of water ingress. Even so, it is not hard to imagine the space as beautiful and well appointed in another lifetime.
The galley, which currently appears to be an absolute disaster, sits conveniently next to the crew quarters. Portlights, a butler sink, and plenty of storage remain, along with a microwave and a washing machine that stayed behind.
Whether Billy Pethericks will be able to restore the vessel to a decent state after years of being overlooked will be an interesting journey to follow on his YouTube channel. As a tribute to Frank Sinatra, who may not have owned this boat but spent significant quality time on it, one can only hope the restoration includes a coat of orange, his absolute favorite color.
