Classics stand the test of time. In fact, it could be argued that as the years go by, they just get better. It’s the story, the history, which gives a boat real character and makes it unique – and makes you feel special.

Sydney-based 35-metre motor yacht, Caviar is just such a yacht, and she has as intriguing a back story as you’ll ever find. Skippers appreciate the history of their vessel and Caviar’s captain, Patrick Bourke, revels in sharing the colourful background of his much-loved, classic 200-tonne superyacht.

Built in 1955 in England by J Samuel White shipbuilders in East Cowes, Caviar’s classic timber hull and superstructure are as timeless and as solid as a Bass Strait southerly. Originally designed as a minesweeper, she actually began work in the British Navy as HMS Wintringham, decked out with bronze and brass fittings to avoid using anything that would attract the magnetic floating mines.

In the early 1960s, she was brought to Australia along with her sister ship, where she was renamed HMAS Seal and put to work for the Australian Navy. (Her sister ship became HMAS Porpoise.)