In the heart of Ibiza, a unique maritime restoration project is bringing history, resilience, and community together. At the center of the initiative is Peter 1939, believed to be one of the oldest surviving racing boats connected to the island, now undergoing a dedicated revival effort in Marina Botafoch, with the goal of returning her to the sea—and to competition.
More than a classic yacht restoration, the project represents a powerful story of heritage, perseverance, and social impact supporting the rehabilitation and community integration, above all.
A Historic Boat Reborn
Originally built in 1939, Peter is a classic sailing vessel with deep historical roots. After decades of sailing history, and racing success in Panera regattas led by Mauro Piani in the 2000’s, against all odds in Ibiza, Sebastian who grew up sailing classics in Ibiza, is now carefully restoring her in what has been an al year-round effort involving craftsmen, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts and the support from Marina Botafoch.
The ambition is not simply to preserve a historic boat but to keep sailing alive on the island, kickstarting with a race again between mainland Spain and Ibiza, reconnecting the island with its rich sailing heritage. As part of this vision, Peter 1939 is preparing to participate in the legendary Ruta de la Sal at the beginning of next month—one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic offshore races linking the Spanish mainland with Ibiza.
The project highlights the importance of maintaining traditional maritime culture in a region where rapid development and rising costs increasingly threaten historic maritime assets.
A Mission Led by Veterans
What makes the Peter 1939 project particularly remarkable is the team behind it.
Among those involved are Sebastian Devonshire, who plays a key role in coordinating the restoration and project development and grew up sailing Classics here in Ibiza, alongside 3 veterans who form part of the core sailing team, Rory Mackenzie, Stephan van Niekerk and Jimmy Hill.
The restoration and sailing program is supported by disabled military veterans, whose participation symbolizes resilience, recovery, and teamwork. Their involvement transforms the project into a platform for mental health support, rehabilitation, and community integration.
Throughout the year, the boat partners with initiatives such as Ibiza Calm and Project Juntos and local charity , offering sailing experiences designed to the children and their families.
Participants can also join special sailing events and regattas, including voyages to the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez planned for later in the year. One of the key figures expected to lead that leg is Richard Oswald, a well-known captain from the Isle of Wight, who will skipper the yacht during this stage of the journey.
A Community Restoration Effort
The restoration itself has become a collective effort on the island. Skilled tradesmen—from carpenters and marine engineers to sailmakers—have contributed time and expertise to bring Peter back to life.
However, the project has not been without challenges.
Ibiza’s rapid gentrification and rising costs have made long-term restoration work increasingly difficult. Finding workspace, materials, and funding in an island environment dominated by luxury tourism requires persistence and community support.
Despite these obstacles, the team remains committed to preserving Ibiza’s authentic maritime identity.
Voices Behind the Project
The initiative has also been supported and promoted by individuals sharing its story internationally, including speakers such as Rory Mackenzie, who advocates for resilience and community-driven initiatives.
Their involvement has helped bring visibility to a project that blends heritage preservation, social impact, and sailing culture.
Sailing Forward
As Peter 1939 prepares for her next chapter, the goal is clear: return the historic boat to the water, racing once again between mainland Spain and Ibiza while serving as a platform for community engagement and veteran support.
In doing so, the project is preserving more than a vessel—it is protecting a piece of Ibiza’s maritime history while demonstrating how sailing can become a powerful tool for healing, connection, and purpose.
For Ibiza, Peter 1939 represents something rare: a reminder that the island’s identity is not only built on modern luxury, but also on its enduring relationship with the sea.
