Charter a WWII-Era Wooden Classic: M/Y 'Croix du Sud' Now Available for Day Hire in the Netherlands
From Free French MTB to Dutch Charter Icon: The story and experience of MY Croix du Sud
It’s a rare opportunity to step aboard a vessel that not only served in wartime but has also been carefully preserved and reimagined for peacetime luxury. MY Croix du Sud began life in 1943 as a British Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB), built by the esteemed Vosper yard in Southampton—a name synonymous with speed, strength, and stealth during World War II. Fast forward to the present, and she now cruises the inland waters of the Netherlands as a 24-metre gentleman’s motor yacht with refined taste, maritime heritage, and a presence that can only come from real history.
For the first time, this extraordinary yacht is available for bespoke day charters, offering guests a completely unique experience aboard a living artefact of naval engineering.
If you subscribe to the Yacht Buoy YouTube channel, you may have already seen my full walkthrough and sea trial aboard this majestic vessel. That video has been viewed nearly 200,000 times and offers an in-depth look at Croix du Sud, from her engine room to the aft deck, both underway and at rest.
A Profile Steeped in Heritage
Croix du Sud retains the sharp, purposeful lines of her MTB origins, but these have been enhanced through a decades-long restoration and transformation that began in the 1980s. Her hull is constructed from wood, not an aesthetic gesture but a faithful continuation of the original naval design. Measuring 23.6 metres in length with a 6.3-metre beam, she offers considerable interior volume and open deck space, especially for a vessel of her vintage.
Her black hull and understated superstructure are offset by expanses of teak decking, polished metalwork, and subtle period flourishes such as the Portuguese bridge. A manual-lowering mast and flybridge helm station preserve the vessel’s utility and seaworthiness, while modern equipment and systems have been fitted with great care to maintain visual authenticity.
Originally built in England in 1943, she served as a Motor Torpedo Boat for the Free French Navy during the Second World War. After surviving multiple combat missions, she went on to live several distinct civilian lives—from a harbour boat in Ostend to a Dutch regatta mothership—before becoming the unique charter yacht she is today. Her transformation over the decades has been nothing short of remarkable.
For those interested in a deeper look at this vessel's extraordinary wartime and postwar history, I have written a dedicated section of this blog for premium subscribers that explores her service, restoration, and cultural legacy in detail. You can find it at the bottom of this article.
Thoughtful Conversion, Seamlessly Executed
Internally, Croix du Sud is a masterclass in sensitive refit design. The layout has been adapted for live-aboard comfort without sacrificing the charm of the original structure. The main saloon, located amidships, features a built-in bar, formal dining area, and expansive views aft. An electric drop-down window connects this space directly to the aft deck, which is fitted with flush teak, integrated ceiling heaters, and ample seating for outdoor entertaining.
Accommodation is generous: four cabins sleep up to nine guests, including a spacious owner’s suite with en suite facilities. Two guest cabins are fitted with L-shaped bunks and private heads, and there is a well-equipped crew area forward with separate access and its own amenities.
Interior joinery is executed in rich pearwood, with dark grey carpeting and clean lines that blend classic naval warmth with subtle luxury. A full domestic galley is located in the saloon and features Siemens appliances, a Bosch fridge, and a dedicated wine cooler. There is even a dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer tucked discreetly out of sight—making longer voyages or corporate charters entirely feasible.
Systems throughout the vessel include Kabola central heating, Webasto air-conditioning in both crew and guest spaces, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, and integrated AV equipment ideal for corporate presentations or private events.
Day Charter Offering: Naval Heritage Meets Dutch Hospitality
From her berth in Warmond, Croix du Sud is now available for exclusive day charters on the Dutch inland waterways. Her scale, pedigree, and versatility make her an ideal platform for everything from private celebrations to business offsites.
Day Rate: From €3,000
Crew (Skipper, Steward, Deckhand): €1,000
Diesel Consumption While Underway: €250/hour
Optional Add-ons:
Relocation from Warmond: €500/hour round trip
Catering: Custom menus available on request
Event services (presentation tech, theming, floral decor, photography): On request
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
A sample itinerary might begin at 09:30 with a warm welcome over coffee and pastries, followed by a working session in the main saloon. Lunch can be arranged on board or at a waterside location. The afternoon offers time to relax on the sundeck or get active with RIB rides, wakeboarding, or e-foiling. A closing drinks reception at sunset on the aft deck rounds out the experience.
Every charter begins with a full safety briefing, and the vessel is compliant with Dutch maritime safety regulations.
A Living Monument
To cruise aboard Croix du Sud is to sail with the ghosts of a different time—but in comfort and style. There is weight to the timber underfoot and dignity in every line of the hull. She is no reproduction, no themed novelty. She is the real article, and that authenticity is tangible from the moment you step aboard.
That she now sails the inland waters of the Netherlands, a country so deeply embedded in maritime tradition, feels appropriate. Here, she continues her service—not in war, but in hospitality, education, and celebration.
For a closer look at this remarkable yacht, watch the full video walkthrough now on the Yacht Buoy YouTube channel.
To enquire about chartering Croix du Sud or to discuss a bespoke day on the water, click here to contact the team directly.
The Untold Story of Croix du Sud : From 44-Knot MTB to Charter Icon
Few vessels carry a backstory as dramatic or improbably redemptive as Croix du Sud. Born during the Second World War and now reborn as a classic charter yacht in the Netherlands, her journey spans theatres of combat, high-speed raids, and decades of passionate civilian stewardship.
