Bermuda yacht Undine before 1884

This is an illustration from James H. Stark’s book, depicting the Bermuda yacht Undine. Here, the yacht is a symbol of exploration, adventure, and the crossing of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical. We can trace such vessels back to ancient Egyptian funerary boats, transporting souls across the waters of death into the afterlife. Throughout time, ships have maintained this symbolism: think of the Viking longboats carrying warriors to new lands, or even the humble fishing boats that sustain communities. This vessel connects us to a long history of human navigation and our relationship with the sea. Subconsciously, we might all be drawn to the image of a boat as it hints at the human desire to cross to the other side of the unknown. This image of the Bermuda yacht is not just a picture; it is a vessel carrying centuries of collective memory.