For just $1.7 million you can sail the high seas in this gorgeous wooden yacht

An auction in Paris next month offers a opportunity: a 1903 luxury yacht estimated to fetch $1.7 million.

Retromobile, the Parisian classic car show that features both strange and stunning exhibits from across the motoring world, will play host to the auction by Artcurial, which will feature the boat as well as a collection of rare Ferraris.

The Moonbeam III is a work of the Scottish yacht designer William Fife, who earned his fame at the pinnacle of the sailing world by building two America's Cup challengers for English tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton.

He made a reputation for himself by designing yachts that were both fast and breathtakingly beautiful.