Christina O Yacht Historical Photo by Stef Bravin
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Floating Legend | Classic Yacht CHRISTINA O at 75 Years
by Randi Barry
Finding a unique and classic charter yacht can be a real treat. The tales that come with these vessels are enchanting and to cruise onboard offers the opportunity to explore them firsthand – adding your name to yachting history. Yacht CHRISTINA O is a legendary vessel that has entertained illustrious guests throughout its history including royalty, politicians and celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Kennedy, Prince Rainier III & Grace Kelly, as well as Sir Winston Churchill and John F Kennedy. The vessel was initially purchased from the Canadian Government in 1948 for the scrap value of $34,000. She was then converted into a private yacht at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft yard in Kiel, Germany for $4 million. With the capacity to sleep 34 guests as a classified passenger vessel and finishings fit for Royalty, it’s easy to see why this yacht has been hailed as “the finest vessel on the French Riviera”.
“CHRISTINA O, still the finest vessel on the French Riviera” Zac Posen, Fashion designer.
Christina O Yacht Historical Photo by Stef Bravin
The Story behind CHRISTINA O
The 99 Meter HMCS Stormont was built by Canadian Vickers Ltd. in Montreal and launched in 1943. She witnessed the D-Day landings in Normandy and was a guard and escort for merchant ships during the Battle of the Atlantic. Her six-year transformation was lovingly carried out thanks to the Greek shipping mogul Aristotle Onassis who spared no expense sourcing the finest materials across Europe. When the refit was completed in 1954 she was christened CHRISTINA O after Onassis’ daughter Christina who was born in 1950. It was onboard this yacht where Sir Winston Churchill first met John F Kennedy in 1957. She also played host for the wedding reception of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly in 1956. Aristotle Onassis also celebrated his wedding to second wife Jackie Kennedy onboard in 1968.
Convertible Dance Floor & Swimming Pool Photo by Stef Bravin
Onnassis Yacht CHRISTINA O Today
In 1975 Onassis’ daughter Christina inherited the yacht upon her fathers passing and gifted it to the Greek Government. Rechristened Argo, the vessel was meant to be transformed into the Presidential yacht, however, she fell into a state of disrepair after being docked at Salamis naval base for 20 years. In 1998 when another shipping magnate John Paul Papanicolaou rescued the CHRISTINA O, she began another transformation – this time at the Victor Lenac shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia. It took three years to restore her to her former glory, retaining her historical name and features.
Ari’s Bar Photo by Stef Bravin
Key Historical Features Onboard
Pull up a stool and enjoy a drink at Ari’s Bar where Sir Winston Churchill himself once enjoyed a private drink. The bar is made from ancient Spanish Galleon and the bar stools are covered with leather from the foreskins of sperm whales. Or if you prefer, enjoy cocktails and canapes in the Callas Lounge, named after Maria Callas with whom Onassis once enjoyed a romance. Furnished with original items from the Onassis era, the lounge also hosts an original Steinway grand piano. Enjoy dinner with up to 42 guests (seating for 28 at the main table) in the opulent dining room and then dance the night away on the aft-deck dance-floor (which converts to a swimming pool.) With the ability to sleep 34 guests in 17 cabins, 38 full-time crew, and an Executive Chef with a Michelin-star background – the yacht continues to be used in the spirit of entertainment that Onassis intended. She boasts large open deck areas, three public lounges, a spa, gym, and Jacuzzi. Her cruising speed of 14 knots and capacity of 157 guests, or static of 250, make the CHRISTINA O a perfect choice for corporate events, weddings, parties or anniversaries.
Callas Lounge Photo by Stef Bravin
Tenders & Toys
For the watersports enthusiasts, guests can enjoy a day on the water to their heart’s content. With two Zodiac RIBs, two SeaDoo Spark Waverunners, a 120hp SeaDoo Jetski, Flyboard, AquaGlide slide, O’Brien Towables, towable banana, jetboard, wakeboard, waterskiis, paddleboards and kayaks – there is no end to the possibilities of fun in the sun. The yacht also has two restored Hacker-Craft tenders for guest transport.
Christina O Classic Charter Yacht Photo by Stef Bravin
Charter CHRISTINA O in 2019
99M Onassis yacht CHRISTINA O is available for charter at €560,000 – €630,000/week through Mediterranean yacht brokers Morley Yachts. For more information, visit www.morleyyachts.com.
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