Iconic yacht ‘Christina O,’ which belonged to Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, sailed into Poros island on Sunday.
The luxurious vessel, which now belongs to Greek shipowner Yiannis Papanikolaou, has hosted great politicians and celebrities, including Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, Maria Callas, Grace Kelly, King Faruk of Egypt, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Kennedy family.
Today the yacht belongs to Greek shipowner Yannis Papanikoloaou and is hired out by both local and international guests, who enjoy the Mediterranean on one of the world’s most impressive yachts.
‘Christina O’ was purchased in 1954 by Onassis, who transformed her into the most luxurious private yacht of her time.
Onassis epitomised the life of the superyacht elite, garnering a reputation as the original jetsetter, but following Onassis’ death in 1975, ‘Christina O’ fell into disrepair. A restoration project led by Nikolaou was a close family friend of Onassis and the project was completed in 2001.
The exterior of ‘Christina O’ easily stands out thanks to her distinctive clipper bow, long sheer line, rounded superstructure and dazzling white topsides, and this is not forgetting her trademark, vibrant yellow funnel.
The top level of the yacht, known as the compass deck, boasts chaise lounges, and a bar, while the spacious promenade deck below features a spa pool and alfresco dining. Most impressive is the main deck, where Onassis’ swimming pool has been faithfully restored with its renowned Minoan bull and vaulter mosaic. What’s more, the bottom of the pool can be raised to form a dance floor.
‘Christina O’ also features an oak-panelled library, and a huge saloon, boasting three large seating areas. This space can also serve as a ballroom, with a raised dais for an orchestra, as well as a cinema. There is also a glass-panelled gymnasium on board and a music room with a Steinway piano where the likes of Maria Callas and Frank Sinatra once performed.
*Image credit: Tasos Ladas
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