In the world of yachting, new superyacht launches often dominate the headlines, capturing the attention of seasoned sailors and potential buyers with their promise of modernity and speed.
However, for a select group of enthusiasts, the allure of classic yachts remains unparalleled. One such gem, the iconic 'Christina O,' has now entered the open market for the first time, courtesy of Morley Yachts.
Launched in 1943, Christina O is a 99-metre (325-foot) motor yacht that has weathered the decades with grace and elegance. Formerly owned by Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis, this vessel boasts a storied past filled with Hollywood celebrities, heads of state, and royalty.
Initially constructed as an anti-submarine frigate for the Royal Canadian Navy, Christina O was transformed into a luxury superyacht by Onassis in 1954. The Greek shipping magnate, who later married Jackie Kennedy, invested four million dollars into refurbishing the vessel at the HDW shipyard in Kiel.
With naval architecture by Caesar Pinnau and Costas Carabelas and interior design by Apostolos Molindris, Christina O has undergone multiple refits, the latest in 2022 under a syndicate of Irish businessmen led by the late Ivor Fitzpatrick. Today, it offers modern comforts while retaining the timeless style of its era.
The yacht features an array of unique amenities, including a gilded spiral staircase leading to a piano lounge and bar with a Steinway piano once played by Frank Sinatra and Maria Callas. A salt-water swimming pool with a Minotaur mosaic can transform into a dance floor, and the famous Ari's Bar boasts whale foreskin-upholstered bar stools.
Following its 2022 refit, Christina O was available for private charter. Now docked in Nice, France, it awaits a new owner who appreciates the significance of owning a piece of yachting history. The asking price for this one-of-a-kind vessel is €90,000,000 (approximately $96,500,000).
(Source: Auto Evolution)
