The legendary yacht Christina O, once owned by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, docked at Porto Montenegro (Tivat) two days ago.
It is 99 m long and has a top speed of 19 knots. The vessel began its life 75 years ago at the Vickers shipyard in Montreal, Canada, where it was built in the form of a frigate for the Canadian Navy.
This warship took part in the famous Battle of the Atlantic against German submarines, as well as in military operations in the Arctic Ocean. After World War II, it was withdrawn from active service by the Canadian Navy and bought by the renowned Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis for just $34,000. Casar Pinau, a well-known yacht designer, transformed the ship into the most luxurious private yacht of its time. For 4 million euros, the former warship was turned into the world’s first superyacht.
Thanks to the size and strength of the hull and the mechanical foundations of the warship, Christina O offered an unparalleled level of comfort. As the world’s first superyacht, it opened up new directions in the design, engineering, and creation of the most luxurious private yachts.
The wedding ceremony of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly took place on this yacht. John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and other Hollywood stars also had the opportunity to enjoy the incredible luxury of Christina O.
In 1975, when Aristotle Onassis died, the yacht passed to his daughter, after whom it was named. In 1978, Christina Onassis handed the vessel over to the Greek government as a presidential yacht. However, over time, the ship began to deteriorate slowly.
The historic rarity was saved by a friend of the Onassis family — John Paul Papanicolaou, a Greek shipowner who sailed on her as a child.
Between January 1999 and April 2001, the yacht underwent a major refit costing more than $50 million.
Christina O has retained the charm of a classic ship. The vessel has 19 luxurious cabins, restored in the style of the Onassis era. The ship is designed for 36 guests.
Passengers have access to a gym, library, children’s room, massage salon, two elevators, and on the open deck — a solarium, a swimming pool that can be transformed into a dance floor, and a huge jacuzzi. The crew and service staff number 35 people.
Today, Christina O is available for charter. A week on the yacht costs from 560,000 to 700,000 euros, depending on the season.
Let us recall that recently at Porto Montenegrothe yacht Lady S belonging to Bill Gates and his family docked.