The legendary yacht Christina O, once owned by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, docked at Porto Montenegro (Tivat) two days ago.
She 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 After World War II, it was withdrawn from active service in the Canadian Navy and bought by the famous Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis for just $34,000. Casar Pinau, a renowned yacht designer, transformed the vessel 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 unrivaled 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 vessel began to deteriorate slowly.
The historic rarity was saved by the Onassis family friend — John Paul Papanicolaou, a Greek shipowner who sailed on her as a child.
Between January 1999 and April 2001, the yacht underwent a 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 accommodates 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.