Yachting Legends: Stories Of Iconic Classic Yachts
The allure of classic yachts lies within their elegance of a bygone era that exudes romance and old-world charm. Each classic yacht has a unique story to tell, full of adventure, fame, and iconic historical events that have shaped its journey through time.
Classic yachts allow luxury yacht charter guests to experience the nostalgia of classic yachting. Traditional yachts have been meticulously restored and maintained to provide modern comforts and luxury while preserving their storied past.
Here we delve into the most fascinating stories belonging to various classic yachts still on the water today:
CHRISTINA O
A list of classic yachts with intriguing histories wouldn't be complete without including the iconic 325" (99m) CHRISTINA O. This charter yacht stands as a true testament to the golden age of yachting and the famous personalities who defined the era. Initially commissioned in 1943 as the Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont, the warship found an unexpected second life in 1954 when Aristotle Onassis purchased it and transformed it into a luxury yacht. Quickly, CHRISTINA O became the playground of the rich, famous, and glamorous, hosting a vast roster of A-list guests.
Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly were just a few of the people who resided in one of the 17 cabins. CHRISTINA O was also the setting for historic weddings, including Onassis to Jackie Kennedy, and Rainier III of Monaco to Grace Kelly.
The yacht was also the platform where John F. Kennedy was first introduced to Winston Churchill. When it comes to on-screen fame the yacht has featured in the Netflix series The Crown and was the yacht of the 2022 movie Triangle of Sadness. There have been numerous refits over the years, however, retaining the original history, such as the Mosaic swimming pool and dance floor, the concert room, and the famous Ari's bar.
MALAHNE
The 164'9" (50.29m) MALAHNE is a quintessential example of a British pre-war yacht building launched in 1937 by the Camper & Nicholson shipyard; this classic motor yacht has a rich and varied history. Originally commissioned by William Stephenson, the head of the British Woolworth store chain and owner of the iconic J-class yacht VELSHEDA, MALAHNE was built to the highest standards and was utilized as a patrol cruiser during World War II. Post-war found the yacht at the center of Hollywood glamour, serving as the headquarters during the filming of Lawrence of Arabia, hosting a range of movie stars and industry moguls, and setting the stage for the range of guests who later visited the yacht, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Gracy Kelly.
In 2015, MALAHNE was restored at Pendennis shipyard, maintaining the glamour while updating for the charter market. During the project, Guy Oliver, a designer renowned for his work on prestigious projects, including 10 Downing Street in London, was enlisted to oversee the interiors, now boasting art deco features and selected original 1930s antique pieces.
TALITHA
TALITHA is a 262'5" (80m) classic yacht built by German shipyard Kripp Germaniawerft. The yacht has had many lives, originally delivered in 1929 to Russell Algar. Like many of the counterparts and yachts of that era, TALITHA's early years included service in World War II. The US Navy acquired the yacht as a gunboat. After the war, in 1949, TALITHA underwent the first transformation, converted back into a private yacht. This marked the beginning of a series of high-profile ownerships and refits.
TALITHA came into possession of John Paul Getty Jr. in the 1930s. Getty was the son of one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time. In 1984, a significant restoration project returned the yacht to its original lines. Later, during the three-year rebuilding in 1991, guided by the famous designer Jon Bannernberg, the yacht was restored, changing lots of steel using the original rivet method. During the 1990s, the classic yacht was available for charter throughout the Caribbean, hosting a star-studded guest list and royalty, including Prince Philip. In impeccable condition, the yacht is available for charter today for those wanting a classic yacht reflecting the pinnacle of its heydey.
DELPHINE
DELPHINE was built in 1921 and was the largest steam-powered yacht in the US, at 257 '9 " (78.57m). Commissioned by the Dodge family, it was the ultimate expression of 1920s luxury and sophistication. In 1926, when docked on the Hudson River, the yacht caught fire and sank; however, the family salvaged it, not wanting to let it go. As with many private yachts of this time, DELPHINE was acquired by the US Navy and served as a base for various important strategic war meetings with the likes of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Following the war, DELPHINE was restored to a private yacht by the Dodge family, and since then, it has been in the hands of various owners. It has spent years as a training ship for merchant seafarers. In 1997, a Belgian owner undertook a six-year restoration project to return the yacht to its former glory, guided by its original drawings, ensuring each detail was true to her traditional design. Today, the yacht is hailed as the largest luxury yacht with original steam engines still in service and a Tiffany-designed interior.
SHENANDOAH OF SARK
SHENANDOAH OF SARK, a three-masted gaff-rigged schooner of 178'3" (54.35m), has had an incredibly colorful history. Originally commissioned by American banker Charles Fahnestock and delivered in 1902 by Townsend & Downey. The yacht has survived both World Wars; the British Military acquired the yacht for the First War, and during World War II, it was dismasted and the engines removed, so the yacht was of no use. Post-war, the yacht has been rumored to have been used in drug and gun smuggling around the Caribbean.
SHENANDOAH OF SARK has had a long list of interesting owners, including a British shipbuilder, an Italian prince, and a Danish count. Notably, in the 1960s, the yacht was purchased by the inventor of the Bic pen. Throughout the 80s, the classic yacht was used as a backdrop for Vogue photoshoots and Rod Steward music videos. The turn of the 20th century saw the yacht again abandoned and restored, this time in New Zealand, where it took part in the Millennium Cup. The classic sailing yacht is the epitome of preserving the past, with an original keel and the original bell still onboard.
TRINAKRIA
One of the best of our classic yachts is the 160'11" (49.06m) giff-ragged schooner, built in 1927 by Weiner Werft. Boasting a steel hull and wooden superstructure that harks back to the golden age of sailing. TRINAKRIA's history includes appearances in numerous films and a stint as a training vessel for a fisheries school in Bulgaria. Previously named Carola, the charter yacht was once the largest private yacht in Germany before being sold to a Yacht Club de France member in 1938.
The adventures were temporarily halted by World War II, during which the yacht found refuge in Casablanca. In the 1970s, a new chapter began as a charter yacht, hosting film crews and celebrities while cruising the French Riviera. A dedicated owner initiated an extensive refit in 2004, spanned over a decade, including an engine overhaul and restored interiors. Today, TRINAKRIA offers guests the romance of traditional sailing and modern amenities, making her an ideal choice for an authentic classic yachting experience.
MARALA
The 192'11" (58.8m) MARALA motor yacht was built in 1931 by Camper & Nicholsons shipyard and underwent a comprehensive refit in 2022. Giving you a chance to step back in time, the yacht holds a remarkable history, which includes serving in the Royal Navy during World War II and playing host to legends such as Frank Sinatra and Salvador Dali. With just a handful of owners, MARLA has been well-maintained and updated.
The most recent restoration occurred at Pendennis shipyard in 2022, which breathed a new life into her art deco interiors. Accommodating 12 guests across five double staterooms and one twin, she gives a chance to enjoy classic, timeless charm, glamour, and luxury.
SEAGULL II
Built in Pula in Croatia, the 177'8" (54.16m) classic motor yacht SEAGULL II has a unique history. The yacht began life as the coastal passenger ship Noca, capable of carrying 700 passengers, connecting the ports of Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Kotor, and Split.
In 2004, the yacht was purchased by an owner who saw potential for the luxury yacht charter market and carried out an extensive refurbishment and conversion. Today, SEAGUL II has interiors reflecting the 1950s style while offering modern comforts.
From war to glamorous parties and elite guest lists, these iconic classic yachts are a true testament to the golden age of yachting, which is still preserved today. Contact one of our expert charter consultants to learn more about classic yachts that are available for charter.