Iconic Classic Yacht 'Christina O' Joins the Open Market for the First Time

Classic vessels might not match their modern counterparts in terms of speed and amenities, but they are certainly living works of art and valuable pieces of yachting industry. Christina O, an iconic superyacht launched way back in 1943, is one such priceless relic of history that has stood the test of time, and it has now joined the open market for the first time with Morley Yachts.

A true veteran of the glamorous superyacht scene of the 20th century, this 99-meter (325-foot) motor yacht carries a storied past and some sort of celebrity appeal within the yachting community. It once belonged to Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis and has probably hosted more influential personalities, including Hollywood celebrities, heads of state, and royalty, than any other vessel.

Originally built as an anti-submarine frigate for the Royal Canadian Navy, Christina O was bought for scrap value by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1954. The Greek shipowner, who was the second husband of Jackie Kennedy, then spent four million dollars refurbishing it into a luxury superyacht at the HDW shipyard in Kiel.

With a naval architecture originally penned by Caesar Pinnau and Costas Carabelas and an interior designed by Apostolos Molindris, Christina O has undergone various refits during its lifetime. The most recent was in 2022, under the supervision of a syndicate of Irish businessmen set up by the late Ivor Fitzpatrick.

Today, the vessel offers the same level of comfort and luxury as a modern yacht while still exuding the unmistakable style of the era when it was initially built.

Some of its most outstanding features include a gilded spiral staircase that leads to a gorgeous piano lounge and bar that houses the Steinway piano that Frank Sinatra and Maria Callas used while visiting, the Minotaur mosaic salt-water swimming pool that can transform into a dance floor, the concert room, and the famous Ari's Bar with whale foreskin-upholstered bar stools.

Perfect for entertainment and social events, this iconic classic can accommodate a party of 34 guests in 17 cabins but has a capacity for up to 157 guests on board when it comes to parties and events.

Considered an undisputed queen of superyachts, Christina O was often visited by A-listers. Famous Hollywood personalities and powerful dignitaries stepped on board over the years, such as Marilyn Monroe, Eva Peron, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Winston Churchill, and John F. Kennedy. The yacht also served as a venue for weddings in the past. Even former owner Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy tied the knot onboard the vessel.

While this timeless beauty is a genuine icon of its time, Christina O is a celebrity in its own right, having starred in multiple movies, such as the Netflix drama The Crown, where it impersonated the 121.95-meter Alexander, and Ruben Östlund's 2022 black comedy Triangle of Sadness.

This one-of-a-kind vessel was available for private charter after the 2022 refit. It is now lying in Nice, France, awaiting a new owner, preferably a passionate yachtsman who is enthralled by the idea of being a "steward of history" and understands that the best way to distinguish yourself is not always getting the newest and biggest craft but the most unique. The asking price for this classic yacht is €90,000,000 (around $96,500,000 at current exchange rates).