The powerful symbol of a growing shipping empire and the last word in opulence Christina O the super yacht formerly owned by shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis is on sale for £21m through Edmiston
Built in 1943, as a warship in Canada she was bought by Onassis for $34,000 (£22,370) in 1954.
After extensive and expensive renovations, he hosted star-studded parties on board during the late 1950s inviting among others:
- John F Kennedy
- Winston Churchill
- Frank Sinatra
- Marilyn Monroe
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Richard Burton
- John Wayne.
In 1956 Princess Grace and Prince Rainier held their wedding reception on board the yacht.
Onassis’ love affair with opera singer Maria Callas was also played out on board but the relationship ended abruptly in 1968 when Onassis courted and subsequently married President Kennedy’s widow, Jackie.
The couple married aboard Christina O while anchored off Scorpios, Onassis’ privately owned island.
Following his death in 1975, the Onassis yacht was gifted to his daughter, Christina, in his will. She had little interest in it and allowed it to deteriorate before bequeathing it to the Greek government who did even less to keep the yacht pristine.
20 years later, Christina O was rescued renovated and restored to her former glory. Now the property of Irish owners the once again on the market for a figure reported to be £21 million
Able to accommodate 36 guests in 18 staterooms and the Onassis Suite she carries a crew of up to 35.
On-board amenities include
- Beauty salon
- Children’s playroom
- Gym and fitness centre
- Jacuzzi.
- Library
- Massage room
- Sports lounge