Big yachts, big prices. The equation cannot usually be extended to include a discount. However, there are formats where urgency demands a considerable discount. Now "Christina O" is not exactly a young used ship. The 99 metre long steel construction was launched in 1943 as the Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormon. She became a yacht in Kiel in the 1950s. There she underwent a conversion on behalf of Aristotle Onassis and according to plans by Hamburg architect Caesar Pinnau. Now there is an opportunity to manage an icon of yachting. Morley Yachts has lowered the price for the 80-year-old grand dame from 90 to 52 million euros. This corresponds to a discount of 42 per cent.
"Christina" as a symbol for yachting
Even today it is a Symbol for yachting in grand style, for opulence and the eccentricity of her owner. "Christina" - she only became "Christina O" after a general overhaul almost 30 years ago - was Aristotle Onassis' 99-metre-long calling card and signalled wealth, power and social recognition to the world. Actually, the value of "Christina O" cannot be translated into monetary terms. During the 21 years in which the Greek owner ran her, history was written on the teak deck and amidst the classic wood-panelled walls and the yachting lifestyle was indulged in - with everything that goes with it. Even after his marriage to Jackie Kennedy, "Ari" continued to invite his lover Maria Callas on board.
"Ari" got them all on board
Sir Winston Churchill holidayed on "Christina" nine times and met John F. Kennedy there in 1959, with whom he discussed his presidential ambitions. Five years after the assassination of JFK, Jackie Kennedy married Onassis and Hollywood's A-list arrived: Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor - they were all there and enjoyed life on board, which included the legendary pool. The pool, which was huge by the standards of the time with a movable floor and a Minoan-style mosaic, is largely in its original condition. The luffing crane, which for a long time moved Onassis' Fiat 500 with an open roof and his seaplane (Piaggio P136), had to make way. A sailing yacht was also parked amidships on the upper deck, where a jacuzzi and outdoor bar now punctuate the teak deck.
Heidi and Woody on "Christina O"
During the shipyard stay at the end of the 1990s, the hull was rebuilt, with hardly a single sheet of steel left next to the other. On the other hand, the exterior designed by Hamburg architect Caesar Pinnau, including the classic chimney and the curved bridge docks, was handled with care. However, the switch from triple-expansion steam engines to diesel engines resulted in an additional mast with splayed arms for the tailpipes. Behind it, Heidi Klum gave Tom Kaulitz her word of honour in front of Capri in August 2019.
The couple had chartered "Christina O", which currently costs 700,000 to 740,000 euros per week. For events on the coast, 157 people can populate the decks. The Onassis Suite and 16 cabins, named after Greek islands and decorated in the pastel colours originally chosen by Jackie O, are available for up to 34 guests. After Heidi Klum's wedding, the icon with the striking pointed stern attracted attention in the film "Triangle of Sadness" with Woody Harrelson as the captain. The Monegasque brokerage house Morley Yachts, which now lists "Christina O" in its sales portfolio at 52 million euros, is taking enquiries.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
