The former Canadian frigate Christina O is widely regarded as one of the world’s first and most lavish superyachts. Purchased in 1954 by Aristotle Onassis, her transformation into a pleasure palace was seen as utter extravagance at the time yet proved a savvy business decision for the shipping magnate. The likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, JFK and Winston Churchill have all spent time on the yacht, so it’s always a joy to see along the Turkish coast.

The History of Superyacht Christina O

Superyacht Christina O first set sail in 1943 as HMCS Stormont, a Canadian anti-submarine river-class frigate built by Canadian Vickers. She served as a convoy escort in the Battle of the Atlantic and was also present during the D-Day landings. During the years of austerity following World War II, she was purchased from war surplus by Aristotle Onassis (Ari) at scrap value for just US$34,000. The Greek shipping magnate then spent US$4 million converting her into the most extravagant personal yacht of its time, and called her Christina O after his only daughter and heir.

Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy – Photo Credit: Vogue

Following Aristotle’s death in 1975, Christina inherited her namesake and gifted her to the Greek government for use as a presidential yacht. She was renamed Argo but was left to fall into disrepair until she was eventually put up for sale in the early nineties. It wasn’t until 1998 that a sale was finally agreed and John Paul Papanicolaou, a friend of the Onassis family and fellow shipping magnate, purchased her at auction. He called her Christina O once again in tribute to Christina, who had passed away the same year. Following the sale, she underwent a major US$50 million refurbishment and was transformed into a premium luxury charter yacht. The Christina O Partnership then purchased her in 2000 for US$65 million.

The famed mosaic dance floor/swimming pool – Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The Interior, Exterior and Refit of Christina O

Onassis commissioned architect Casar Pinnau to remodel Christina O in the fifties, and no expense was spared. Her most striking features included her clipper bow, bright yellow funnel, white topsides, and rounded substructure. A Minotaur-theme mosaic floor swimming pool was created on the aft main deck that could be drained and raised to form a dancefloor. Inside, the famous Ari’s Bar was designed using timber from a sunken Spanish galleon, the teeth of killer whales were engraved and used as footrests and hooks to hang your handbag, and the upholstery on the bar stools was made from whale skin.

The Dining Room – Photo Credit: CNN

Over the years, refits and modernisation changed Christina O, but thankfully many of the historic highlights remain. Other notable features include the Lapis Lounge so-named after its original Lapis fireplace, a 24-seat dining table, and the elegant atrium with its spiral staircase leading to two salons and home to an impressive mosaic of the Onassis omega logo.

The spiral staircase with Onassis logo – Photo Credit: CNN

The accommodation onboard Christina O is also stunning. She accommodates up to 34 guests in 17 cabins and can run with a 38-man crew. Many of the guest staterooms are on the main deck, with some cabins that can be converted on the lower. The palatial Onassis Suite (master stateroom) is the real highlight and comprises three rooms with many original features covering the front section of the bridge deck.

Notable Guests

If yachts could talk, Christina O would have many wonderful stories to tell. She was purchased in the post-war period when many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people opted for privacy over publicity. Aristotle’s luxurious yacht offered a fancy alternative to the mundane and it was away from prying eyes, so she quickly became a magnate for Hollywood A-listers, politicians, industrialists and those that could afford an extravagant lifestyle. Marilyn Monroe, Eva Peron, Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, Richard Burton, and John Wayne are just a few infamous guests who partied and spent time onboard Christina. She became a catalyst for Onassis’s business dealings and was the place to be seen and to socialise for many iconic figures. It’s said that JFK first met Winston Churchill on board Christina O, and she was also the venue for the wedding reception of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956. Christina O is an iconic yacht for a good reason, she also raised the bar and set the standard of the luxury superyachts we see today, so it is always a joy to see her cruising and enjoying the delights of coastal Türkiye.

References: Wikipedia, Motor Yacht Christina O Official Website, Superyacht Times, Boat International