Cristina O, the iconic superyacht where John F Kennedy first met Winston Churchill, has been put up for sale for €25million via Edmiston, one of the leading specialists in the yacht sector.
Christina O has been privy to many a secret conversation onboard since it was bought by businessman Aristotle Onassis in 1954 for just $34,000. Originally built in 1943, he had the yacht gutted and converted into one of the most luxurious private yachts of its time, spending the equivalent of $45million installing some of the most opulent fittings available.
During the late 1950’s, Christina O became associated with the most lavish parties ever held on water. Celebrities who stayed on the yacht included Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, John Wayne, Eva Peron, John Paul Getty, the Aga Khan and John F Kennedy who first met the former British Prime Minister onboard. In 1956, Christina O played host to the wedding reception of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco.
One of the most passionate and ill-fated romances played out on board, that of Aristotle Onassis to opera diva Maria Callas. They cruised to exotic locations around Europe in the presence of Greta Garbo, Bette Davis and Margot Fonteyn among many others.
In 1968, the Maria Callas era abruptly ended when Onassis courted the former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. The two married onboard Christina O near Aristotle’s private island of Scorpios.
In 1975, Aristotle Onassis died and the yacht was gifted to his daughter in his will. Christina in turn bestowed it to the Greek government as a Presidential yacht. More than 20 years later, Christina O was finally restored to its former glory in 2001. Nicholas Edmiston, the Chairman of Edmiston, commented:
“Aristotle Onassis saw Christina O as a powerful symbol of his growing business empire. It really was the last word in opulence and many personalities were attracted by its ability to offer them some privacy, not just by its magnificence.”
Christina O is 325 feet long, has a range of 2,700 nautical miles with a maximum speed of 19 knots. It has 35 international crew. She can accommodate 36 guests in 18 staterooms and the Onassis Suite.
Onboard facilities include a library, sports lounge, children’s playroom, fitness centre, beauty salon, massage room and jacuzzi. Two x 12 passenger mahogany tenders, a ski boat, jetskis and windsurf equipment also accompany Christina O.
For more information, visit: www.edmiston.com
