When we think of a luxury yacht charter, the image that often comes to mind is a sleek, high-performance superyacht — fast, futuristic and filled with every imaginable gadget. Yet for true connoisseurs of maritime heritage, nothing compares to the enduring romance of classic yachts.
Classic yachts evoke a bygone era of ocean travel — a time when craftsmanship, proportion and poise defined life at sea. These are vessels built not merely for speed, but for beauty; not simply for indulgence, but for legacy. From sweeping teak decks and polished brass fittings to graceful overhanging sterns and billowing sails, classic yachts embody a level of elegance rarely seen in modern design.
Unlike their contemporary counterparts, classic yachts tell stories. Many were commissioned by royalty, industrial magnates or passionate yachtsmen during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries — the golden age of yachting. Constructed in renowned shipyards and maintained with meticulous care, they represent the very pinnacle of traditional naval architecture.
Stepping aboard a classic yacht is to step into living history. The gentle creak of timber underfoot, the gleam of varnished mahogany, the scent of salt air mixed with aged wood — these sensory details create an atmosphere that no ultra-modern vessel can replicate. Time slows, horizons widen, and the journey itself becomes the destination.
This article explores the heritage and enduring appeal of some of the world’s most celebrated classic yachts, examining the stories behind their creation and the remarkable restorations that keep them sailing today. It serves as a reminder that chartering a classic yacht is not simply a luxury experience — it is a rare opportunity to become part of something truly exceptional.
For those who appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship and timeless glamour, classic yachts offer an experience defined not by technology, but by tradition, artistry and soul.
CHRISTINA O: The Most Legendary Classic Yacht Afloat
Perhaps the most legendary yacht afloat today, CHRISTINA O Yacht represents the very pinnacle of classic yacht glamour. With a history steeped in high society, scandal, politics and romance, CHRISTINA O is far more than a superyacht — she is a floating monument to twentieth-century power and prestige.
Originally launched in 1943 by Canadian Vickers in Montreal, CHRISTINA O began life as a Canadian Navy frigate during the Second World War. After years of service, she lay dormant as a surplus naval vessel — until 1954, when the legendary Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis recognised her extraordinary potential.
Onassis purchased the vessel and embarked on a lavish transformation, reportedly spending the equivalent of $45 million in today’s money to convert her into one of the most luxurious yachts in the world. The result was CHRISTINA — later renamed CHRISTINA O — a 99-metre floating palace that would become the epicentre of elite society for decades.
A Golden Era of Glamour
Named after Onassis’s daughter Christina Onassis, CHRISTINA O Yacht quickly became synonymous with Mediterranean sophistication. During the 1950s and 60s, she welcomed royalty, film stars, political leaders and cultural icons on extended cruises across the Côte d’Azur and the Greek islands.
In 1956, following their meeting at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, Grace Kelly and Rainier III, Prince of Monaco spent time aboard CHRISTINA during their wedding celebrations — one of many historic moments to unfold on her decks.
Among her illustrious guests were Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill — the latter two reportedly meeting aboard CHRISTINA O for the first time. The yacht became a neutral and intimate setting where politics, entertainment and influence intertwined effortlessly.
Romance, Scandal and Political Legacy
The passionate affair between Onassis and the celebrated opera diva Maria Callas played out in full Mediterranean splendour aboard CHRISTINA O Yacht. Their glamorous cruises were often joined by other cultural legends such as Bette Davis and Greta Garbo, further cementing the yacht’s reputation as the ultimate floating salon of the jet set.
Following the end of this relationship, the yacht entered a new political chapter when Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The former First Lady of the United States — forever remembered as Jackie O — brought further international attention to CHRISTINA O Yacht. Heads of state, European dignitaries and members of the Kennedy family were entertained aboard until Onassis’s death in 1975.
In tribute to her father, Christina Onassis later gifted the yacht to the Greek government, where she served as a presidential yacht before eventually falling into decline.
Restoration and Modern-Day Charter
In 2001, CHRISTINA O Yacht was acquired by a private consortium and meticulously restored to her former glory. Painstaking craftsmanship revived her celebrated features, including the iconic mosaic swimming pool — which converts seamlessly into a dance floor — and the legendary Ari’s Bar, famed for its extraordinary bar stools upholstered in rare whale foreskin leather (now carefully preserved beneath protective covers).
The Callas Lounge, complete with grand piano, continues to echo with the spirit of its glamorous past, while modern upgrades ensure that CHRISTINA O Yacht delivers twenty-first century comfort alongside timeless elegance.
A major refit in 2015 further elevated her standing among the world’s great superyachts. At 99 metres in length, she remains within the top 50 largest yachts globally. CHRISTINA O Yacht accommodates 34 guests across 17 elegant cabins and can host up to 250 guests for events while in port — making her one of the most extraordinary charter venues afloat.
The Enduring Allure of CHRISTINA O Yacht
Today, chartering CHRISTINA O Yacht is not simply about luxury — it is about legacy. Few vessels in the world can claim to have shaped cultural, political and social history in such a profound way.
To step aboard CHRISTINA O Yacht is to walk in the footsteps of royalty, presidents and Hollywood icons. It is to become part of a living story — one defined by glamour, influence and timeless Mediterranean elegance.
SHAMROCK V: The Legendary Wooden J Class Yacht
Few yachts in the world command the reverence and admiration inspired by SHAMROCK V yacht. Designed in 1929 by the celebrated naval architect Charles Ernest Nicholson for tea magnate Thomas Lipton, SHAMROCK V was created for Lipton’s fifth and final challenge for the America’s Cup.
At 37 metres in length, this majestic yacht became the first British-built vessel to comply with the new J Class rules — and today she proudly remains the only wooden J Class yacht in the world.
Constructed by the renowned Camper & Nicholson shipyard in Gosport and launched in 1930, SHAMROCK V yacht quickly demonstrated her competitive pedigree. During her first summer season, she entered 22 regattas and won an impressive 15. That success propelled her across the Atlantic to represent the Royal Ulster Yacht Club in her bid for the America’s Cup.
Competing against Enterprise of the New York Yacht Club, SHAMROCK V yacht fought valiantly but was ultimately defeated. Tragically, Sir Thomas Lipton died the following year, and so began the turbulent yet remarkable life of this iconic yacht.
Rivalries, Reinvention and Survival
SHAMROCK V yacht was later acquired by aviation pioneer Thomas Sopwith, who campaigned her extensively in the Big Boat Class circuit. Determined to master every nuance of J Class racing, Sopwith ended the season as overall winner before going on to commission another legendary yacht, Endeavour. SHAMROCK V was sold to Sir Richard Fairey, who also raced her successfully, though she famously encountered defeat at the hands of Velsheda — another J Class great.
In a dramatic turn, SHAMROCK V yacht later triumphed over Endeavour in the King George V campaign, reaffirming her enduring competitive spirit.
Just before the outbreak of World War II, the yacht moved to Italy and was renamed QUADRIFOGLIO. In a remarkable act of preservation, her Italian owner concealed her in a hay barn to prevent her being dismantled for scrap metal during the war. This extraordinary decision ensured the survival of what would become one of the most historically significant yachts in existence.
Restoration and the Revival of the J Class
After the war, SHAMROCK V yacht was refitted and briefly enjoyed family use before once again slipping into decline. In 1985, she was purchased by the Lipton Tea Company and donated to the Museum of Yachting in Newport, Rhode Island. At long last, she reclaimed her rightful name: SHAMROCK V.
An extensive restoration in the United States returned the yacht to her former splendour. In a highly anticipated reunion, she raced Endeavour once more over the original America’s Cup course in Narragansett Bay — a symbolic revival of one of sailing’s greatest rivalries.
Her next chapter began in 1998, marking the true renaissance of the J Class fleet. For the first time in fifty years, three J Class yachts competed together at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. This time, SHAMROCK V yacht triumphed over both Endeavour and Velsheda — proving that even decades after her launch, her racing heart still beat strong.
Following further comprehensive refits to meet modern J Class rules and contemporary safety standards, SHAMROCK V yacht returned to British waters to compete in the Lymington Cup Regatta — the first J Class event held in the UK in over 65 years.
SHAMROCK V Yacht Today
Today, SHAMROCK V yacht continues to compete in prestigious classic regattas on both sides of the Atlantic. She has sailed to New Zealand as an honoured guest during the 2003 America’s Cup and returned to the Mediterranean under her own sail — an extraordinary achievement for such a historic vessel.
Each summer, SHAMROCK V yacht races in iconic Mediterranean regattas in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, while also cruising extensively throughout both the western and eastern Mediterranean.
Inside, the yacht’s interior remains breathtaking — rich wood panelling, period detailing and impeccable craftsmanship reflecting her 1930s heritage. Her passionate crew maintain her with exceptional care and respect, ensuring that this irreplaceable yacht continues to perform at the highest level.
SHAMROCK V yacht is available for charter for regattas, where she can race with up to 34 people on board — 18 race crew and 16 guests — offering a truly immersive sailing experience. For private cruising charters, she accommodates up to 12 guests and sleeps 8 guests in four beautifully appointed cabins, supported by a professional crew of nine.
The Only Wooden J Class Yacht in the World
At over 85 years old, SHAMROCK V yacht remains a living legend — the only surviving wooden J Class yacht still racing at the highest level. To step aboard her is to connect directly with the golden age of yachting, to feel the power of her vast sail plan, and to experience the rare privilege of racing a true icon.
Whether competing in world-class regattas or cruising the Mediterranean in timeless style, SHAMROCK V yacht stands as one of the most extraordinary yachts ever built — a vessel defined by resilience, heritage and enduring grace.
TALITHA: An Icon of Maritime Heritage
Few vessels combine pedigree, resilience and glamour quite like the TALITHA yacht. Originally launched in 1930 and now regarded as one of the most magnificent classic motor yachts afloat, TALITHA has lived many lives — each chapter adding depth to her extraordinary legacy. Today, meticulously restored and maintained, the yacht is arguably in the finest condition she has enjoyed since her original launch.
Designed by renowned naval architects Cox & Stevens and constructed in Germany at the Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft shipyard in Kiel, the 80-metre yacht was first launched as M/Y REVELER. Her original owner was Russell A. Alger Jr., son of Senator Russell A. Alger and then-president of the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit. Tragically, Alger died the same year the yacht was launched, and so began the remarkable journey of what would become TALITHA yacht.
Changing Names, Enduring Strength
In 1931 she was sold and renamed CHALENA by Charles McCann, son-in-law of Frank Woolworth, founder of the Woolworth retail empire. By 1939, she had passed into the hands of American retail magnate Leon Mandel, who renamed her CAROLA after his wife. During this era, the yacht undertook an important scientific voyage to the Galápagos Islands, hosting museum researchers and contributing to documented exploration history.
The outbreak of World War II marked a dramatic transformation. The yacht was acquired by the United States Navy and commissioned as USS BEAUMONT (PG-60), stationed in Pearl Harbor from 1942. Armed and staffed by 110 sailors, the vessel proved as strong and capable in wartime as she had been elegant in peacetime. Remarkably, she survived the war intact and was decommissioned in 1946.
Rescued from potential dismantling, she was purchased in 1949 by Norman B. Woolworth, who commissioned a comprehensive refit at Bath Iron Works in Maine and renamed her ELPETAL. For many years she cruised privately before being sold in 1957 to Greek shipping heir Marias Embiricos, who owned her for 26 years.
JEZEBEL and the Return of Glamour
A new era began in 1983 when Australian music and film producer Robert Stigwood purchased the yacht and renamed her JEZEBEL. Stigwood — producer of Grease and Saturday Night Fever — undertook an ambitious two-year restoration, investing millions to return the yacht closer to her original Cox & Stevens lines.
Lavishly refitted with French antiques, Italian marble, oriental rugs and a grand piano, JEZEBEL became a floating palace once more. Stigwood hosted glamorous gatherings in the world’s most prestigious ports, proudly promoting her as “the most luxurious classic motor yacht afloat.” The yacht cruised with 26 crew and accommodated 12 guests in six elegant cabins — a layout she retains today.
TALITHA G: The Getty Era
In 1993, the yacht entered what many consider her most refined chapter when she was acquired by John Paul Getty Jr.. Renamed TALITHA G, she underwent a further comprehensive restoration at Devonport in Plymouth, UK. The interior redesign was entrusted to celebrated designer Jon Bannenberg, whose vision restored her elegance with sensitivity and grandeur.
Under the stewardship of the Getty family, TALITHA yacht has continued to receive painstaking care and restoration, preserving her as one of the world’s most distinguished classic motor yachts. Her iconic mustard-yellow funnel, sweeping lines and art deco influence make her instantly recognisable in any harbour.
TALITHA Yacht Today
Today, TALITHA yacht remains a treasured family vessel while also being available for charter — offering a rare opportunity to experience living maritime history. She accommodates 12 guests in six beautifully appointed cabins, attended by a highly professional crew.
Chartering TALITHA yacht is not merely about luxury; it is about stepping aboard a vessel that has served tycoons, explorers, naval officers, music moguls and one of the world’s most prominent families. Her story spans continents, wars, reinvention and glamour — yet through every chapter, her strength and grace have endured.
Elegant, historic and meticulously preserved, TALITHA yacht stands as one of the greatest classic motor yachts ever built — a true legend of the sea.
The Legendary MOONBEAM Yachts: A Dynasty of Elegance and Racing Pedigree
Few yachts in sailing history possess the enduring romance and lineage of the MOONBEAM yachts. Commissioned by passionate yachtsman and prominent London lawyer Charles Plumtree Johnson — a member of both the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Thames Yacht Club — the MOONBEAM name has become synonymous with craftsmanship, competitive spirit and timeless elegance.
MOONBEAM III
The story truly begins in 1858 when Johnson commissioned the first MOONBEAM yacht from legendary Scottish builder William Fife III. After early success with MOONBEAM I and II, Johnson returned to the Clyde to create what would become the most enduring of the series: MOONBEAM III.
Launched in 1903, MOONBEAM III was built to compete under emerging racing rules while also offering the comfort required for extended cruising. Constructed from elm and teak with oak frames, teak decks and a strong oak superstructure, her interior was finished in rich mahogany — combining racing performance with refined luxury.
Originally designed as a yawl but now sailing as a gaff cutter, MOONBEAM III yachts have proven remarkably resilient. For over 115 years, she has competed in regattas and cruised Mediterranean waters, based primarily in Saint-Tropez.
In 1920, she was sold to Fernand Maroni, who raced her successfully in Cannes, winning the “Course Croisière Méditerranée” in 1927 and 1928. Throughout her life, she has remained predominantly under French ownership. Notably, aviation pioneer Félix Amiot owned her for 24 years, though much of that time was spent laid up.
A comprehensive rebuild at the Camper & Nicholson yard in Southampton ensured MOONBEAM III’s survival. Subsequent owners have carefully restored and maintained her, preserving her for charter, cruising and classic regatta competition. Today, she continues to embody the elegance and endurance that define the great classic yachts.
MOONBEAM IV
Commissioned by Johnson in 1914 but delayed by war, MOONBEAM IV was finally launched in 1920 by William Fife. She proved an immediate success, winning the prestigious King’s Cup at Cowes in both 1920 and 1923.
Under Royal Yacht Squadron member Henry Sutton, MOONBEAM IV yachts were fitted with a powerful Marconi rig to remain competitive in the “Big Boat” class, racing alongside icons such as Britannia and Lulworth. Like many classic yachts, she retreated to the Mediterranean during the quieter war years.
One of the most glamorous chapters in MOONBEAM IV’s history came when Rainier III, Prince of Monaco purchased her, renaming her DEO JUVANTE — the Grimaldi family motto meaning “With God’s help.” In 1955, she famously carried Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly on their honeymoon, securing her place in yachting folklore.
Later ownership saw modifications including Rolls-Royce engines and periods of heavy chartering, which took their toll. Fortunately, dedicated custodians undertook an extraordinary restoration project — even sourcing teak from Burma for authenticity. Refitted to original William Fife plans, retaining her Marconi rig and elegant interior, MOONBEAM IV returned to the classic racing circuit in spectacular style.
The Enduring Legacy of the MOONBEAM Yachts
Today, both MOONBEAM yachts remain active in the classic regatta scene, particularly in Saint-Tropez and Cannes, where their long overhangs, gleaming varnish and towering sail plans turn heads wherever they appear.
The MOONBEAM yachts represent more than a lineage of sailing vessels; they are living ambassadors of the golden age of yachting. From Royal Yacht Squadron victories to Mediterranean cruising, from royal honeymoons to painstaking restorations, their history mirrors the evolution of classic yacht culture itself.
To charter or race aboard one of the MOONBEAM yachts is to experience authentic sailing heritage — the creak of timber, the power of canvas, and the elegance of a design that has endured for over a century. Few yachts in the world offer such pedigree, romance and racing legacy — and fewer still continue to compete with such grace.
This article was written by Rachel Coles. Rachel is a charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter and passionate about classic yachts, both motor and sail. Bespoke Yacht Charter are a London and south of France based company offering luxury yacht charters on the French Riviera, throughout the Mediterranean and worldwide.
