Once the famous playground for the rich, famous and infamous, Ari Onassis’s mega yacht the Christina O is for sale for $93 million. The yacht is best known as the safe retreat for Jackie Kennedy Onassis after JFK and RFK were assassinated, and she married Onassis.
The yacht started life in 1943 as a Canadian frigate dispatched on anti-submarine duty in the North Atlantic. Following the war, the ship was mothballed. In 1954, Onassis bought the frigate for its scrap value and then spent $4 million transforming it into a luxurious private yacht.
In the years after WW II, Onassis, who made his vast fortune in the shipping business, became known as one of the first jet setters. He mingled with celebrities, the mega wealthy and politicians, many of whom sailed with him aboard his fantastic yacht.
Among those who have graced its decks over the years are Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Maria Callas, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, JFK, Frank Sinatra, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and, of course, Onassis’ wife and former First Lady of the US, Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
Following Onassis’ death in 1975, the Christina O fell into disrepair. But, a group that included Onassis heirs have restored the vessel to is original glory and have been running it as a high-end chart boat. The ship features an array of open lounging areas, a in-deck swimming pool with a famous Minoan-bull mosaic and the famous Onassis suite.
Through it’s storied career, the Christina O has always been in the headlines so a new owner will not only be buying a luxurious mega yacht, they will also be acquiring an unique piece of history.
