Christina O is a private motor yacht that once belonged to billionaire Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis. At 99.13 metres long, she was the 59th largest yacht in the world as of 2022.[2][3][4][5]
Christina O set a new standard for lavish personal yachts, especially amidst the austerity of post-war Europe. The yacht was remodelled by architect Cäsar Pinnau,[8][9] who made full use of the ship's size and powerful naval engineering systems to create large, ornate interiors and elaborate luxuries. These included a mosaic swimming pool that converted to a dance floor, and a children's dining room designed and painted by the illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans.[10][11]
A competitive rivalry with Stavros Niarchos likely drove some decisions around the purchase and outfitting of the ship by Onassis.[7]
After her 1968 marriage to Onassis, Jacqueline Onassis selected a pastel color scheme and decor in all of the cabins.[12][13][14]
Onassis willed the yacht to his daughter Christina, with second wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis next in line. If neither was interested, the vessel would be turned over to the Greek government, on condition that it would be properly maintained and serve as presidential yacht. Upon Onassis' death in 1975, both women declined the inheritance.
The Greek government changed the vessel’s name to Argo,[12] but allowed it to decay. It was put up for sale at US$16 million in the early 1990s. Unsold, an attempted 1996 purchase by American Alexander Blastos fell through when his deposit check bounced,[20] later resulting in a wire fraud conviction.[21]
The vessel was purchased in a 1998 government-sponsored auction by Greek shipping magnate John Paul Papanicolaou, an Onassis family friend. He reverted her name to Christina O,[22][23][24][25] in tribute to her namesake,[20][26] who had died in 1988. A major refurbishment was carried out between January 1999 and April 2001.[27][28][29][1] Naval architect Costas Carabelas was hired to spearhead the $50 million refit, engaging interior architect Apostolos Molindris,[30] Decon as construction manager, and the Viktor Lenac Shipyard in Croatia to carry out the work.[20][31]
The Christina O Limited Partnership bought the yacht for €65 million in 2000.[32] As of 2023 Ivor Fitzpatrick, an Irish lawyer and businessman, owns the yacht,[33] which is available for charter.
Christina O has a master suite, eighteen passenger staterooms, and numerous indoor and outdoor living areas, all connected by a spiral staircase. Compared to a typical 21st-century superyacht, her staterooms are small and Christina O lacks the indoor boat storage that is now standard; however, the number of living areas is large, and the amount of outdoor deck space is generous. The aft main deck has an outdoor pool with a minotaur-themed mosaic floor that rises at the push of a button to become a dance floor. Bar appointments once included whales' teeth carved into pornographic scenes from Homer's Odyssey.[7] The bar stools in Ari's Bar retain the original upholstery crafted from soft, fine leather made from the foreskins of whales.[34]
Whilst owned by Onassis, Christina O was also notable for employing a seaplane for use as a supplementary tender. Over the years three different Piaggio P.136s have been used (G-AOFN, G-APNY later re-registered SX-BDB, and SX-BDC)[35][36]
In popular culture
Christina O was prominently featured in the 2022 film Triangle of Sadness as the filming location for the second act.[37]
^"The Maria Callas Experience onboard the legendary Christina O yacht – archived link". Maria Callas Experience. Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. A bespoke recital of operatic classics with a storyline of the life of Maria Callas by some of Europe's renowned Bel Canto Sopranos including Nelly Miricioiu, (20 & 21 May, 3, 4 & 5 June) Claire Rutter (22 & 29 May) and Mary Plazas (27 & 28 May). During the voyage a tour of the yacht will reveal all the secrets that she has witnessed over the years.
^ abcLean-Vercoe, Roger; Boulton, Peter (14 January 2015). "Iconic yachts: Christina O". Boat International. Archived from the original on 1 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
^McDonald, Trevor. "The Secret Mediterranean With Trevor McDonald – Episode 1". The Secret Mediterranean With Trevor McDonald. ITV. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Episode 1: Trevor McDonald boards the luxury superyacht The Christina O – once owned by Greek tycoon Aristotle Onasis. It was on this boat that he seduced his future wife Jackie Kennedy and entertained Sir Winston Churchill.
