The best classic superyachts available for charter

Stast: 31.39 metres, Brooke Marine, 1939, 8 guests, 6 crew

Eros was built in England in 1939 for the daughter and son-in-law of a British Lord. Soon after her launch the waters were mined by the Germans and she spent World War II stuck in port, during which time her owner died. After the war she became the private yacht of billionaire Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos. Following a no-expense-spared restoration, Eros is a true classic in immaculate condition.

She still retains much of her original features like teak panelling in the dining saloon - a nod to her original art-deco interior - and can sleep up to eight guests in four double cabins. Those looking for the thrill of sailing can take the helm at her classic wooden wheel, while others can simply kick back on a sun lounger at the bow. As the sun sets, guests can dine on deck thanks to a large teak table with wraparound seating for up to 10. Eros also boasts a well-stocked toybox, carrying the likes of kayaks, deep-sea fishing gear, paddle boards and equipment for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Charter cost: Eros is available to charter with Classic Charters, with a weekly rate starting from $42,000.

Stats: 36.9 metres, Camper & Nicholsons, 1928, 8 guests, 6 crew

Featuring the original 1920s ship wheel and brass binnacle, the 36.9 metre Fair Lady is the epitome of a classic yacht that will take you back in time to the roaring twenties. Launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1928, she can sleep up to eight guests in five cabins with accommodation for a crew of six. She boasts a cosy main saloon, mahogany-panelled dining room and a traditional card room, which has the original furniture and pear wood detailing.

On deck, guests can relax in the sheltered alcove on the sundeck or bask in the sunshine thanks to wooden sun loungers. She features two al fresco dining spots, perfect for a sunset glass of Champagne or a dinner beneath the stars.

Charter cost: Fair Lady is managed for charter by Burgess with a weekly charter rate starting from £68,000.

• Captain Q&A: What it's like to charter classic superyacht Fair Lady

Stats: 50.29 metres, Camper & Nicholsons, 1937, 10 guests, 11 crew

After serving in World War II as part of the evacuation effort in Dunkirk, Malahne was owned by film producer Sam Spiegel, acting as the production headquarters for Lawrence of Arabia and played host to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Jack Nicholson and Grace Kelly. In 2015, she underwent a major restoration project at Pendennis. 

Her Guy Oliver designed interior echoes her charming 1930s roots, including some authentic writing desks installed in a number of the six cabins. Her main saloon offers numerous armchairs, a piano and a casual dining area in one corner. A more formal dining room for up to 10 boasts art deco features and a stunning wood floor. A second lounge/study acts as the perfect place to send a few last-minute emails or to enjoy a glass of your favourite whisky atop comfortable sofas.

On deck, guests can relax in the sunshine atop crisp white sunpads with optional shades of comfy blue loungers before tucking into an al fresco lunch in the sunshine.

Charter cost: Malahne is managed for charter by Edmiston and has a weekly rate starting from €165,000.

Stats: 71.1 metres, Krupp Germaniawerft, 1929, 12 guests, 18 crew

Launched in 1929, this classic saw service in the Second World War and was sold to a new owner in 2015 who set out on a mission to restore the yacht to her former glory. After a 16-month refit at Pendennis she hit the water once again, and was awarded the Neptune for best rebuilt yacht at the World Superyacht Awards 2019. Highlights on board include a master suite complete with a private lounge and shaded dining terrace, a stepped pool on the sun deck and a spa complete with a Turkish Hammam and a a barber shop for that perfect shave. The classic superyacht also boasts no less than three cinemas and three fireplaces for the perfect cosy night on board.

Charter rate: Haida 1929 is managed for charter by Edmiston, with a weekly charter rate starting from €310,000.

Stats: 54.35 metres, Townsend-Downey, 1903, 11 crew, guests, 10 crew

Penned by Theodore Ferries, Shenandoah of Sark’s colourful history stretches back to 1902. The three-mast gaff rigged schooner was originally commissioned by one of the richest bankers in America, Gibson Fahnestock, and quickly gained a reputation from hosting glitzy parties held along the Cote D’Azur and Amalfi Coast. The wooden boat managed to survive two World Wars, has embarked on scientific research expeditions along the western coast of Africa and was at one point involved in scandal and seized by the French government. 

Following a full refit and overhaul in the 1970s, she was restored to her former glory and continued to shine in Vogue fashion shoots and Rod Stewart music videos. But her storied past is not her only selling point. Shenandoah of Sark also boasts impressive performance on the water; under sail she has collected prizes at a number of international regattas from the historic Kaiser's Cup to the Transatlantic Race and the Voiles de Saint Tropez. Below deck, her traditional wood-panelled interiors are equipped with a formal dining area and a saloon with a piano and library for a cosy feel. There’s also a number of toys stowed on board, including full diving equipment and laser dinghies.

Charter cost: Shenandoah of Sark is available for charter with Fraser with a weekly charter rate starting from €110,000.

Stats: 35 metres, Dickie & Sons, 1930, 11 guests, 5 crew

Like most yachts her age, Over The Rainbow has played a significant role in history. During World War II the wooden motor yacht was conscripted as a coastal patroller by the name of HMS Coraxand after her service cruised the Mediterranean as a floating casino, entertaining locals from the Athens who were keen to bypass strict laws forbidding gambling in the Greek capital. From Winston Churchill to Madonna, Over The Rainbow has hosted her fair share of celebrities on board.

The superyacht was last refitted in 2017 and is now equipped with high-tech safety and navigation systems while maintaining her classic charm throughout.

Charter cost: Over The Rainbow is available for charter with TWW with a weekly charter rate starting from €56,000.

Stats: 54 metres, Uljanik Shipyard, 1952, 12 guests, 9 crew

Seagull II was originally constructed as a passenger ship that could carry as many as 700 guests as she cruised between Croatia and Montenegro. She was totally transformed when her current owner bought her in 2004 and refitted her into a luxury motor yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Featuring a distinctive dark blue hull, Seagull II maintains a classic 20th century look with her interior decorated in a faithful Art Nouveau style. Highlights include a master suite apartment with two staterooms and a shared private salon, a deck Jacuzzi, a formal dining room for hosting meals in a glamorous setting and ample deck spaces for sunbathing and al fresco entertaining. She is also well-stocked with toys, from gym equipment and Jet Skis to paddle boards and kitesurfing gear. While at anchor, she can accommodate up to 80 guests for a special event.

Charter cost: Seagull II is available for charter with Ocean Indpendence with a weekly charter rate starting from €110,000.

Stats: 49.06 metres, Wienerwerft, 1926, 10 guests, 8 crew

Classic sailing yacht Trinakria offers all the glamour of a bygone era with the comfort of modern amenities. The gaff-rigged schooner was first delivered by Wienerwerft in 1926 as a sailing vessel for Bulgarian fisheries on the Black sea, avoiding involvement in World War II when her then-owner sent her to hide away in Morocco. In the 70s, she was bought by a captain based in Cannes and was used for filming and cruises along the French Riviera. In 2004 she was in a state of disrepair and began a decade long refit project completed in 2014. Today, her wood panelled interiors still embrace the opulence of roaring ‘20s design but with refreshed amenities and tech. Her panoramic main saloon and al fresco dining lounge offer atmospheric dining spaces for up to 10 guests, while her toybox is packed wakeboards, stand-up paddleboards and gear for fishing or snorkelling.

Charter cost: Trinakria is managed for charter by Engel & Völkers with a weekly charter rate starting from €65,000.

Stats: 65.3 metres, Camper & Nicholsons, 1927, 11 guests, 15 crew

Named as the world’s largest wooden sailing yacht, the 65.3 metre Creole is an iconic three-masted schooner in impeccable condition. Boasting a sail area of 1,040 square metres, Creole can hit top speeds of up to 16 knots when the winds are right, and her impressive performance at sea has seen her collect a number of awards at international regattas including the Grimaldi Trophy Les Voiles des Saint-Tropez. 

As well as serving her time as a mine-hunter during World War II, Creole boasts a slew of notable owners who have looked after her during her lifetime, from members of the Gucci fashion family to Stavros Niarchos of the Greek shipping dynasty. Timeless styling is evident throughout her interior, especially in the pastel-coloured saloon and dining room, and she also offers al fresco dining for enjoying warmer weather.

Charter cost: Creole is managed for charter by Burgess, POA.

• Creole: On board the world’s largest wooden sailing yacht