The best classic superyachts available for charter

She’s hosted Winston Churchill, the Kennedys, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Rudolf Nureyev during her time as a superyacht, and had a former life as a Canadian anti-submarine frigate. The classic 99.15 metre Christina O boasts a remarkable history.

Formerly owned by Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the classic 99.15 metre Christina O was first delivered in 1943 before Onassis refurbished her in a $4 million refit under his ownership in the 1950s. Despite having undergone extensive refit periods, her opulence has been preserved, including her famous Ari’s cocktail bar and concert room.

On board you can expect plenty of wood panelling, antique furniture, pianos and pictures of famous guests sprinkled throughout the interiors. Accommodation on board is for up to 34 across 17 well-appointed cabins.

Primed for entertaining, there is a stage installed around the base of the funnel where Maria Callas has performed and a Minotaur mosaic dance floor, which drops down to reveal a swimming pool.

Christina O is listed for charter with Morley Yachts for €700,000 per week at high season

Stats: 45.7 metres, Ramage & Ferguson, 1906, 10 guests, 9 crew

Kalizma has had many high-profile owners over her lifetime, but perhaps her most renowned owner is actor Richard Burton. At the peak of Hollywood’s cinematic Golden Age, Burton purchased Kalizma as a gift for his wife Elizabeth Taylor after she won an Oscar – and it was on board Kalizma that he would later present Taylor with her famous 69.42-carat diamond. Kalizma would go on to host guests of note including Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh before she was rather unceremoniously offered for auction in a state of disrepair in 2019. Under new ownership and having now completed an extensive refit that has refurbished her glamorous interior top to bottom, Kalizma is ready for a charter season in the stunning islands of the Maldives. With a range of al fresco spaces for soaking up the sunshine, as well as a toybox bursting with diving gear, Jet Skis, Seabobs and gear for snorkelling and waterskiing, Kalizma is well-equipped for an Indian Ocean charter with a touch of old-school charm.

Charter cost: Kalizma is managed by Morley Yachts with a weekly rate starting from $90,000.

Stats: 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: 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: 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 NEXT Yachting 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.