With colourful stories and old-world charm, classic yachts built before 1975 offer a chance to own a rare and valuable piece of maritime history. BOAT handpicks seven of the finest classic superyachts currently listed for sale...
Lady Sarya
Builder: NCA
Length: 76m
Year: 1972
The 76-metre Lady Sarya was built in 1972 by NCA to a design by Rinaldo Gastaldi for New York property developer William Levitt. Instantly recognisable by her twin funnels and large swimming pool positioned between them on the upper deck, she combines glamour with classic Italian design; so much so that her design was famously showcased in the 1978 film The Greek Tycoon, reflecting the elegance of 1970s superyachting. The classic yacht for sale was refurbished in 2020 and, with her 1,032 GT volume, can accommodate 11 guests, including a 100-square-metre owner's suite.
Lady Sarya is asking €9,000,000 with Privatsea.
Mariette of 1915
Builder: Herreshoff
Length: 38m
Year: 1915
A true icon of classic yacht design, the 38-metre sailing yacht Mariette of 1915, was designed by Herreshoff. Delivered in 1915, she is a standout example of early 20th-century naval architecture, designed by Nathaneal G. Herreshoff, who also shaped her interiors. In 2018, she underwent a multi-million-dollar refit at Pendennis, replacing hull plating and undergoing significant repair and maintenance work, while her engines were rebuilt in 2021. Maintaining her classic lines but updating her to modern performance, she is a collector’s yacht and, according to her broker, “one of the rare genuine classic yachts in pristine condition.” A proven performer on the regatta circuit, Mariette of 1915 won the inaugural Richard Mille Cup in 2023, adding accolades to her storied past. She accommodates six guests across three traditionally styled cabins.
Mariette of 1915 is asking €7,000,000 with Edmiston.
Read More/Rare classic 38m Herreshoff schooner Mariette of 1915 joins marketPrometej
Builder: Galati
Length: 45.4m
Year: 1956
Today, a commanding presence in the world of explorer yachts, the 44.5-metre Prometej was first built in 1956 by Santierul Naval Galatz for the Russian naval fleet as an ice-breaking tug. In 2005, she was transformed into a fully equipped expedition yacht, and, more recently, underwent a refit at Adria Docks in 2024 - 2025, to incorporate state-of-the-art systems and an ice-strengthened hull. Offering a 9,000 nautical mile range, she is capable of long-range adventures and ideal for an owner looking for adventure combined with classic heritage. Accommodation is for 14 guests in seven cabins, including an owner’s deck with an office, library, and lounge area. Other standout features include a Hammam and a massage room.
Prometej is asking €9,500,000 with Ocean Independence.
Read More/Members' logbook: Tobias Reichmuth on tackling the Atlantic and preparing Prometej for the Northwest PassageChristina O
Builder: Canadian Vickers
Length: 99.1m
Year: 1943
Famed for her iconic history and impressive list of celebrity guests, Christina O is one of the finest superyachts in the industry, let alone the brokerage market. Originally delivered as an anti-submarine vessel, the 99.1-metre served in the Second World War before being converted in 1953 by Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis, the second husband of Jackie Kennedy. Highlights onboard include the famous "Ari’s Bar", which is unchanged since 1956 when Onassis took delivery, and the one-of-a-kind mosaic pool which raises to become a dance floor. She is recognised for being one of the "most impressive superyachts anybody had ever seen" when relaunched.
Christina O is asking €90,000,000 with MORLEY.
Read More/Christina O: What happened to Aristotle Onassis' 99m superyacht?La Fenice
Builder: Richard Iron Works
Length: 29.2m
Year: 1964
Delivered in 1964 by the UK-based Richard Iron Works, the 29.2-metre La Fenice was initially constructed as a support vessel for Sovereign, Anthony Boyden’s 12-metre challenger in the America’s Cup. In the mid-1980s, she joined the French Navy as a training ship before being acquired in 2001. Since then, La Fenice has undergone extensive refits and restorations, emerging as a fully restored classic yacht that retains her original character and accommodates nine guests in four cabins. Her “rugged, explorer style” exterior, penned by Laurent Giles, features a light khaki hull, open bow, and wooden detailing.
La Fenice is asking €2,750,000 with Northrop & Johnson.
Read More/Rebuilt by hand, driven by heart: Leigh Shardlow and the resurrection of La FeniceKapal
Builder: Feadship
Length: 28m
Year: 1971
Kapal is a 28-metre Feadship motor yacht built in 1971 to a De Voogt design. This displacement explorer is a gentleman’s yacht, and her broker describes the yacht for sale as a “timeless classic with meticulous modern upgrades.” Her interior has been refitted, featuring teak finishes and custom furniture, offering accommodation for six guests across three cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite and a pair of twin cabins. Twin Cummins engines refitted in 2024 provide power for a cruising speed of 10 knots.
Kapal is POA with SuperYachtsMonaco.
Read More/Joint CA announced on classic 1970s Feadship yacht KapalForever
Builder: De Vries Lentsch
Length: 26.4m
Year: 1892
A yacht of impressive heritage, the 26.4-metre Forever was built in 1892 for King Leopold II of Belgium to a design by Dutch naval architect Gerard De Vries Lentsch. She later became known as Brave Mollie and served as the prototype for the Royal Yacht Piet Hein for Queen Juliana. Her fame also extends to her appearances in films and on television, alongside stars like Brigitte Bardot, and she was even an inspiration for the painter Salvador Dalí. Modernised and renovated over the years, most recently in 2015 for engine upgrades, and again in 2024 for a refit, Forever offers accommodation for up to six guests in three cabins.
Forever is asking €1,500,000 with Yachtzoo.
Read More/On the market: 10 regatta-ready sailing superyachts for sale