Olympia (yacht)

Olympia (yacht). The *Olympia* is a classic motor yacht launched in 1963 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship. It gained significant fame not for its design alone, but for its series of illustrious owners, including U.S. President John F. Kennedy, the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and the iconic entertainer Frank Sinatra. Its history intertwines with Cold War diplomacy, the glamour of the Jet Set, and the evolution of luxury yachting in the 20th century.

History

The yacht's history began with its commission by John F. Kennedy, who intended to use it as a presidential vessel following his enjoyment of the *Honey Fitz*. However, following the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas, the vessel was sold. It was subsequently acquired by Aristotle Onassis, who already owned the famed *Christina O.*, and he renamed it *Olympia* in honor of the ancient games. Under Onassis, the yacht became a floating venue for high-society gatherings, hosting figures like Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Maria Callas. After Onassis's death, the yacht passed through several hands before being purchased and meticulously restored by Frank Sinatra in the 1970s.

Design and construction

The *Olympia* was constructed at the Feadship shipyard in the Netherlands, a builder synonymous with custom luxury. Its design reflected the transitional naval architecture of the early 1960s, blending traditional long-bow elegance with modern amenities. The hull was built of steel, while the superstructure utilized lighter aluminum alloys, a common practice for performance and stability. Key features included expansive teak decks, a spacious aft cockpit for entertaining, and a classic flared bow designed for seakeeping in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The interior layout was originally configured for presidential use, with formal dining and reception areas.

Specifications

As built, the *Olympia* measured approximately 52 meters (170 feet) in length overall. It was powered by twin diesel engines, likely from Caterpillar or General Motors, giving it a cruising speed of around 14 knots. The vessel had a substantial beam providing ample interior volume, with guest accommodations for over 10 people in multiple staterooms, including a dedicated owner's suite. The crew quarters supported a complement sufficient for the highest level of service. Its gross tonnage placed it among the larger private yachts of its era.

Notable events and voyages

The yacht's most notable early voyage was intended to be with John F. Kennedy to Cape Cod and the Virgin Islands. Under Aristotle Onassis, it was frequently anchored off Skorpios, his private Greek island, and was present during his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1968. It hosted the famous 1968 Monaco Grand Prix party attended by Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. With Frank Sinatra, the *Olympia* was a fixture in Palm Springs, Acapulco, and the French Riviera, often seen with members of the Rat Pack like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr..

Ownership and service

Following its presidential commissioning, ownership transferred to the U.S. Navy briefly before its sale to Aristotle Onassis. After Onassis's death in 1975, the yacht was sold to a series of private European owners. Frank Sinatra purchased it in the late 1970s, investing significantly in a refit at a Italian shipyard. After Sinatra's ownership, the yacht entered a period of charter service in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea. As of the early 21st century, it remains in private ownership, having undergone several modernizations while retaining its classic profile, and is occasionally seen at major regattas like the Monaco Yacht Show.

Category:Motor yachts Category:Individual sailing vessels Category:Feadship ships