She was designed in 1919 and launched in Hamburg in 1921 by Max Oertz. Probably the most famous German shipbuilder if his time. She was created as Meteo’s IV sister vessel and is the only remaining large schooner of Max Oertz design in the world. She was build for the account of Greek merchant and art lover Antonios Benakis, founder of the Museums, art colllections and the first Yacht Club in Greece.
She was the first yacht member of the Club and today, one can see engraved on her beautiful bronze wheel the initials of the Yacht Club. When Antonios Benakis decided to move permanently to Greece he made his historic return voyage from Alexandria on board her.
She was eventually acquired by a Baron and Admiral of the British Empire who began a lengthy voyage around th world that spanned over many years. She was sold after the World War II and was subsequently abandoned in a mud-berth in England, for over four decades. However, the mud where she rested on had the fortunate characteristic of preserving its hull.
In 1985 her fortunes turned for the better as she was discovered by New Zelander Cameron Chisholm who did not resist to her elegant lines as he saw her laying abandoned in the river. He acquired her and undertook a lengthy restoration that lasted for more than four years and was carried out in Bristol and Southampton by Britain’s most skilled craftsmen.
The very wood from which this rare schooner was entirely refitted has a history of its own. Indeed, the wood used was salvaged from a vessel that sank in 1917 that was carrying a cargo. The Burma Teak found in the bowels of the ocean was used to completely rebuild her and grant her a new breath of life, bringing her back to her former glory.
Part of her uniqueness stems from the fact that she is the only yacht worldwide that is build entirely, both hull and interior cabinetry, with this precious wood for the last 50 years. After a few voyages to Malta and the Mediterranean, she was acquired for a short period of time by an Italian sailing lover who took her to the Caribbean and the Pacific travelling via Panama.
In the 90’s she founds its way to Maine and Forte Lauderdale of Florida, the largest sailing port of the United States as she was acquired by a member of one of American’s most famous families of industrialists. There she was groomed and perfected to become the ultimate racehorse, winning many international regattas.
More than eighty years away from its original home, she was at last acquired by a Greek ship owner and art lover who brought her back to Greece where she enjoys her former glory, sailing under the Mediterranean Sea and sun.
Today she is the Queen of the Mediterranean Sea as she is the only schooner of her size bringing together such history, incredible craftsmanship, speed and unparalleled beauty.