book2sail-creole 3

Creole the most beautiful boat of its time

In 1926 the American millionaire Alexander Smith Cochran, decided to build the world ‘s most beautiful boat with the idea of having a fast sailboat with minimum crew possible. Camper & Nicholson build an avant-garde wooden vessel capable of sailing like a silhouette on the sea.

boat hire marmaris turkey

The tycoon Cochran was awed by the size of the ship and asked to reduce the height and span. Launched as Vira in 1927, the yacht went sailing through the Mediterranean but without having the original configuration the boat was very heavy and reacted badly to the waves.

Under the ownership of Major Maurice Pope, a Royal Yacht Squadron member, she acquired her legendary name Créole. The yacht was restored in 1937 according to the original design of Nicholson and participated in many regattas. Later with the Second World War in 1939, after being used as a mine hunter, it was abandoned. In 1947, Créole was recovered by the Greek shipbuilder Stavros Niarchos and brought to Germany to restore it. He made changes again, enlarging the living room and decorating it with murals by Dalí, providing it with special air conditioning with works by Cezanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas.

book2sail-Creole 1

Niarchos was a meticulous man and wanted the crew to sail with the ship to perfection. He spent a lot of time on board, he lived and worked there but after the death of his wife, he lost interest in the boat. In 1977 the Danish government acquired Créole for its sailing school, but after five years, the ship was ruined.

After many years of misfortune, Créole found a happy ending when it was acquired by Maurizio Gucci in 1983, who was very interested in the history of the sailboat, restored it and modernized it, respecting the past. The restoration was a success and the current global installation of the ship is beautiful. The main deck shows several roofs, has four luxurious cabins with luxurious built-in bathroom, a living room, a main interior dining room, and others on deck, kitchen, bathrooms, and cabins for a crew of 23 sailors, plus captain and cooks.

book2sail-creole boat e1562580973379
fastest yachts

Créole is a floating wonder on the sea, a boat made entirely of wood, unique in its genre able to taim the sea and the wind with its three impressive masts that can deploy about a thousand meters of sail. Everything is done by hand and in an artisan way, so the 23 crew members need an hour and a half to deploy all the sails.

Allegra Gucci, its current owner, has inherited from her father Maurizio the love for the sea, the sailing and the care and attention for this majestic sailboat that keeps all its original sailing equipment, tools and accessories and is in an impeccable state, which makes an authentic delight to sail or enjoy a meal aboard this old and extraordinary boat.

book2sail-creole 2

Créole offers accommodation for 11 guests in 5 cabins consisting of a master stateroom with a queen size bed and bathroom facilities including a shower and lavatory. Further guest accommodation is also available in another 4 cabins. Créole can also accommodate up to 15 crew on-board to ensure a relaxed luxurious charter experience and all of the guest needs are catered for while on board.
The specifications on board the beautifully built 214 ft / 65.3 m yacht include air conditioning as well as an extensive list of amenities and toys.

While chartering, the luxury mega yacht Créole and her crew of 15 will be sure to satisfy all of your needs and make sure you enjoy your experience.

SPECIFICATION

LENGTH214.24ft /65.30m
BEAM30.97ft /9.44m
DRAFT17.72ft /5.4m
GROSS TONNAGE680 Tonnes
CRUISING SPEED11 Knots
BUILDERCamper & Nicholsons
MODELCustom
BUILT1927 | 1985 (Refitted)
EXTERIOR DESIGNERCharles E. Nicholson
INTERIOR DESIGNRusso

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

Latest news

Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.