One of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world, Creole is a masterpiece of naval architecture. Built in 1927 by Camper & Nicholsons, this impressive three-masted schooner has lived through decades of history, luxury, and exceptional craftsmanship. At 65 meters in length, it remains one of the largest classic sailing yachts ever built. Although it is not the largest wooden yacht in the world, it has retained this reputation due to its grandeur and historical significance.
Creole has changed hands many times over the years, with notable owners including the legendary Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos before it was acquired by Maurizio Gucci in the 1980s. The Gucci family fully restored it, bringing it back to its golden era.
The history of Creole is as fascinating as its design. It was originally built for American businessman Alexander Smith Cochran and was initially named "Vira." However, after modifications to its masts affected the yacht’s stability, Cochran was disappointed and sold it.
The next owner, British Major Maurice Pope, renamed the yacht "Creole," inspired by a dessert his chef prepared. During World War II, the yacht was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and used as a minesweeper under the name "Magic Circle." After the war, Creole was acquired by Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos in 1948, who lavishly refurbished it. However, following tragic events, including the passing of his wife, Eugenia Livanos, aboard the yacht, Niarchos abandoned it.
In 1977, the Danish government purchased Creole to use as a training vessel and rehabilitation center for young people struggling with addiction. By 1982, the yacht had fallen into disrepair and was put up for sale.
That was when Maurizio Gucci acquired it and initiated an extensive six-year restoration, returning it to its former glory. Since then, Creole has remained in the Gucci family, lovingly preserved and meticulously maintained, sailing as a floating piece of history and a tribute to traditional boatbuilding.
Allegra Gucci, the daughter of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani, has taken on the responsibility of maintaining Creole, seeing it not just as a family heirloom but as a historical treasure. For Allegra, Creole is more than just a yacht—it embodies the soul of classic sailing. "She is iconic—you have to keep her like this," she says, emphasizing the details that define Creole, from the carefully varnished wooden surfaces to the gleaming brass fittings and vintage lighting. These elements demand intensive maintenance but preserve Creole’s spirit and its place in naval history.
In its early years with the Gucci family, Creole became a symbol of the yachting lifestyle, with summers spent sailing across the Western Mediterranean. Gucci recalls one particular summer when the family simply decided to follow the wind, reaching the Balearic Islands and enjoying the freedom of the sea.
"That is when you truly live the yachting life," she says, describing the feeling of sailing under full sail, the yacht heeling in the wind, and the Mediterranean coastline appearing on the horizon.
Having undergone multiple refits to maintain its structural integrity and historical elegance, Creole remains a living monument to the art of wooden yacht building.
The brass details, wooden deck, and elegant interior features reflect an era of shipbuilding rarely seen today.
As Gucci says, Creole is more than just a sailing yacht—it is a responsibility. "She still has many miles to sail," she says, ensuring that this remarkable vessel will continue to inspire sailors and yachting enthusiasts for generations to come.
The sources used for the article include Robb Report, Boat International, SuperYacht Times, and Classic Boat Magazine, as well as historical references and interviews with members of the Gucci family. Additionally, information was drawn from naval architecture archives and publications documenting the journey of Creole through the decades.
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