On the high seas

Written by Victoria Baker
Wednesday, 02 September 2009 23:00

“A lot of people attack the sea. I make love to it,” said Jacques Cousteau. The sea — one moment it’s violent and angry, the next, it’s calm and serene. And yet, with all its mood swings, for centuries people have found it intriguing, like the lure of a mermaid’s siren song to a lost sailor. I am not much of a sailing expert but I have always been drawn to the sea despite its unpredictable temperament. After all, it’s on its waves that ships have been borne, carrying passengers to faraway shores; ships, those fascinating vessels that transport people, their cargo but also their hopes, dreams and ideas.

The international yacht weekend in Greenwich will showcase a different kind of ship — this time it’s a vessel that carries dreams come true and a chance to ogle some of the world’s most beautiful yachts! It’s scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 3 and 4, from 11 to 5 at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor. For information and admission, call 413-3534.

It wasn’t until the early 17th Century that the art of sailing became a sport in Holland. The Dutch named their boats “Yaghtschip,” which translates into “Hunting Ship.” Today we now call them yachts. Soon the Dutch offered a yacht to Charles II in England. It did not take long for sailing to become a main sport in England and America. Sailors would gather together socially to discuss yachts, which brought forth the concept of “yacht clubs.” The world’s first yacht club was founded in Cork, Ireland, in 1720.

But the most romanticized yacht of all time has to be that of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1954. Mr. Onassis spent more than $4 million beautifying the ship, which he named after his daughter, into the most elegant and advanced private yacht afloat. The Christina was Mr. Onassis’ “floating home” from 1954 to 1975. During that time, the vessel’s guest list was the ultimate who’s who of dignitaries and Hollywood stars, including such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas and numerous others. John F. Kennedy first met Winston Churchill aboard the yacht and two of the most celebrated wedding receptions of the century were held on her decks — Prince Rainier to Grace Kelly and Mr. Onassis himself to Jacqueline Kennedy. After Mr. Onassis’ death in 1975, his daughter Christina donated the yacht to the Greek government.

This unique Greenwich yacht showcase offers visitors and dreamers alike the chance to see what’s on offer from the world’s finest shipyards and luxury retailers; a chance to indulge in the finer things in life or to make believe that you are Mr. Onassis for a day. Ah, the possibilities... .

Victoria Baker of Greenwich is an opera singer. She teaches piano and voice privately in Greenwich. Questions, call 531-7499 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .