At long last, arguably the most famous yacht in the world is back on the ocean. The last pieces of furniture and carpeting were being put in place onboard the former floating home of Aristotle Onassis just as we were going to press, and she was expected to set off on her first cruising season this month. One knowledgeable yacht broker with extensive experience in the new-construction and refit markets says he has never seen such a comprehensive refit. Christina O’s owner, John Paul Papanicolaou, an Onassis family friend and shipping industry leader, tells us that 65 percent of her hull was replaced, including everything under the water, and that nearly 280,000 feet of new wiring and nearly 33,000 feet of new pipes were installed. The original steam engines were replaced with MAN diesels, permitting Christina O to reach a 19-knot cruising speed. But not everything was changed—the mosaic-inlay dance floor/swimming pool on the boat deck remains, as does the infamous bar where Onassis reveled in telling his guests they were sitting on barstools covered with whale foreskin (they really were). All told, Papanicolaou and his investors spent more than $50 million on the three-year restoration. You can check her out for yourself on charter in the Med or Caribbean for $70,000 per day.

The largest yacht to fly the American flag is also one of the most technically advanced yachts in the world. Limitless has two foredeck hatches that conceal her RIB tenders and can be safely operated in winds up to Beaufort Force 6 (22 to 27 knots). At the helm, the captain can track the yacht’s tenders on the chartplotter. Her transom opens to lie flat at the water level, with the midsection unfolding to create a teak-clad staircase leading from deck to water. Two digital displays on the stern platform give guests and Limitless’ owner, Limited executive Leslie Wexner, the water’s depth and temperature.