AELLO

Sailing yacht AELLO is a 38,1 m (125 ft) beautiful gaff rig schooner built in 1921 by Max Oertz. The yacht has been extensively rebuilt and today, almost a century later, is sailing again. She can accommodate up to 8 charter guests, in 4 cabins.

NOTABLE FEATURES

• A/V entertainmnet system
• Perfect for even charters and regattas
• Beautiful cabins
• Alfresco dining area
• Formal dining indoor
• Exterior seating
• Carries up to 60 guests during in-port parties & events
• Sea toys & tenders

AELOO was refitted in 1990, 2011 and 2023 and since being built in 1921 has had all the electrical, plumbing and navigational systems and equipment renewed, the fitting of a new engine, the refurbishment of the cabins, galley and heads, the addition of a cabin, the addition of state-of-the-art telecommunication and entertainment systems on and below deck, and her classification by Bureau Veritas.

AELLO is a classic yacht of a bygone era with a rich history. She was built as a sister ship to sailing yacht Meteor IV and is the only remaining large schooner of Max Oertz design in the world. The Aello yacht was built for the Greek merchant and art lover Antonios Benakis a descendant of an illustrious Greek family of Alexandria, Egypt. In 1934, Antonios Benakis founded and became the first president of the Yacht Club of Greece and Aello was the first yacht member of the Club and to this day one can see engraved on her beautiful bronze wheel the initials of the Yacht Club.

When Antonios Benakis moved to Greece permanently, he made his historic return voyage from Alexandria onboard Aello. After many years of sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, Aello was eventually bought by a Baron and Admiral of the British Empire who began a long voyage around the world that spanned over many years. Sail yacht Aello was sold after the World War II and was subsequently docked in a deep water berth being used as a houseboat.

In 1982 Aello (then Xenia) was purchased by cousins Symon and Jasper Bloomfield in Salcombe where they spent time rec -caulking her decks. Eventually she was towed to Appledore initially, followed by Bristol docks. In 1985 Aello’s was rediscovered by New Zealander Cameron Chisholm who 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 wood used to refit and rebuild the vessel was in fact salvaged from a vessel that sank in 1917 that was carrying a cargo of Burma teak, an exceptionally rare and beautiful wood, bringing her back to her former glory.

Part of AELLO’s uniqueness stems from the fact that she is the only yacht in the world that is built entirely, both hull and interior cabinetry, with this precious wood for the last 50 years. After a few voyages to Malta and the Mediterranean, Aello was acquired for a short period by an Italian sailing lover who took her to the Caribbean and the Pacific traveling via Panama.

In the 90’s the classic yacht AELLO found its way to Maine and Fort 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 win many international regattas.
After many voyages on the American coastline and expeditions across the Atlantic to take part in races, Aello founds it way back to Europe. AELLO 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 Eastern Mediterranean Sea and sun. She is the only schooner of her size bringing together such history, incredible craftsmanship, speed and unparalleled beauty.

The interior design features main salon equipped with a bar, a 42inch wide Screen plasma TV with state of the art sound system (Bose Surround sound) and DVD provide high-quality entertainment yet are discretely hidden so as not to interfere with the relaxing ambiance. The chandelier is an original 1930’s Art-Deco piece. The finest Wedgwood china, Cristofle silverware and exquisite crystal glassware make dining an exclusive experience.

The Deckhouse features the original bronze fittings. In fact, Aello has preserved many of her original 1921 fittings including bronze navigational instruments, vents and even the shower thermostats dated 1901 in the bathrooms. The bathroom and lounge light fittings are original 1930’s Art-Deco.

S/Y AELLO boasts ample deck space and can accommodate 12 guests for a sit-down meal and large parties for cocktails. She can welcome up to 60 guests for in-port receptions.

Aello’s total sailing area is 4.500 sq/ft. With full sails and adequate wind, Aello can reach incredible speeds.

S/Y AELLO is often seen at events including:
• Cannes Film Festival
• Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix

And at Regattas such as:
• Les Voiles d’Antibes – Trophée Panerai in Antibes
• Les Voiles du Vieux Port in Marseille
• Trophée Bailli de Suffren from St Tropez – Porto Rotondo – Trapani – Malta
• Vela d’Epoca in Imperia
• Les Régates Royales in Cannes
• Les Voiles de St Tropez in St Tropez