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Three Iconic Superyachts That Made Their Mark on Film
While most superyachts earn their reputation through engineering feats or design accolades, a select few have found their fame on screen. Whether playing host to Hollywood legends or serving as backdrops in modern cinema, these vessels prove that a yacht’s star power can extend well beyond the sea. Here are three yachts whose film careers are as compelling as their histories.
CHRISTINA O – 99m
Built in 1943 by Canadian Vickers as a naval frigate, CHRISTINA O was transformed post-war by Aristotle Onassis into one of the most recognised yachts of the 20th century. With a guest list that once included Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, her story has long been associated with high society and political history.
More recently, CHRISTINA O has entered a new phase as a film location. She stood in as ALEXANDER in Netflix’s The Crown and appeared prominently in Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness, which premiered at Cannes in 2022. With her trademark yellow funnel and elegant lines, she offers filmmakers a ready-made blend of history and glamour.
HAIDA G – 71m
Originally launched in 1929 by Krupp Germaniawerft, HAIDA G has seen nearly a century of use, from West Coast scientific expeditions to World War II naval service. Today, following an extensive restoration, she blends 1930s styling with modern comfort, including a cinema, spa and expansive outdoor decks.
Her cinematic debut came in Mamma Mia!, where she features during Meryl Streep’s beloved performance of ‘Money, Money, Money.’ For a film set on a sun-drenched Greek island, HAIDA G’s timeless look yet rich history provided an idyllic backdrop.
SAVANNAH – 83m
An equally iconic but much more recent build, SAVANNAH was delivered by Feadship in 2015 and marked a milestone as the world’s first hybrid-propulsion superyacht. Her sleek metallic exterior and standout Nemo Lounge, a submerged viewing space that doubles as a cinema, make her as technically innovative as she is visually distinctive.
She stars as AURORA in Netflix’s soon to be released film, The Woman in Cabin 10, a psychological thriller set at sea. Filmed partly in Dorset, the production used SAVANNAH’s modern lines and minimal interiors to maximise atmospheric tension. Her role reflects a broader modern goal in yachting with design that merges aesthetics and functionality.
From the historical weight of CHRISTINA O to the classic charm of HAIDA G and the forward-thinking design of SAVANNAH, these yachts each bring something unique to the screen. Their film appearances reflect not only their design credentials but also the ability of the superyacht to carry stories, whether they be real or fictional.