Aristotle Socrates Onassis was the most famous Greek shipping magnate of the 20th century and the richest man in the world in his day. He liked to surround himself with all kinds of celebrities. He married the widow of President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy.

Onassis and his yacht Christina

Aristotle Onassis owned one of the most luxurious and expensive yachts in the world, the “Christina”. Onassis invited famous people for rides on his yacht, in endless parties and pleasure gatherings: Winston Churchill, Prince Rainier of Monaco and his wife Grace, John and Jacqueline Kennedy, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Gregory Peck, Greta Garbo. Artists and powerful millionaires were among his guests.

Interior of the yacht Christina

On a certain occasion, while the Christina was sailing through the sea, one of the guests, the English writer William Somerset Maugham (author of “The Razor’s Edge”), was enjoying a joyous lunch on the deck of the yacht, in the company of several people. . But he noticed something that began to worry him: clouds on the horizon, which seemed to get closer and closer. Afraid that the rain would spoil the lunch, he approached Onassis and expressed his concern. Without saying a word, Onassis took him by the arm and led him inside the yacht, going down some steps, to an environment where a magnificent table with dishes and glasses could be seen. Onassis explained that if it rained, the guests simply had to go downstairs and continue with their lunch as if nothing had happened; the dishes, appetizers, main course, desserts and drinks, were served and removed at the same time, both on deck and below.

Onassis and Winston Churchill on the yacht Christina

REFERENCES: Selections from the Reader’s Digest.

Aristotle Onassis on his yacht Christina with actress Elizabeth Taylor and actor Richard Burton