Discover the Iconic M/Y Grace
M/Y Grace, a classic superyacht built in 1928, perfectly embodies maritime history, blending antique charm with modern luxury. From her origins during the glamorous Jazz Age through heroic wartime service, royal Mediterranean honeymoons, to today’s luxury expedition cruises in the Galápagos, M/Y Grace offers an unparalleled yachting experience. Whether for luxury charter or a historic voyage, the yacht Grace remains an icon recognized worldwide for elegance, adventure, and timeless appeal.
The Birth of M/Y Grace: A Yacht of Style and Craftsmanship
Commissioned by Argentinean Jacques “Santiago” Soulas and built by the prestigious Camper & Nicholsons shipyard in Southampton, England, M/Y Grace was originally launched as Monica. This 44-meter (147-foot) steel-hulled vessel was a masterclass in seafaring elegance, featuring a sleek canoe-stern design by Charles E. Nicholson, one of the most revered yacht designers of the 20th century. Her design combined exquisite craftsmanship with performance, prized by owners and charter guests alike.
Wartime Transformation: From Luxury Yacht to Coastal Patrol Vessel
In 1939, just a decade after launch, the yacht’s purpose dramatically shifted with the outbreak of World War II when she was conscripted by the British Royal Navy and renamed Rion. Stripped of luxury fittings, she was heavily armed with a 12-pound quick-firing gun, twin 40mm Oerlikons, and depth charges. Her grand cabins were converted into radio rooms, ammunition storage, and crew quarters, enabling her to actively patrol English coasts and participate in critical missions like the Dunkirk evacuation. A true wartime hero, Rion even captured a German E-boat off the Isle of Wight, cementing her military legacy.
Post-War Glamour: A Yacht Fit for Royalty
After the war, the yacht reverted to private hands. In 1951 she was acquired by the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and renamed Arion. Two years later, the iconic vessel was gifted to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco as a wedding present, rechristened Deo Juvente II. The royal couple honeymooned aboard, cruising the balmy Mediterranean coasts of Corsica and Sardinia, sealing the yacht’s destiny as a symbol of romance and luxury for generations.
Multiple Identities: Grace’s Life in the Charter World
Following her royal years, the yacht experienced diverse ownership and names including Daska and Angela. She served in the charter market across the Bahamas, Montego Bay, and the Mediterranean, becoming a beloved vessel for discerning guests seeking classic style and comfort. Valef Yachts notably took ownership in 1976, reinforcing her prestige as a luxury charter yacht with a focus on personalized service and Mediterranean itineraries.
During times of conflict, such as the Lebanese War, Angela served humanitarian roles, evacuating civilians and providing refuge during crises. The yacht also sheltered the Lefakinis family after the 1981 Athens earthquake, embodying both a vessel of elegance and solace.
The Galápagos Expedition Era: Modern Luxury Meets Natural Wonder
In 2007, the yacht was purchased by Quasar Expeditions and moved to the Galápagos Islands, receiving a full refit to meet modern expedition standards while preserving her classic charm. Renamed simply Grace, she uniquely blends history with environmental stewardship, offering exclusive luxury cruises through one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Guests aboard Grace experience unparalleled comfort and adventurous immersion, following in Darwin’s footsteps but with the elegance of a classic superyacht. This blend of refined style, expert crew service, and stunning natural encounters makes her the ultimate expedition yacht in the Galápagos.
Specifications and Amenities of M/Y Grace
- Length: 44.2 meters (145 feet)
- Beam: 6.73 meters (22 feet)
- Draft: 2.57 meters (8.5 feet)
- Gross Tonnage: 298 GT
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots
- Build: Steel hull and superstructure
- Builder: Camper & Nicholsons (1928), refitted 2009
- Accommodation: 9 cabins accommodating up to 16 guests
- Crew: 12 professional crew members
- Amenities & Leisure:
- Air conditioning for guest comfort
- Jacuzzi on deck with panoramic views
- Water toys including six kayaks for tranquil exploration
Elegant lounges and dining areas for socializing and relaxation
Why Charter the Legendary M/Y Grace?
Choosing M/Y Grace means more than chartering a luxury yacht; it’s stepping aboard a vessel with almost a century of rich history, elegance, and adventure. This yacht perfectly suits guests eager to:
- Experience cruising on a celebrated classic yacht with royal legacy
- Explore the Galápagos or Mediterranean with impeccable comfort and style
- Enjoy a versatile yacht layout ideal for families, groups, or couples
- Engage with expert crew dedicated to personalized luxury service
- Be part of a unique blend of yachting history and cutting-edge expedition travel
Book Your Luxury Charter Aboard M/Y Grace with Valef Yachts
Valef Yachts invites you to embark on a truly extraordinary journey aboard the legendary M/Y Grace. Whether you are dreaming of a regal Mediterranean honeymoon cruise or an immersive, eco-conscious expedition across the Galápagos Islands, this classic yacht offers an unforgettable blend of heritage, sophistication, and adventure.
Explore our luxury yacht fleet or contact us to discover availability and tailor your bespoke itinerary today.
