The yacht owned by Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco has been restored and can now be booked for travel in the Galapagos Islands.
She was first owned by Santiago Sulazú, the Argentinean magnate who built her in the English docks in Southampton.
In 1938 she was bought by Sir George Tilley, but during the Second World War she was mobilised into the British Royal Navy. Fitted with ammunition, she patrolled the Solent Channel and the Isle of Wight coastline as HMS Noir, and had the honour of hosting Winston Churchill on board. In 1947 she was refurbished and returned to her owner.
Since 1951, the yacht had been owned by Jacqueline Kennedy's second husband, the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and often served as a holiday destination for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
The royal couple christened the boat Deo Juvente II and spent their honeymoon on it, travelling along the coast of Corsica and Sardinia. Princess Grace loved sailing around the Mediterranean with her family and the dignitaries of the Principality.
After many owners since then stood idle for several years due to unpaid taxes and then in 2007 the yacht came into the capable hands of Quasar Expeditions and was renamed Grace.
The yacht can accommodate up to 18 guests in cabins decorated in a romantic 1950's style and takes its passengers to secluded corners of Ecuador where large cruise ships do not go.
