The Kalizma, Gun Wharves, London 1969

The Enduring Romance of the Kalizma: Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Yacht

More than a century after her launch, the motor yacht Kalizma remains a vessel steeped in glamour, history, and a touch of Hollywood legend, primarily due to her ownership by the iconic power couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This grand dame of the seas has witnessed everything from wartime service to star-studded parties and continues to captivate enthusiasts today.

Originally christened Minona, the yacht was built in 1906 by Ramage & Ferguson in Scotland. Designed by G.L. Watson & Co., she was a pioneering vessel, being one of the first steam-powered yachts equipped with electric lighting. Her early life saw her serve in both World War I and World War II, playing roles as an auxiliary patrol vessel and a deep-sea rescue tug flagship, respectively. After her wartime duties, she returned to private luxury, undergoing a conversion from steam to diesel and sailing under various names, including Cortynia and Odysseia.

It was in 1967 that the Odysseia truly entered the annals of celebrity lore. Richard Burton, after chartering the yacht with Elizabeth Taylor in Portofino, famously purchased her as a gift for his beloved wife. He reportedly paid $192,000 for the vessel and then spent double that amount on an extensive refit to cater to Taylor’s exquisite tastes. The yacht was then re-christened Kalizma, an endearing acronym derived from the names of their three daughters: Kate, Liza, and Maria.

The Kalizma became the couple’s luxurious floating home, a sanctuary where they entertained Hollywood royalty, hosted lavish gatherings, and, most notably, where Burton presented Taylor with some of her most famous jewels. On board the Kalizma, while moored in the Thames, London, Burton gifted Taylor the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond (later known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond) in 1968. A year later, in Monaco, he presented her with the breathtaking 69.42-carat Cartier Diamond, which subsequently became known as the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

The yacht was more than just a possession; it was an integral part of their life together. Burton often expressed his deep affection for the vessel, once exclaiming, “I have dreams of living with Elizabeth on the Kalizma and never living on land again.” The Kalizma was adorned with a remarkable art collection, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, alongside an extensive library, reflecting the couple’s cultured interests.

After Taylor and Burton’s ownership, the Kalizma passed through several hands, including British businessman Peter John De Savary, who used her as his headquarters during the America’s Cup in the 1980s. She also belonged to Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya before being acquired by her current owner, Shirish Saraf, in 2019. Saraf, who fell in love with the yacht’s timeless soul, embarked on an extensive restoration project in 2020, aiming to preserve her historical aesthetics while integrating modern solutions. This meticulous refit earned the Kalizma a “Judges’ Special Award” at the 2022 BOAT International World Superyacht Awards.

Today, the Kalizma continues to be a marvel, reportedly the oldest motor yacht still in operation. She is available for luxury charters, offering guests a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur and romance that defined her most famous era. Her enduring beauty and fascinating past ensure that the legend of the Kalizma, the yacht once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, lives on.