When we mention Gucci, the fashion empire probably comes to mind first. But behind the luxury brand is a very powerful family who go beyond clothing and accessories, sailing across the seas on a very special yacht named Creole.
The family boat is the largest wooden sailing yacht in the world, and the story of how they came across it is one to hear.
For Allegra Gucci, daughter of Maurizio Gucci, Creole is a big part of her life. She grew up running around its long teak decks, playing water fights, and feeling the wind in the sails while cruising the Mediterranean. The kind of childhood that’s hard to imagine unless you’ve lived it.
“Some of the best memories I have on Creole are the water fights that would suddenly break out on board. They would start as just a splash between me and my sister and by the end it was everyone—owners, crew, and officers—soaking wet. Quite often somebody ended up in the sea. It was great fun!”
The yacht was originally launched in 1927 and designed by Charles E. Nicholson, who was a master at creating beautiful, fast sailing boats. The first owner, Alexander Smith Cochran, was wealthy but didn’t quite understand how to handle such a yacht, making changes that actually hurt its sailing. So Creole had a bit of a rough start and bounced between different owners over the years, including British and Greek aristocrats, and even served in the navy during World War II.
Enter Maurizio Gucci, grandson of Guccio Gucci, the founder of the legendary fashion house. When his father Rodolfo passed away in 1983, Maurizio inherited the majority stake in the company and stepped up as its head.
By the time he bought the yacht in the same year, 1983, Creole was far from the shining beauty it is today. He saw past the worn wood and peeling paint and made it his mission to bring her back to life. After years of careful restoration across several shipyards in Europe, the yacht was returned to its former glory, with interiors designed to honour the style of the 1920s.
Allegra talks about Creole with a mix of pride and responsibility. To her, it’s not just something to own, rather a family heirloom to care for and protect. Unlike today’s massive, flashy billionaire superyachts that can sometimes feel more like floating hotels, Creole is about the real experience of sailing, the feel of the wind, the sound of the sails, and the connection to the sea.
“When you go sailing on a classic boat it is magic. The feeling, the sound of the boat on the water is something you cannot describe. With modern boats, yes, you can go very fast, and you have the adrenaline. But with a classic, it’s pure, it’s like poetry.”
Now, the yacht still sails around the Mediterranean, carrying with it decades of stories and memories. For the Gucci family, Creole is a strong piece of their life that is always ready for the next adventure.