History
Commissioned in 1972 by Prince Karim, the Aga Khan.
El Karim was a 60 foot long ketch rigged sailing vessel. The design of the vessel was innovative for its time. She sports a deep fin keel with torpedo bulb and a separate spade rudder, which gives her power and maneuverabillity uncommon in a vessel of her age and size.
Whilst built in the south of France her elaborately carved saloon was commissioned in Morocco. This lavish and traditional Moroccan carving is made from Lebanese cedar. The interior of the saloon reflects the lifestyle of the Middle East with low and wide settees. She had two sleeping cabins and crew quaters for four.
"El Karim" is constructed of mahogany veneers moulded over substantial mahogany stringers and oak frames. Her original design incorporated three watertight bulkheads, another unusual feature for the time of her construction.
Originally used as a gentleman`s racing yacht in the Mediterranean.
1976 "El Karim" was gifted to the then President of Algeria`s son as a wedding gift. "El Karim" enjoyed another four years of love and affection being sailed under the sultry Mediterranean sun.
In 1980 "El Karim" was commissioned to tour the world and completed the journey in the Carribean, where she fell upon hard times.
In 1991 this georgous lady ended her career as the biggest party boat in the Carribean. She was then purchased by a larger than life personality who had various skippers including the current custodian to pilot him and his friends around the world (thereby enhancing her fortunes at the expense of his own). "El Karim" travelled to exotic places such as South Pacific, South East Asia and islands of the Indian Ocean during this voyage.
In 2000 "El Karim" was sailed from Galveston Texas. The journey back to Australia took 12 months passing through and visiting Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Bay of Islands, Nicaragua, Panama, Galapogos, Gambier, Austral Islands, Tahiti and Northern Cook Islands.
In 2004/6 El Karim under went another change in her career. As well as being a comfortable cruising home she was to be prepared for a life of luxury charterable vessel.
Now 65ft on deck and 70ft overall. It was decided that her innate qualities would be greater appreciated if, coupled with the sumptuousness of her eastern background she gained the some of the grandeur of an Edwardian styled vessel. She deserved the individualtiy of hand built skylights, varnished cap rails and counter stern. So, while renovating and restoring her eastern background she underwent some cosmetic changes both to enhance her appearance and to make her more practical for her new role as a charter vessel.