Lady Mona K

Design

Built in 1986 for Emad Khashoggi by Amels of Vlissingen, Netherlands, she was the first of numerous classic Jon Bannenberg designed super yachts. With a well-flared bow, lozenge-shaped ports, vertical windows and mullions, and handsomely sculpted mast complex, she is a classic work of designer Bannenberg. For her time, she was a ground-breaking yacht as well. Among her many trendsetting features imagined by Bannenberg, which is almost standard today, is a gymnasium on the upper deck that can be open for fresh air or closed to the elements. Lady Mona K features later classical Banneberg signatures, including use of symmetry and asymmetry to create spaces that are inviting for their spaciousness as well as their intimacy.

Robert Maxwell

Emad Khashoggi, also developer of the Château Louis XIV and the Palais Rose, sold the yacht to Robert Maxwell who renamed it Lady Ghislaine (named after his daughter Ghislaine). In 1991, she was the base for Maxwell in New York, moored on the East River as he negotiated with the unions over his purchase of the New York Daily News.

Maxwell's death

On 5 November 1991, at the age of 68, Maxwell was on board Lady Ghislaine, which was cruising off the Canary Islands. Maxwell's body was subsequently found floating in the Atlantic Ocean. He was buried in Jerusalem. The official verdict was accidental drowning, though some commentators have surmised that he may have committed suicide.