Kalizma – A Rendezvous with the Super Model of the Mumbai Harbor
SHE’S seen many wild nights—from the time she sailed as Minona for the Royal Navy in both World Wars to the time she got her famous nickname, Love Boat, from star Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. On April 9, berthed in our very own backyard at Victoria Docks at Mumbai Port Trust, the luxury yacht, which Richard Burton bought for Elizabeth Taylor, a 165 foot Edwardian Motor Yacht was named ‘The Kalizma’ for Burton’s children Kate, Liza and Maria.
Since her 2006 restoration, Kalizma has been further updated to make her unique amongst the classic yachts still afloat. After her 2006 refit, Kalizma now sails proudly as one of the oldest & the finest Classic Motor Yachts afloat.
The present owner, liquor baron and MP Dr Vijay Mallya, the King of good times, purchased Kalizma 14 years ago for his personal use and has since lovingly restored her. Mallya bought Kalizma in 1995. He had told BT in 2001, “I spent almost $3 million to fully restore the yacht.”
At the time it was reportedly worth nearly $10m (Rs 48 crore). Mallya had also claimed he would never sell the Kalizma .
The yacht was restored at the docks in Bombay, now Mumbai…a gargantuan task that involved major changes, including the engines being pulled out completely, and replaced.“I almost killed myself restoring her,” chuckles her captain, Avnish Dhall., seated in the now exquisitely refurbished living area. “ I almost killed a lot of people! There are people who won’t talk to me anymore!
“I certainly turned myself into an alcoholic.” The Kalizma has since sailed extensively for its owner in the Mediterranean, The Gulf, Indian waters and the Far East.
It’s a plush, beautifully restored boat, with 1 ensuite state room, 4 ensuite cabins (2 twin , 2 double) a dining room and saloon, and a modern galley.
There’s also an open-air jacuzzi on the main deck—and the wheelhouse has been shifted to a new upper deck.
On a more technical note, Kalizma’s three engines have been replaced by ones with stronger horsepower, to increase maximum speed from 10 knots (one knot is 1.5 miles per hour) to 13 knots, says Commodore S K Mongia, Mallya’s representative. ‘‘The entire technical support system—pumps, air conditioner and steel body—has also been replaced,’’ Mongia added.
Kalizma is not a charter yacht. She’s guarded jealously by her proud owner and only sails for her crew, her owner or his friends and associates.
The Kalizma has sailed extensively for its owner in the Mediterranean, The Gulf, Indian waters and The Far East.
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