Kalizma ends visit to Phuket

This summer, visitors to Phuket had the chance to check out a piece of yachting history, with the legendary vessel, the Kalizma, taking a load off to rest in North Phuket’s Yacht Haven.

One of the oldest yachts in the world, the 165 foot ship has served in both world wars by the British Royal Navy before being dubbed The Kalizma, when it was acquired way back in 1967 by the Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It is so named for Burton’s three daughters, Kate, Liza and Maria.

11 years ago, the yacht was purchased by Indian booze tycoon Vijay Mallya for his own personal use and he used a spot in the port of Mumbai to extensively restore the boat to its current state of class and prestige. Major renovations such as removing and replacing the original engines were overseen by the ship’s captain Avnish Dhall, who says, “I almost killed myself restoring her. I almost killed a lot of people! There are people who won't talk to me anymore! I certainly turned myself into an alcolholic.�

If you missed the boat in Thailand, you may be able to catch it in the Persian Gulf or Europe before it sails back to Goa for the New Year.