Aello was designed in 1919 and launched in Hamburg in 1921 by Max Oertz, probably the most famous German shipbuilder of his time. S/Y Aello was created as Meteor's IV sister vessel and is the only remaining large schooner of Max Oertz design in the world. Aello was build for the account of Greek merchant and art lover Antonios Benakis a descendent of an illustrious Greek family of Alexandria, Egyp
t. Antonios Benakis left behind him a legacy of Museums, art collections and in 1934 founded and became the first president of the Yacht Club of Greece.This magnificent gaff rigged schooner was the first yacht member of the Club and to this day one can see engraved on her beautiful bronze wheel the initials of the Yacht Club. When Antonios Benakis decided to move permanently to Greece he made his historic return voyage from Alexandria onboard Aello. Sailing Yacht Aello has been extensively rebuilt: having all the electrical, plumbing and navigational systems and equipment renewed, the fitting of a new engine, the refurbishment of the cabins, galley and heads, the addition of a cabin, the addition of state-of-the art telecommunication and entertainment systems on and below deck, and her classification by Bureau Veritas.
