Dickie & Sons delivered Over the Rainbow in 1930, initially cruising the Scottish and UK coastlines under the ownership of W. G. Hetherington of Glasgow.
At the onset of World War II, the Royal Navy requisitioned the yacht—then named Janetha IV—and repurposed her as a coastal patrol vessel, HMS Corax. To enhance her durability, her 71 ribs were reinforced on both sides. During the war, her dining room served as the principal officer’s mess, where leisure time was often spent playing darts. To this day, the original Honduras mahogany panels bear the marks of stray dart throws, preserving a unique part of the yacht’s wartime history.
Following the war, she was renamed Lady Jeanetta and sailed across the Atlantic to cruise the U.S. coastline. She later returned to the Mediterranean, where she gained notoriety as a floating casino in Athens, allowing locals to sidestep strict gambling laws. In the late 1940s, she changed hands once again and was renamed Ismini III, disappearing from public view for nearly four decades.
In the 1990s, an English yachting enthusiast acquired her, relocating her to the Côte d’Azur and introducing her to the charter market under the name The Classic. In the early 2000s, the yacht caught the eye of renowned Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, who initiated a meticulous restoration to preserve her historical significance. Over the years, notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Madonna have spent time on board, further adding to her storied legacy.
In December 2017, her current owner was captivated by her elegant lines and undertook further refits to enhance her charter experience. The cabin layout was made more versatile, the galley was upgraded to meet the needs of sophisticated charter guests, and the woodwork was meticulously restored using traditional methods.
Today, Over the Rainbow is in impeccable condition, blending classic charm with modern navigation and safety systems. With an exceptional crew dedicated to providing outstanding service, she is once again ready to offer a truly unique and timeless charter experience on the French Riviera.
