Phuket's had a beautiful new visitor. And she's over a hundred years old.

Docked at the Yacht Haven in the North of Phuket and queening the marina through July and August was the charismatic 165 foot Edwardian Motor Yacht “Kalizma”.

She carries with her a glamourous past and present. One of the oldest yachts afloat, Kalizma was used by the Royal Navy in both World Wars, and was once owned by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Richard Burton romanced Elizabeth Taylor on Kalizma, bought by the Hollywood couple in 1967, and named the yacht after Burton's children, Kate, Liza and Maria.

Since her 2006 restoration, Kalizma now sails proudly as one of the finest Classic Motor Yachts still in regular use.

The present owner, Vijay Mallya, India's flamboyant liquor tycoon, of United Breweries and Kingfisher Airlines fame, and ranked 664 in the Forbes list of billionaires in 2007, purchased Kalizma 11 years ago for his personal use. The yacht has since been lovingly restored, under the direction of her captain, Avnish Dhall.

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 Captain Avnish, as we are 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 alcolholic.”

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, with a modern galley.

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. After being in Phuket a few weeks, she now heads to Langkawi, late September, then Europe, and will probably be in Goa, India for the end of the year, where Vijay Mallya holds his spectacular, high-profile celebrations for the New Year.

Specifications:

Engine Specifications
2 X 325 BHP and 1 X 640 BHP Cummins
(3500nm range)
Watermakers (2.5t/day)

Crusing Speed
12 KNOTS

Communication Equipment
FLEET 77 SAT Phone/Fax
Wireless Internet

Water Sports Equipment
2 X 5.0MM YAMAHA RIBS with twin 55HP OBM's
2 X YAMAHA 1100CC
Water Sports & Diving Equipment

Navigation Equipment
Duplicated ECDIS
GMDSS
Duplicated NavigationSystem
AIS, Purple Finder Security Alert

Other Equipment
Cranes (fwd and boat decks)
Paserelle
Gangways on either side
Bathing Ladder
Jacuzzi