Docked beneath the golden glow of the Ibizan sun, one yacht steals the show. It is not the largest, nor the most extravagant, but it is by far the most unforgettable. Meet the Shemara, a 64-metre floating legend with a past as bold and surprising as the island itself. A classic silhouette with secrets in every rivet, she is a British war yacht turned royal party hub, now reborn into one of the most elegant vessels to grace Ibiza’s Levante dock. Prepare to be captivated.
5 fascinating lives of the Shemara: from war to wonder
Built in 1938, the Shemara first sailed not as a playground for the elite, but as HMS Shemara under the British Royal Navy. Just one year after her launch, she was commandeered to train officers for submarine warfare during the height of the Second World War. Her steel hull once echoed with strategy meetings and sonar signals, far from the champagne toasts and silk gowns of her later life.
When peace returned, so did the Shemara to her original owner, industrialist Bernard Docker. The transformation was swift and dazzling. She became the floating backdrop to some of the most extravagant parties of the 1950s. Rumour has it that even King Farouk of Egypt enjoyed her velvet-soaked soirées.
Why Sir Charles Dunstone spent 4 years chasing her
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the Shemara found a new admirer: Sir Charles Dunstone, the British telecommunications magnate behind TalkTalk. But winning her over was not easy. Four years of negotiations passed before Dunstone finally became her owner in 2010, a love story of patience and devotion.
What followed was a full rebirth. The Shemara was disassembled piece by piece, revealing traces of asbestos and decades of wear. From this complex restoration emerged a yacht that seamlessly marries old-world charm with cutting-edge innovation.
Inside the modern-day Shemara: this is what you cannot miss
Step aboard, and you step into a world where elegance whispers from every corner. The original portholes and hull lines remain untouched, offering a timeless exterior. Inside, however, is a sanctuary of comfort: six cabins, space for 12 guests, and a full crew of 16. The top deck now houses a sweeping lounge and day bar, perfect for cocktails as the sun sets over Dalt Vila.
And powering it all? A state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce diesel-electric system, complete with five generators, twin azimuth thrusters and a bow propeller. She glides like a dream, silently, smoothly, effortlessly.
The vintage beauty that stands out in Ibiza’s glamorous port
Surrounded by shimmering giants and futuristic yachts, the Shemara turns heads with her classic grace. She is the yacht that invites stories, that sparks curiosity. She is not flashy; she is magnetic. And she fits Ibiza like a glove: an island where ancient meets avant-garde, where heritage and hedonism coexist in perfect balance.
Every plank of wood and curved rail whispers of another era. Close your eyes and imagine the jazz, the laughter, the royal secrets shared under starlit skies. She is not just a boat. She is a feeling.
Looking for authentic experiences in Ibiza? Start here
As you stroll along the harbour of Ibiza Town, do not miss your chance to spot the Shemara. Take a photo, let your mind wander, and share the tale of the yacht that went from battleships to Bacchanalia. It is the kind of story that deserves to be passed on.
Her journey mirrors the very soul of Ibiza, ever evolving, but always unforgettable.
Let the Shemara inspire your next adventure
In Ibiza, every corner hides a story. But few are as grand, as cinematic, or as unexpectedly emotional as the one docked quietly at the Muelle de Levante. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of design, or simply someone who appreciates beauty with a past, the Shemara is a reminder that true elegance never shouts. It simply shines.
Snap your photo. Share the legend. And let Ibiza surprise you again.
