Sea Cloud Cruises and Hillwood Estate Celebrate the Legacy of the Legendary Sea Cloud Yacht

Sea Cloud Cruises and Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens have joined forces in a captivating collaboration to honor the illustrious Sea Cloud yacht, once owned by the famed art collector and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post. This partnership will culminate in a special exhibition at Hillwood Estate in Washington D.C., set to open in February 2025, dedicated to exploring the rich history and enduring legacy of the original Sea Cloud, which remains afloat to this day.

Built by Marjorie Merriweather Post and her then-husband E.F. Hutton, the Sea Cloud was once the world’s largest personal yacht, and its legacy has inspired two more iterations since its inaugural voyage. The exhibition aims to delve into the yacht’s storied past, showcasing its role not only as a luxurious mode of travel but also as a venue for social and diplomatic gatherings.

Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruises, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the deep connection between the Sea Cloud’s legacy and Marjorie Merriweather Post. To further enrich the exhibition, Sea Cloud Cruises will facilitate exclusive sailings aboard both the original Sea Cloud and its successor, the Sea Cloud Spirit, allowing Hillwood curators and experts to immerse themselves in the yacht’s history and share their insights with guests.

As a highlight of the partnership, Hillwood curator Thomas Wu will embark on a 10-night journey from Athens to Venice aboard the Sea Cloud from July 19-29, 2024. During this voyage, Wu will catalog artifacts, examine ship documents, and host a special lecture for up to 64 guests, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the life and times of Marjorie Merriweather Post and the Sea Cloud.

Kate Markert, Hillwood’s executive director, remarked on the Sea Cloud’s significance as a reflection of Post’s remarkable life and her passion for art and luxury. The upcoming exhibition, she noted, will provide an in-depth look at the yacht’s multifaceted history, celebrating its impact on luxury travel, international diplomacy, and the art of hosting.

This partnership between Sea Cloud Cruises and Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens promises to bring to life the fascinating narrative of the Sea Cloud yacht, offering a window into the opulent world of Marjorie Merriweather Post and the enduring allure of luxury sea travel.