The Story of Polaris
Few boats can claim a past like hers. Before she carried guests across the turquoise Adriatic, Polaris carried a far heavier weight — as a veteran of the D-Day landings of 1944.
When most people step aboard a tour boat, they think only of the day ahead — the sun, the sea, the swim stops. Aboard Polaris, you step into something far greater: a vessel that witnessed one of the defining moments of modern history.
She was built in 1943, in the midst of the Second World War, in Buffalo, New York — a heavy-duty steel tugboat named ST 764 for the U.S. Army. Made to work and to last, within a year she found herself among the vast Allied fleet gathered off the coast of Normandy for the largest seaborne invasion ever attempted.
After the war she was transferred to civilian service in the UK and renamed Grangetown, spending decades as a dedicated harbor tug across British ports. In 1970 she arrived in Croatia and was renamed Polaris, finding her new home in the Dalmatian Adriatic — the waters she still sails today.
That she survived is remarkable. That she sails today — restored, dignified and full of character — is something close to extraordinary. Every voyage aboard Polaris is, in a small way, a tribute to her history.
From the archive
A handful of rare photographs from across the vessel's long life — from her fitting-out and her working years as Grangetown, to her arrival in the Adriatic as Polaris.
A timeline of Polaris
Built for war
Constructed in Buffalo, NY as heavy-duty steel tugboat ST 764 for the U.S. Army. Engineered to endure extreme wartime maritime operations.
D-Day operations
Deployed for Operation Overlord. Assisted construction of the Mulberry harbors off Normandy to maintain Allied military supply lines.
UK harbor service
Transferred to civilian service in the UK, renamed Grangetown. Decades as a dedicated harbor tug across British ports.
Arrival in Split
Acquired by Brodosplit, renamed Polaris. Harbor tug across the Adriatic, supporting Veli Jože — the largest floating crane in the Mediterranean.
Passenger vessel
The Tomić family transformed her from tugboat to passenger cruise vessel, shaping the iconic profile Polaris is known for today.
Novaković family
Acquired by the Novaković maritime family. Lovingly restored in authentic vintage style, preserving her historic character.
Vintage yacht
A family-run business in Split hosting private receptions, weddings, corporate events and boutique cruises across the Dalmatian coast.
“More than a historic vessel — a beloved family member, a source of livelihood, and a living piece of maritime soul.”
Today, Polaris sails the calm waters of the Adriatic — a peaceful contrast to the seas she once crossed. We invite you to come aboard, feel her history beneath your feet and become part of her next chapter.
Sail aboard a piece of history
Book your place on Polaris and experience the Adriatic aboard a true D-Day veteran.