The world's only surviving US-built steam yacht, the 42.1-metre Cangarda, is set to become a museum exhibit in Istanbul, Turkey.
The yacht was built by Pusey & Jones for lumber mogul Charles Canfield and first hit the water in Wilmington, Delaware in 1901. Her rich, 123-year history has taken her across the Americas, including a stint under a Canadian senator and a dinner party with the Prince of Wales (King Edward VIII), the Prime Minister of Britain and the Prime Minister of Canada.
Cangarda also served as a training vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, though the damage she sustained would lead to the yacht's eventual disrepair in the late 19th century.
79 years, one sinking and multiple rebuilds later – including major restorations in 1983 and 2004 – and Cangarda is now owned by the founder of Rahmi M. Koç Museum, an institute dedicated to the history of industry and transportation.
The yacht has been sent to RMK Marine for light cosmetic works ahead of her installation, though a museum spokesperson told BOAT International there is a chance that Mr Koç will use her as a personal vessel.
Cangarda was opulent even by Edwardian standards, featuring Tiffany glass skylights and deckhouses built from Cuban mahogany. Other design highlights include a smoking room, separate dining room, four guest cabins and her original 300 horsepower steam engine.
BOAT International will update the story as it develops.
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