One of the Last of Her Kind: CANGARDA Relaunched by RMK Yachts

Originally launched in 1901, CANGARDA is widely regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of early twentieth-century steam yacht design. Conceived during the golden age of private yachting, the vessel combined elegant lines with advanced steam propulsion technology for her era.

Across more than a century, CANGARDA has passed through several owners and undergone numerous refits, accumulating an eventful history that includes service as a training vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. The yacht even survived a sinking in Boston Harbor in 1999 before being salvaged and restored in the early 2000s.

Her latest revival began after arriving in Istanbul in October of 2024. RMK Yachts undertook a meticulous conservation programme intended not to modernise the vessel but to safeguard her historical character while ensuring long-term structural integrity for museum display. According to yard director Cuneyt Okcu, the project was approached as ‘a responsibility towards global maritime heritage’, with the goal of preserving her original spirit.

The work encompassed detailed hull inspections, restoration of mechanical and steam systems, conservation of the interior, and refurbishment of rigging, deck equipment and safety installations. Wherever possible, original features were retained, including Cuban mahogany joinery, brass and bronze fittings, and the yacht’s original interior configuration.

Particular attention was devoted to the vessel’s historic steam propulsion system, one of the most technically demanding aspects of the project. Specialist expertise was sourced internationally, with engineers from Tüpraş providing technical guidance that enabled the system to be restored in line with its original design while meeting modern safety requirements.

Following her relaunch, CANGARDA has taken up her new role at the Rahmi Koç Museum, one of Turkey’s leading institutions dedicated to the history of industry, engineering and transport. Displayed in Istanbul’s historic Golden Horn, the yacht will be accessible to visitors as a living example of early steam-powered yachting.

A documentary charting the vessel’s extraordinary journey and restoration is currently in production and is expected to be released later in 2026. Together with the relaunch of CANGARDA, the project highlights RMK Yachts’ capability not only in modern yacht construction but also in the highly specialised restoration of historically significant vessels.