United Kingdom

John Brown & Sons

Launched on 28 April 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> at Clydebank, in the UK, if the 91.44-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> could talk, she would speak of a storied past entwined with royalty, industrialists and surviving one of the most constitutional crises of the 20th century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380647/image/large-0bed0a22f5fc597b14276531abc60623.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380647">Spotted here by SuperYacht Times’ Content Creator Fabio Lima during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Antigua Yacht Show - 2025">Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2025</a>, we take this opportunity to explore more about the history of the 95-year-old vessel.&nbsp;Commissioned as a private steam yacht by Annie Henrietta Yule, known as Lady Yule, her owner was one of the wealthiest women in Britain at the time of her launch. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was originally powered by four steam turbines and was among one of the last great examples of the classic steam yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380649/image/large-89d35abb2f911c7cf185232069e9b43a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380649">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson &amp; Co</a>, which were responsible for her exterior design and naval architecture, her name is believed to have Native American origins, reportedly meaning “fleet of foot”, a reference echoed in her figurehead, which wears a chieftain’s headdress.During the early 1930s, Lady Yule and her daughter undertook an extensive world cruise onboard Nahlin, after which the yacht became internationally famous in the summer of 1936. That August, King Edward VIII chartered the vessel for a Mediterranean cruise with Wallis Simpson, discreetly shadowed by two Royal Navy destroyers, HMS Grafton and HMS Glowworm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380646/image/large-fa8a8f84a25180bfdef284f6a2f0e1ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380646">In 1937, Lady Yule sold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> to King Carol II of Romania, after which the yacht largely vanished from British records. Over the following decades she underwent multiple changes of use and ownership, eventually re-emerging in the 1990s when British yacht broker Nicholas Edmiston discovered her moored on the Danube, operating as a floating restaurant.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380643/image/large-3cbe5c44671bfb6c92929595bbf5d570.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380643"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was sold several times in the 1990s, before being acquired by her current owner who undertook an extensive rebuild between 2005 and 2010. The rebuild saw German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> responsible for the body of the restorative work, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> were charged with her engineering. The whole rebuild was overseen by her original builders <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson &amp; Co</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380645/image/large-1d8821910d27686b6bb312ee8d1f1730.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380645">In 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> returned to the British Isles in full, turnkey condition. The classic superyacht now has diesel engines, providing her with a top speed of 18 knots, with contemporary interiors now designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>.According to AIS, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> is currently in Guana Island, British Virgin Isles in the Caribbean.

Nahlin: History of 91m steam yacht

SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of the 95-year-old yacht Nahlin, following her attendance at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2025.

In Pictures: 91m former steam yacht Nahlin in Antigua

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380647/image/large-0bed0a22f5fc597b14276531abc60623.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380647">Last week, the 91.44-metre classic superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was observed cruising during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Antigua Yacht Show - 2025">Antigua Charter Yacht Show</a>. Built in 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> in Clydebank for jute heiress Lady Annie Henrietta Yule, the steel yacht was the yard’s largest yacht at the time and remains one of its finest pre-war steam yacht designs. In 1937 she was acquired by King Carol II of Romania, renamed Luceafarul and later served with the Romanian Navy, before going on to operate as a cruise ship and, in the 1970s, as a floating restaurant on the Danube.&nbsp;Rescued in 1999, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was shipped to the United Kingdom and then Germany for an extensive restoration, ultimately completed in Hamburg, and later passed into the ownership of Sir James Dyson. Following further work over the years, including a refit at Lürssen last November, she is now propelled by twin diesel-electric engines replacing her old steam turbines, while retaining exterior lines by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson &amp; Co. Ltd</a> and a modern interior by French designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>.If you would like to see your photo featured each day, then send your submissions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>.

91m classic superyacht Nahlin in Antigua

The 91m classic superyacht Nahlin, built by John Brown & Sons in 1930, was seen cruising here in Antigua. 

From the renowned <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a>, which was the "one place" where the late queen could "truly relax," to the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, the 180.61-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>, discover the world's most magnificent royal yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267423/image/large-8b708d541ad54324574af619017b0008.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267423"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> | 76.26-metres | 1937One of only three remaining Royal yachts in Europe, the 76.26-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a> was built in 1937 at England’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> in Gosport. Commissioned by the English aviation pioneer and yachtsman Sir Thomas Sopwith, the superyacht was sold shortly after to the British Admiralty in 1939 to serve in the Royal Navy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251092/image/large-72a06095dffa40fae9a635972cd1d144.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/37584/image/large-6a65354a679e7b611df2b22a1d01ce8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37584">Under the name HMS Philante, the vessel was known as the most luxurious warship of her time. She covered huge distances as a convoy escort vessel, clocking no less than seven Atlantic crossings between 1941 and 1942 alone. In 1947 the Norwegian government acquired the yacht and returned her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> for a refit before christening her as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a> when she came into official service on 17 May, 1948. Today she is maintained in immaculate condition and can often be seen cruising in Norwegian waters throughout the summer months.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part II (2018-08-27 14:30:00 +0200)">The ghost of yards past: Camper &amp; Nicholsons - Part II</a> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/267425/image/large-3917d24b75b50f5c0573417aaf41f732.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/267425"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard</a> | 78.43-metres | 1932The 78.43-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard&nbsp;</a>yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a> was launched in Denmark in 1931 and officially placed in service the following year. The impressive vessel was replicated from a design of the floating palaces from the XIX century, making the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/931" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dannebrog78.43m (257'4&quot;)Danish Royal Dockyard1932">Dannebrog</a> an extraordinary exhibition of detailed craftsmanship. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4808/image/large-99c0481f0fac865c50b51c7565cf996c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4808">The yacht serves as the official and private residence for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and members of the Royal Family when they are on summer cruises in Danish waters or on official visits overseas. The yacht exhibits exterior and interior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/675" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Royal Dockyard (Company)">Danish Royal Dockyard</a>, who also penned her naval architecture. The vessel can accommodate up to 14 guests onboard, along with an impressive 52 crew members to meet their every need. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/109028/image/large-18dc3db2d6766d31e2ae9315baf351e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/109028"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III&nbsp;</a>| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> | 36.25-metres | 1936Princess Caroline of Monaco is the owner of the 36.25-metre classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a>. Originally named Arlette II, it was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and renamed Priamar. In the 1950s, it was purchased by French industrialist Louis Renault, renamed Briseis, and subsequently moored in Saint-Tropez.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/839/image/large-11954559fd62971d6d95f1591fb03f17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/839"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/838/image/large-4a0e8705677e1317b209c8df388b5f9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/838">In 1990, after falling into a state of dilapidation, the yacht was bought by Stefano Casiraghi and Princess Caroline of Monaco. However, Casiraghi died in a racing accident that same year before he could enjoy the vessel. The yacht was fully restored over two years and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a> in reference to the initials of Princess Caroline's children. Since the renovation, Princess Caroline and her family have used the yacht primarily for extended Mediterranean escapes. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacha III36.25m (118'11&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1936">Pacha III</a> can often be seen moored in the harbor of Monaco, and she remains a treasured possession of the Monégasque royal family.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193964/image/large-ea7371184bebcef9e77d229a91433af4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193964"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>&nbsp;| 126-metres | 1953The 126-meter-long <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Royal Yacht Britannia</a>, originally named HMS Britannia, was built in 1953 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned the same year. With a fuel capacity of 490,000 liters and freshwater capacity of 195,000 liters, the yacht is well-equipped for extended ocean voyages. The exceptional superyacht could accommodate up to 250 guests and 271 crew members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193963/image/large-54008215f77af2eefb087467cca15b86.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193963">After serving for 44 years, the yacht was decommissioned and is now displayed in Edinburgh as a top tourist attraction. The lavishly designed vessel has sailed over one million miles and hosted 968 official royal visits. It was the Queen's favorite place to relax and boasted rooms adorned with gifts from around the world, including a whale rib found by her husband and a sun lounge furnished personally by the Queen. Sir Winston Churchill, Boris Yeltsin, Rajiv Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela were among the many famous figures who joined the Queen onboard. Four royal honeymoons took place onboard, including King Charles III and Princess Diana's 16-day trip to the Mediterranean in 1981. While there have been discussions about building a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a> for the British royal family and the country's service, an official decision has yet to be made.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in history (2021-04-29 16:00:00 +0200)">Read More: Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in History<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/110940/image/large-107e78cf9c2efac99073085737131510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110940"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince AbdulAziz</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Helsingor Vaerft (Company)">Helsingor Vaerft</a> | 147.01-metres | 1984The 147-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince Abdulaziz</a> superyacht was built in Denmark by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Helsingor Vaerft (Company)">Helsingor Vaerft</a> in 1984. She was once the largest yacht in the world, although many others have since surpassed her. The Saudi royal family owns the superyacht, which is used for official and leisurely purposes. It was initially commissioned by the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who named the yacht after his son. The impressive superyacht features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maierform Maritime Technology GmbH (Company)">Maierform Maritime Technology GmbH</a>.Despite being surpassed in size, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prince Abdulaziz147.01m (482'4&quot;)Helsingor Vaerft1984">Prince Abdulaziz</a> remains a demonstrative and luxurious yacht. The yacht's interior took fifteen months to complete and was designed by the renowned English interior decorator and designer the late <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="David Hicks (Company)">David Hicks</a>. Hicks was known for his bold use of colors, lighting, and juxtaposition of contemporary and classical features.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/3344/image/large-486fdafca2d8ea271395a5d1a907fa35.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/3344"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> | 180.61-metres | 2013<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a>, the largest privately owned superyacht in the world, was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 2013 and has a length of 180.61-metres. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a> designed her exterior, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4660" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Creation Line Decoration (Company)">Creation Line Decoration</a> was responsible for the sumptuous interior spaces. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam</a> can carry up to 36 guests in its eighteen guest suites, with a crew of sixty to cater to the guest's every need. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/9842/image/large-f037b39efb49ac1a6e510e051249bba3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/9842"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/9837/image/large-1d7a90595be521fa9f9c285105e9369d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/9837">Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s royal family commissioned the vessel as a day boat to access his preferred diving sites. The yacht has a gym, a pool, and even a "golf training room." It cost the Sheikh an estimated $600 million to build. Engineers were reportedly meticulously detailed about the yacht's stability to ensure minimal turbulence to prevent the chandeliers from clinking while at sea. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4638" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azzam180.61m (592'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Azzam's</a> reign as the world's largest privately-owned yacht is soon to end, as Norwegian millionaire Kjell Inge Rokke is building the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">REV Ocean</a>, a 183-meter-long vessel designed to clean the ocean floors.Read more:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56215" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts (2022-10-21 14:30:00 +0200)">Lürssen's giants: the German builder’s fleet of 100m+ superyachts<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/46401/image/large-5c9bab32a2a97f7eaa91569e4c3e3967.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46401"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foners41.5m (136'2&quot;)Izar2000">Foners</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a>&nbsp;| 41.5-metres | 2000<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foners41.5m (136'2&quot;)Izar2000">Foners</a>, formerly known as Fortuna was once championed as the world’s fastest superyacht, reaching a top speed of 65 knots. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a> motor yacht was first delivered by the Spanish shipyard in 2000 and was the superyacht to the Spanish royal family under the ownership of King Juan Carlos of Spain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24770/image/large-d783d2800a4fa6a0ede845443814f209.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24770">The superyacht's esteemed speed was thanks to her three <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls Royce</a> gas turbines linked to triple waterjets in addition to twin<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">&nbsp;MAN</a> engines. The Spanish royal yacht features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald L. Blount & Associates (Company)">Donald L. Blount &amp; Associates</a> with an exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Arch. Tommaso Spadolini (Company)">Studio Arch, Tommaso Spadolini</a>, and interior design and curation by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Celeste Dell`Anna (Company)">Celeste Dell'Anna</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/93" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Izar (Company)">Izar</a> yacht is able to accommodate as many as 8 guests onboard with further accommodation for 6 crew. After experiencing two recessions and the Spanish citizen's confidence in their royal family decreased, subsequently encouraging the Spanish Royal yacht to sell their yacht.&nbsp;Read more about this yachts designer:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation with Tommaso Spadolini: Three new superyacht designs for 2023 (2023-03-27 13:30:00 +0200)">In conversation with Tommaso Spadolini: Three new superyacht designs for 2023</a>

Worlds largest royal yachts

Discover the rich history of royal superyachts.

The World’s Most Magnificent Royal Yachts

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217865/image/large-86fbe8c9b82ad494f6cfba02aa5cb7f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217865">Seen here anchored in the Ionian Islands, Greece is the classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>, captured by photographer Bill Cuffel. She is one of the most famous yachts in British royal history with her origin dating back to the year 1930 when she was launched by the<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)"> John Brown &amp; Company</a> shipyard in England. With a volume of 1,356 GT, the 91-metre superyacht underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> can accommodate up to 14 guests on board, 47 crew and has a maximum speed of 18 knots with a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Classic yacht Nahlin in the Ionian Islands

The 91m classic yacht Nahlin, built by John Brown & Company, is seen here anchored in the Ionian Islands, Greece.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co.</a> was originally founded by John Brown in 1838 in Sheffield, UK, as a steel-maker. The company was involved in supplying steel components to the rail industry and by 1860 was manufacturing armour-plating for British Royal Navy ships. In 1899 the decision was made to start building complete ships and the company took over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Clyde & Co (Company)">Clydebank Engineering &amp; Shipbuilding Co.</a> in Scotland. There the team developed the Brown-Curtis turbine, a propulsion system that encouraged the Royal Navy to commission the yard to build many of its major warships.&nbsp;Here, we take a look at the company resume of the nine very large steam yachts constructed between 1902 and 1954:&nbsp;SHEELAH // 73m // 1902 // 466 GT &nbsp;Built for William A. Donaldson of Duntochter, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, this steam yacht (the second of its name), was sold in 1905 to John K. L. Ross of Montreal, Canada. In 1913, she became the property of Admiral David Beatty (later Earl Beatty) of London, who loaned her to the British Admiralty from 1914 to 1923 for use as a hospital ship. Jugoslavenska Lloyd of Dubrovnik acquired the vessel in 1935, converting her to commercial use as the Tiha. She was reported sunk in 1947. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195697/image/large-d97b889f77faf25c8b41b167ca4b684a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195697">DORIS // 85.1m // 1910 // 963 GTDesigned by the legendary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G. L. Watson</a>, Doris was completed for Glasgow-based Solomon B. Joel in 1910 before being requisitioned by the British Admiralty in 1914 for service as an auxiliary patrol vessel. Renamed Eileen when returned to her owner in 1919, she was sold in 1931 to the commercial owner Soc D’Armement des Croisieres Pierre Dupuy of Le Havre, before being converted for passengers and renamed Girundia II. Operated by several owners until 1954 when the Government of Kuwait acquired and renamed her Al Salimi. No longer seagoing by 1973. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195690/image/large-d7dd2290775272c707cc6cd2ad7ca676.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195690">JEANNETTE // 75.6m // 1911 // 931 GTAnother <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G.L. Watson</a> design, Jeannette was delivered to Harry Livesey of Glasgow in 1911 before being requisitioned by the Admiralty between 1915 and 1919 and renamed Jeannette II. Sold in 1934 and promptly again in 1936, she was acquired by Col. John Gretton in 1939 and renamed St. Modwen. During WWII she served as an anti-submarine vessel before being purchased by commercial interests and converted to a cargo ship. Finally broken up in 1950 at Haifa, Israel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195693/image/large-79e4dca7de4e76b8cb17aadae23edc2f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195693">SAPPHIRE // 86.9M // 1912 // 1207 GTDelivered to the Duke of Bedford in 1912, Sapphire was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1915 and used as an auxiliary patrol vessel until 1920 when she was bought by Viscount Furness. Lord Fairhaven acquired her in 1923 and would retain ownership until Admiralty requisition in 1939 when she was renamed HMS Breda. Sunk after collision with a submarine in Scotland 1944.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195696/image/large-569a978b097e7dbdff150ee86eadefbf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195696">RESTLESS // 61.9m // 1923 // 736 GT&nbsp;Built for Alexander S. Cochran of Glasgow and delivered in 1923, she was quickly sold to Lord Tredegar in 1924. In 1926 the Duke of Sutherland bought the vessel and renamed it Sans Peur, before selling her to King Faisal of Iraq in 1935 under the name King Faisal I prior to being acquired by the Iraqi government for use as a lighthouse tender. Last reported sighting was in 1974. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195695/image/large-88586d637961960d14de18b4b945d1e1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195695">THALASSA // 60m // 1924 // 876 GT&nbsp;The American heir to a leading carpet manufacturing business set up by his father, Eugene Higgins commissioned this steam yacht in the early 1920s. Acquired by the British government in 1944, she was used as an examination vessel in the Mediterranean. In 1945 the owner became W.G. Hetherington of Glasgow who renamed the yacht Suilven. After his death, Thalassa was sold to the Government of Iran in 1947 and converted for use as a pilot vessel. Later history unknown.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195698/image/large-15db8b5363d66f26731a4b73a3e5c8ec.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195698"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">NAHLIN</a>&nbsp;// 91.44m // 1930 // 1391 GT&nbsp;Owned by the jute heiress Lady Annie Henrietta Yule, this was the largest yacht built so far by the company. One of G.L. Watson’s finest designs, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> was acquired by King Carol II of Romania in 1937 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Luceafaru</a>l. The Romanian Government made her part of the Romanian Navy from 1940 to 1948, then from 1953 she became a cruise ship before being converted into a floating restaurant on the River Danube in the 1970s. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195694/image/large-128600e12862bca63ebcde95d3eb6a39.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195694">Rescued by British broker Nicholas Edmiston in 1999, on behalf of Sir Anthony Bamford, she was shipped to the UK for restoration by Cammell Laird and then to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, Rendsburg, Germany, after the UK builder went into administration. Finally completed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> in Hamburg and later acquired by Sir James Dyson. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="History: Proteksan and Turquoise Yachts on how they came to be (2021-01-18 16:45:00 +0100)">She is still in service today</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4763/image/large-d6b11c735fff1e9300269ef834ec76ba.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4763">ENCHANTRESS // 86m // 1935 // 1474 GTLaid down as the naval sloop HMS Bittern for use by the Admiralty in 1935, she became an Admiral’s yacht for occasional use by British royalty. Fitted with four steam turbines, Enchantress was converted to a passenger excursion vessel in 1947 based at Ramsgate, UK. Broken up 1952.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195692/image/large-3836c10b8c07ccd8965505e5b9c2af57.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195692"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">BRITANNIA</a>&nbsp;// 125.6m // 5769 GT&nbsp;Completed to great acclaim as the new British Royal yacht in 1954, much has been written about HMS Britannia and her world tours over the years. Decommissioned in 1997 after a farewell tour of the British Isles, the yacht is now situated at Leith in Scotland and is one of the UK’s top tourist attractions. Today there are many discussions about whether a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11148" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Britannia126.0m (413'5&quot;)John Brown & Sons1954">Britannia</a> will be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in history (2021-04-29 16:00:00 +0200)">built for the service of her country and Royal Family</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195689/image/large-be6014e4fdb5b45ade91c2239a542438.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195689">This article was originally published in the&nbsp;September/October 2020 issue of The SuperYacht Times newspaper. To receive all future issues straight to your door, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here</a>.

John Brown and Co. Yachts: A history of the yacht builder

SYT in-house yacht historian investigates John Brown & Co. yachts and the builder's brilliant history.

A history of steel-maker turned yacht builder John Brown & Co 

Following the recent death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, rumour has it that the British Government wants to construct a new Royal Yacht in Prince Philip's honour. With an estimated cost of £200 million, the news has certainly caused a splash.SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia and its impressive superstructure, while noting new design concepts from the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> about a successor yacht, about which rumours have abounded for some time.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193964/image/large-ea7371184bebcef9e77d229a91433af4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193964">Following the decommission in 1939 of the Victoria &amp; Albert III, Britannia’s predecessor and first Royal Yacht not powered by sail, it was decided that a new Royal Yacht should be commissioned to travel the globe in both tropic and arctic waters, whilst doubling as a hospital ship in case of war.In 1952, the Royal contract was given to the world-famous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co</a> shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, by the Admiralty. Commissioned with dual purpose in mind, Britannia’s designs had to be developed simultaneously for both Royal Yacht and hospital ship roles, with the best arrangements to meet both requirements. To help with this grand task, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co</a> appointed A. McInnes Gardner &amp; Partners as their decorative architects for Britannia’s interior.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193962/image/large-c5814d40539196b3468cdc26bf29a85d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193962">Despite being a Royal Yacht for the Queen, Britannia was fitted with ship stabilisers, air-conditioning units, large 24-hour laundry facilities, and comparatively high speeds in case of her conversion to hospital ship. Under this pretense, she could accommodate up-to 200 patients.Britannia was given a modern appearance with a clipper bow and modified cruiser stern, moving away from the more traditional appearance associated with Royal Yachts of swan bow’s and counter sterns. She was, however, built with the three mast requirements of a Royal Yacht, where the Royal Standard is worn at the Main, the Flag of the Lord High Admiral at the Fore, and the Union Flag at the Mizzen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193965/image/large-69dffd840e87313abfa5d746fdbb3e39.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193965">The 126-metre Royal Yacht Britannia, weighing 5769 GT, was powered by 12,000 shaft horsepower engines enabling her to reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots. Including extra tank capacity, she could carry 490 tons of oil fuel and 195 tons of fresh water, sufficient for long ocean voyages.The royal apartments, located on the shelter deck, featured a veranda leading onto a sun deck, with a staircase leading to the upper deck where Her Majesty and His Majesty had sitting rooms, a grand dining-room hosting up-to 56 guests and a drawing room, with the possibility of opening all areas into one large reception space. On the main deck were the household and guest staterooms, while royal staff are accommodated on the lower deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193963/image/large-54008215f77af2eefb087467cca15b86.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193963">The Royal Yacht Britannia was captained by the Admiral, who was in charge of some 19 officers and 220-250 yachtsmen on board. Whilst Britannia was designed as the Queen’s personal ship, she served multiple purposes and was used for royal honeymoons, state functions, ambassador to British business - hosting world-leading business and political figures to promote trade and industry around the globe - and even helped evacuate British nationals and others from Aden, South Yemen in 1986 following an outbreak of civil war.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193967/image/large-742afd6d0cd962947360a7e1b17c6406.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193967"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193961/image/large-124d405ff2167fc6d173cc9c69fa099d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193961">After Britannia’s launch in April 1953, her final touches were added and she began sea trials in November 1953 off the West Coast of Scotland. Upon successful completion, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 11 January, 1954.Before her decommission in 1997 by the sitting British Government at the time, Britannia made over 696 foreign visits to over 135 countries, and 272 visits in British waters, steaming over 1,087,623 nautical miles, equivalent to round the world once every year of her service. She is now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, open for tourists to view.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193966/image/large-afc4660044e9c97601f557bd406d9c1f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193966">Since 1997, there have been multiple new yacht concepts, outlining a potential design for a future Royal Yacht. These discussions have since picked up pace following His Majesty’s death. In 2016, British studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> revealed its designs - initially launched in 1997 - for a successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The new-design superyacht would be 150-metres in length, and feature a red hull, navy topside, and white superstructure to look suitably patriotic. Key features would include an aft-deck helipad, superyacht staircase into the foyer, and additional interior space with a timeless design to accommodate grand parties.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193960/image/large-3a5de5b77cb55d63f784d10b9398219f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193960"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193959/image/large-24c22077cb1d123ec78621278577890f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193959"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193958/image/large-52b1eeff200250913bd2b4f2908fc1b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193958">Only time will tell if we may, one day, see a new Royal Yacht.

Royal Yacht Britannia in history

Following the recent death of Prince Philip, The Duke Of Edinburgh, SuperYacht Times takes a look at the history of Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia: A look back in history

The 91-metre steamship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> has just celebrated her 91st year afloat and was seen this week taking refuge in Falmouth, Cornwall. Launched on the 28th April 1930, the steamship, previously named&nbsp;Libertatea, was designed by the Scotish firm&nbsp;G. L. Watson &amp; Co and built in Clyde, Scotland, by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Co</a>. The last time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Nahlin</a> was seen in Falmouth, she was mounted aboard a cargo ship en route to the beginnings of her restoration work in 1999. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4763/image/large-d6b11c735fff1e9300269ef834ec76ba.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4763">The extraordinary motor yacht was part of a fifteen year campaign to rescue the steamship from dilapidation in Romania, in which her designers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G. L. Watson &amp; Co</a>, were the major instigator. Nicholas Edmiston and a yachtsman named William Collier discovered the vessel in dire straits, and after 15 years of negotiation, returned the vessel to the United Kingdom in 1999. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/39878/image/large-a5132adc2bc9e7f3c2b82929d9230185.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39878">Following her return to Scotland, her original designers pooled their historical resources and began to stabilise her condition, using photographs from ex.crew mates family albums to bolster their historical archive. Gradually, over 450 tons of debris was removed and her surviving interiors were surveyed, the team retaining as much originality as they could find, creating plaster moulds of original cornicing and moulding.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/4764/image/large-b4398a07be4addbfe8891ff074a501ca.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4764">German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> undertook the body of the restorative work during a monumental rebuild between 2005 and 2010, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd (Company)">G. L. Watson &amp; Co</a> oversaw and project managed the rebuild. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss Repair GmbH</a> in Hamburg were charged with her engineering.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/39880/image/large-314bc9c31939af441151da7852bc19d0.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39880">In 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a> returned to the British Isles in full, turnkey beauty. The work on the steamship set a new standard for classic superyacht restoration work. Her restoration is widely considered to be one of the most significant classic restoration work ever conducted in the industry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121681/image/large-bccbbbb9cd9a3317401ff6975f2a1ec8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121681">The classic superyacht now has diesel engines, and her contemporary interiors were designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>. She has a top speed of 18 knots.&nbsp;

superyacht Nahlin celebrates 91st birthday in Falmouth

The 91m classic superyacht Nahlin has just celebrated her 91st year afloat, she was seen this week in Falmouth, Cornwall. 

Classic superyacht Nahlin celebrates 91st birthday

<img src="https://d3w3pid64ak8v.cloudfront.net/photo/121681/image/large-bccbbbb9cd9a3317401ff6975f2a1ec8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121681">Seen here arriving in Stockholm, Sweden is the classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>, captured by photographer Franz Airiman. This <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/john-brown-sons">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> build from 1930 is 91 metres in length and has a volume of 1,356 GT. She underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/nobiskrug">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/blohm-voss">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner.

The Classic yacht Nahlin in Stockholm

The beautifully-restored motor yacht Nahlin from 1930 spotted in Stockholm as she arrived in the Swedish capital. 

The 1930 classic yacht Nahlin arriving in Stockholm

It has to be said, sometimes older is better and there are many in the industry who would say that sailing on a vintage yacht gives an unbeatable feeling which cannot be matched by today's high-tech vessels. For a select few owners, taking on a restoration project is extremely rewarding, as proven by the cases outlined in this list of classic yacht refits where vessels were brought back to their full potential after decades or even centuries of use.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a>, 39m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648">The 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913, was refitted in 2017 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman shipyard</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra</a> revisiting her naval architecture. The refit included the reinstallation of her engineering systems and classic interior and the restoration of the deckhouse as well as brand new crew quarters. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a>, 78.55m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98408/image/large-8591bd7113e7347c85b0275ea8eaf516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98408">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>, built in 1921 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a> and first known as Dauntless, has had several refits, the most recent of which was carried out in Zeebrugge, Belgium, in 2003. The original owner's daughter conducted extensive research for the various refits, and the yacht currently calls back the roaring '20s, combining a classic feel with today's amenities and communication means. &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Germania Werft (Company)">Krupp Germania Werft</a>, 71.1m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53800/image/large-9de3c91ccf04e5fa4c4c1be73450a02c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53800">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>-class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a> has sailed under many previous names including Dona Amelia and has undergone several refit works, including in 2011, 2016 and 2018. This involved rebuilding the ship’s structural integrity, an extension of the sundeck and several alterations to the interior, such as the addition of a Hammam spa. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, 35m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/30280/image/large-0e673654460e26aac388bafa74db8b6c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30280">The 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>, a mono-hull displacement yacht built in 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, was restored to glory in 1991 and had another refit in 2004 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondo Marine</a>, being held to the highest standards throughout her lifespan.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>, 91.44m (Credit: Giovanni Romero)<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39878/image/large-a5132adc2bc9e7f3c2b82929d9230185.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39878"> This <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> build from 1930 is 91 metres in length and has a volume of 1,356 GT. She underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, 135.94m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, the 136-metre built in 1931 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, featured original naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> revisited her naval architecture and her latest interior comes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs.</a> The yacht is currently used as the presidential yacht for Turkey and once belonged to Atatürk.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a>, 50.29m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41798/image/large-315d2c5f2192782eea621e046e52400d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41798">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;measuring 50.29 metres and built in 1937, has had several refits, the latest of which happened in 2017. This refit brought her design back to the original and upgraded her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> class.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a>, 64.68 <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22695/image/large-78e60326a7ca9a9cf1512dffc5461e75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22695">The 64.68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a> has changed owners only twice since she was built in 1938. It was under the ownership of her most recent owner that she received maintenance works in 2016. The owner created a company for the extensive refit, Shemara Refit LLP. She was given a contemporary interior while keeping a lot of her original attributes, and she now runs on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> diesel-electric system.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding Co</a>., 51m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/68657/image/large-c6eaf8e16deceb4b854d39b7f5886f19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/68657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>, built in 1930 and known under many names including Janidore when she was built, has received a rebuild in 2015-2018 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Marine Services Group (SMS) (Company)">Southampton Marine Services group</a>, during which she was given an almost entirely new steel hull and a completely new aluminium superstructure, with all of her onboard systems also being replaced.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, 39.56m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94600/image/large-9a16e10d12e128a753a97a032b6ed91c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94600"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> is a 39.56-metre J-class sailing yacht from Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson,</a> who also designed the yacht’s exterior. She was restored to her full glory in the 1980s in a trailblazing restoration project which you can read all about <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-j-class-endeavour-and-royal-huisman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.</a>

10 classic yacht refits and restorations

SYT has compiled a list of 10 yacht refits of iconic yachts that have been restored to their full glory. 

10 remarkable refits and restorations of classic yachts

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162844/image/large-232c15aa338c6644ad031096ebbfa4d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162844">

Superyacht Nahlin in Livadhi, Greece

Nahlin is one of the most famous yachts in British royal history with her origin dating back to the year 1930 when she was launched by the John Brown &amp; Company shipyard in England. She was built for Lady Annie Henrietta Yule, one of the richest women in Britain at the time. Nahlin was purchased in 1937 by King Carol II of Romania, and renamed Luceafarul, and later renamed once more to Liberty. When the Romanian monarch abdicated in 1940, she became the property of the Romanian Ministry of Culture, and was turned into a museum - and then a floating restaurant set on the river Danube. The yacht was purchased from the Romanian government after nearly 60 years in 1999 and sent to Britain for a long-awaited restoration project. Nahlin was finally restored to her former regal self and recommissioned in 2010. The refit was undertaken by Nobiskrug at Rendsburg, Germany, and completion was at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, where diesel-electric engines replaced her old steam turbines.

Today she is owned by a British Industrial entrepreneur. She accommodates up to 14 guests on board, 47 crew and has a maximum speed of 18 knots with a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fulcran-eye/" target="_blank">Fulcran</a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fulcran-eye/" target="_blank"> de Cassagne</a>

The 91m classic superyacht Nahlin in Livadhi

In this series of articles, we look back at some of the most iconic yachts from the past, which have all be restored to their former glory. The first yacht in the series is also the largest, the 91 metre Nahlin.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151199/image/large-68a54f901e6afbbaf015fcf3e4b25866.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151199">Nahlin is one of the most famous yachts in British royal history. Now back in the hands of a British owner after several decades of acting as a floating restaurant on the Danube river, she started the first several years of her life in much a much more dignified setting.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151200/image/large-2e592006dbf99421758b2e58a53c88c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150985">She was built for Lady Annie Henrietta Yule, one of the richest women in Britain at the time, in 1930 by the John Brown &amp; Company shipyard. At the time, Nahlin was just one of three yachts that was ordered for Lady Yule. Once launched, Nahlin was distinguished as one of the largest private yachts ever to be built in the country.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151201/image/large-c304e7fd168cd20de06ac31f68af9967.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150988">In 1936 she was at the heart of a defamatory royal scandal. King Edward VIII chartered the yacht to be used for an eastern European cruise by himself and Mrs. Wallis Simpson; an American divorced socialite who was still married at the time. Not only was the newly appointed British king seemingly portraying Nazi sympathies - and with a married woman - he drank, smoked and partied his way around Europe, leaving his reputation as king in ruins. Shortly after his return from this cruise on board Nahlin, the King abdicated, and married Mrs. Simpson.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151202/image/large-196684cd022c79fe649866041174462e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/143555">She was then purchased in 1937 by King Carol II of Romania, and renamed Luceafarul, and later renamed once more to Liberty. When the Romanian monarch abdicated in 1940, she became the property of the Romanian Ministry of Culture, and was turned into a museum - and then a floating restaurant - on the river Danube.<iframe algin="center" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/arnekiel/5437394864/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>It was here that she rested for almost 60 years, until she was purchased from the Romanian government and, in 1999, sent to Britain for a long awaited restoration project. Nahlin was finally restored to her former regal self and recommissioned in 2010. The refit was undertaken by Nobiskrug at Rendsburg, Germany, and completion was at the Blohm + Voss shipyard, Hamburg, where diesel-electric engines replaced her old steam turbines.Today, she is owned by a British Industrial entrepreneur. She accommodates up to 14 guests on board, 47 crew and has a maximum speed of 18 knots with a cruising speed of 14 knots.By Gemma Fottles

Historic Superyachts: Nahlin from 1930

The 91.44 metre superyacht Nahlin was photographed by SYT contributor Giovanni Romero, as she arrived in Gibraltar last month. The yacht is one of the largest classic yachts in the world, built by John Brown &amp; Sons in 1930 to a design of G.L. Watson. Her current owners took her to Germany in 2010 to be completly rebuilt and restored. Nowadays, Nahlin features a modern diesel-electric propulsion system, and an interior by the French designer Remi Tessier. Unfortunately, her interior has never been published, and is still a closely guarded secret.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150985/image/large-b6ed9ba4100810530a6ef4171a075a75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150985"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150986/image/large-7746656edea88108eac0984befdc120a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150986"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150987/image/large-47ee0e8a951f3469192ea880e8e6fd40.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150987"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150988/image/large-653f41ea882191bb85956ec5d9b0d306.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150988"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150989/image/large-0d50154b14d5d58dfd4649c6ae75db02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150989">By Maarten Janssen, photos by Giovanni Romero / <a href="www.superyachtphoto.com/Media/" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>