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Norge in Skudeneshavn, Norway

Norge interior

King Olav inspecting Norge after her fire in 1985

Norge yacht cruising

Norge

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

According to German yacht spotters, the classic 71.5-metre 1931 superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3492" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Argossy71.5m (234'7&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1931">Argossy</a>, previously Rossy One and originally Argosy, was discharged from a carrier vessel in Brake on 3rd January 2022. First arriving in Bremerhaven, the yacht was then towed by the tug En Avant 13 on the River Weser toward Brake.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215297/image/large-9601d87e80221c75c403187df34a2d47.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215297">Like many classic vessels of her pedigree, the yacht has a spotted history, but it is known that in March 2021 she was acquired at an auction in Napoli, where she had laid-up after an incomplete rebuild for many years. At the moment her final destination within Germany is not known, but we expect that she will now undergo a major refit at one of the German shipyards.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215300/image/large-43f2bed30649cf9c3ed8446576b2fe0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215300"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3492" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Argossy71.5m (234'7&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1931">Argossy</a> was built by <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> in the interwar period for Charles A. Stone of the New York bank Hayden-Stone, to designs by the legendary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. In 1934 she was sold to Sir Thomas Sopwith to be used as an escort ship to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> 39.56-metre J-Class <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>. Sopwith rechristened the yacht Vita, and it is believed that she escorted <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> across the Atlantic to accompany her during her 1934 America's Cup races in Newport Rhode Island.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/51135/image/large-54de98309983e97d4dfcbee91353c656.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/51135"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215298/image/large-a757da487a353cceba3b73109602f1f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215298">Sopwith retained the yacht until 1937 when his new yacht Philante, now <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 completed for him. At this time Vita changed hands and was purchased by a French resident. While her wartime activities are unknown, by 1947 she was armed and renamed Ben Hecht, under which name she changed hands a number of times, until 1957 when she was put to work as a ferry running between Capri and Naples under the name Santa Maria Del Mare.&nbsp;In 2007 she was sold to an Italian owner and became Rossy One.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215299/image/large-bf49ba3a00e17d7c8db9181cdc559e99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215299">Under the name Rossy One restoration work began in Naples and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-rebuild-of-superyacht-santa-maria-del-mare-1931" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Italian designer Luca Dini was commissioned to return her to her classic glory</a>, creating a series of designs for the restoration of the superyacht. However, the rebuild project stalled and was latterly abandoned. This latest development and her arrival in Germany suggests that the completion of her restoration and the relaunch of this valuable piece of interwar maritime history may finally be concluded. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215296/image/large-deac26494717b142889b76cfd01bb7a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215296">

Classic 72m superyacht Argossy spotted in Bremerhaven

The 1931 classic yacht Argossy has been spotted in Germany where she may now be about to undergo restoration.

As part of our history series from revered in-house yacht historian, Malcolm Wood, SYT takes a closer look at yacht builders that are, for one reason or another, no longer in existence. Across these past two issues, we explore the Camper &amp; Nicholsons shipyard of Gosport and Southampton in the UK. In part one of this yacht builder’s history, we looked at the early years of the yard’s production that covered all the sailing yachts. In this second part, we turn to the steam and motor yachts that they built over their two centuries of existence. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/46375/image/large-bdc7cacaf437a270b63775523c5e54b2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46375">The first steam yacht to be constructed by the yard at their Gosport facility was the Wilia for the German Prince Saya-Wittgenstein in 1872. Designed by Ben Nicholson this yacht had an overall length of 45.4-metres and a length on deck of 41.6-metres and was powered by a Maudslay 40 nhp steam engine.Of the 56 steam and motor yachts over 30 metres delivered by the firm, the largest prior to WWI were the 70.1-metre Miranda for Lord Leith, and the 71.5-metre Marynthea for H.J. Mason. They were built in 1910 and 1911 respectively. Another large steam-powered yacht built around this period was the 64.3-metre Sagitta for the Duc de Valencay.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46376/image/large-a97cef5ec065ccb415e7d1001a5741be.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46376">Large yachts had their hulls constructed by the J.I. Thornycroft or Day Summers yards as the facilities at Gosport were limited to smaller sizes. One of the most important large powered yachts delivered prior to the 1914-1918 war was the Pioneer. This 45.6-metre vessel was powered by twin 250hp Polar diesel engines – the first large motor yacht built in the UK and a true pioneer as a forerunner of today’s motor yachts.&nbsp;Mention should also be made of the 65.1-metre Ara that had been ordered in 1913 and was delayed until 1917 owing to the default of her owner. Acquired by the French Government as a naval sloop, this vessel was acquired by William K. Vanderbilt II in 1922 and re-converted to a yacht. She was the first large yacht to be built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">C&amp;N’s</a> Southampton yard.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46374/image/large-5ce15f36b81c4e16a22a889880386f64.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46374">Post-WWI, the emphasis turned to producing diesel-engined yachts in the powered sector. The first 30m+ power yacht completed after cessation of hostilities was the 40-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grey Mist41.15m (135'0&quot;)">Grey Mist&nbsp;</a>delivered in 1920. This yacht is still in service today under her original name.&nbsp;A further 14 motor yachts were delivered in the 1920s, including three over 60 metres. Owners included the Earl of Dunraven, Lionel de Rothschild, T.O.M. Sopwith and Mme.Virginie Heriot. During the 1930s, when times were affected by the Wall Street Crash, the company were nevertheless successful in acquiring 10 new large motor yachts orders. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/46377/image/large-1156995d3b1056efaccfdef2b42f2328.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46377">The largest of these was the 80.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Philante</a> for T.O.M. Sopwith, a long time client of the company. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Philante</a> was requisitioned by the British Government for war service in 1939 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">HMS Philante</a>. In 1946, the yacht was returned to her owner and in July 1947 was acquired by the Norwegian Government for 1.5 million Norwegian kroner. The yacht returned to Camper &amp; Nicholsons for a refit that year and was finally commissioned for King Haakon in June 1948 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)">Norge</a>. The yacht regularly sails with the Norwegian royal family and other Scandinavian royal invitees in the summer months.&nbsp;Following the cessation of WWII, the days of the large luxurious motor yacht were at an end for the foreseeable future. The company, however, managed to gain several orders for 30m+ motor yachts in the early 1960s starting with the 31.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4544" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Navigator31.08m (101'12&quot;)">Minona&nbsp;</a>in 1961. In 1966 and 1967, two larger motor yachts of 45.5-metres were delivered to M. Paulin Richier of France, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3722" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northwind II45.57m (149'6&quot;)">Chambel IV</a> and the Terancar Nitani&nbsp;to M. Barsi Mense of Italy.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46378/image/large-11520c64aec08d33640086b4eebf67fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46378">The final two motor yachts over 30 metres were the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Emera39.43m (129'4&quot;)">Stilvi</a> for the Greek owner Z.L. Cambanis in 1974 and the 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2499" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Absolute Pleasure33.9m (111'3&quot;)">Araminta III</a> for Sir Richard Prince-Smith in 1975. Although there were several motor yachts under 30 metres delivered in the postwar years it is believed the final one was the 27.7-metre Baobab for a Spanish owner.Whilst the foregoing is a short precis of this prolific company’s power yacht output, it should be pointed out that Camper &amp; Nicholsons also built a wide variety of naval craft, small cargo vessels, ferries, launches and other small commercial craft. This was in addition to their prolific output of sailing yachts that were covered in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48906" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part 1 (2018-08-20 14:30:00 +0200)">Part 1</a> of this article. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part II

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/37584/image/large-6a65354a679e7b611df2b22a1d01ce8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37584">One of only three remaining Royal yachts in Europe, the 76.2-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;)">Norge</a> was built in 1936 at England’s Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard in Gosport. Commissioned by the English aviation pioneer and yachtsman, Thomas Sopwith, the yacht was sold shortly after to the British Admiralty in 1939 to serve in the Royal Navy. Under the name&nbsp;HMS Philante, the vessel was known as the most luxurious warship of her time and covered huge distances as a convoy escort vessel, clocking no less than seven Atlantic crossings between 1941and 1942 alone. In 1947 the Norwegian government acquired the yacht and returned her to Camper &amp; Nicholsons 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;)">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 season.