The historic 29.7 metre steam motor yacht Ena is due to be auctioned by Australia's Mossgreen Auction House on 19 May 2015.
Built by W.M. Ford in Sydney, Australia to a design by Walter Reeks, she was delivered in 1900 to the commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and carries a weight of history. She undertook war service as Sleuth in World War I and was later adapted to become a commercial cargo and fishing vessel, renamed Aurore.
After sinking in the early 1980s, the yacht was refloated and eventually restored back to her former Edwardian glory with expert workmanship that matched the standards of the time when she was first launched.
The gleaming brass and gold which can be seen throughout the boat complements the warm varnished timber, luxurious fabrics and finely appointed fixtures and fittings. Below deck the elegant ladies’ saloon boasts sumptuous seating, carved woodwork and etched glass murals. The gentlemen’s saloon has the addition of day beds and a folding card table while the main saloon features a beautifully detailed inlaid timber table.
The expansive white beach deck invites guests to stroll comfortably while enjoying the changing foreshore views while the aft deck can accommodate formal dining, with tables being positioned to take in the surrounding scenery.
Ena is powered by an 80hp (60 kW) compound steam engine and is expected to fetch AU$1.2 million.