The world's only surviving US-built steam yacht, the 38-metre Cangarda, has been relaunched following a major restoration at Turkish shipyard RMK Yachts. Following her launch, the classic build will become a "permanent centrepiece" of the Rahmi Koç Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.
The yacht was originally built by Pusey & Jones for lumber mogul Charles Canfield and first hit the water in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1901. Her rich, 123-year history has taken her across the Americas, including a stint under a Canadian senator and a dinner party with the Prince of Wales (King Edward VIII), the Prime Minister of Britain and the Prime Minister of Canada.
Cangarda also served as a training vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, though the damage she sustained would lead to the yacht's eventual disrepair in the late 19th century. 79 years, one sinking and multiple rebuilds later – including major restorations in 1983 and 2004 – and Cangarda is now owned by the founder of Rahmi Koç Museum, an institute dedicated to the history of industry and transportation.
Following her sale, the classic yacht arrived at RMK Yachts' sheds in October 2024 to undergo her latest refit works - a restoration project intended to preserve her historical integrity while ensuring her longevity as a museum exhibit.
"Carefully planned works" included a programme of maintenance, conservation and functional reinstatement, including hull and structural inspections, overhauls of mechanical and steam systems and interior conservation and repairs. Work was also completed on the yacht's rigging, deck equipment and safety systems, while special attention was given to the conservation of her brass and bronze accessories.
“From the very beginning, we approached Cangarda not as a refit project, but as a responsibility towards global maritime heritage. Our goal was to protect her spirit, not to reinterpret her,” said Cuneyt Okcu, director of RMK Yachts.
Features that had deteriorated "beyond recovery" were reconstructed using historically accurate methods and materials. This was also completed in the hull and superstructure, which received protective treatments and repairs that respected the original build approach.
Notable attention was given to Cangarda's steam propulsion system, of which the yard noted was one of the project's biggest challenges. The original configuration was preserved, though selected components were rebuilt to meet safety and operational requirements. Expertise was provided by engineers from Tüpraş, a Koç Holding company and one of Turkey's leading energy firms.
In her glory days, Cangarda was opulent even by Edwardian standards, featuring Tiffany glass skylights and deckhouses built from Cuban mahogany. Other design highlights include a smoking room, a separate dining room and four guest cabins. The interior was a major area of restoration, with the original furniture, materials, finishes and spatial arrangements preserved.
"All interventions were carried out with a museum - grade conservation mindset rather than a modernisation approach,” Okcu concluded. “Wherever technically feasible, original elements were preserved, including Cuban mahogany joinery, brass and bronze fittings, deck outfitting, interior layouts and numerous mechanical components.”
Cangarda will now be accessible to the public as a "living testament" to early steam-powered yachting. According to RMK Yachts, a documentary about Cangarda’s journey and restoration is now in production and will be released later in 2026.
Read More/117m presidential superyacht Galeb completes conversion into museum