Historic Steam Yacht Relaunched After Restoration

One of the last surviving steam yachts from the early 20th century has returned to the water. The 124-foot, 8-inch steam yacht Cangarda was recently relaunched in Istanbul, Turkey, following an extensive restoration by RMK Yachts.

Originally built in the United States in 1901, Cangarda represents the elegant steam-powered yachts that defined the Golden Age of yachting. Over the past century, the vessel passed through multiple owners and restorations—and even survived a complete sinking—before arriving in Turkey in October 2024.

The restoration was approached with the goal of preserving the yacht’s historical integrity while ensuring long-term structural and mechanical reliability. Work included hull and structural inspections, conservation of interior spaces, repairs to rigging and deck equipment and overhauls of mechanical and steam systems.

Wherever possible, original elements were retained. Cuban mahogany joinery, brass and bronze fittings, deck outfitting and much of the yacht’s interior layout were preserved as part of the conservation effort. Components that could not be saved were recreated using historically accurate materials and construction techniques.

One of the most complex aspects of the project involved the vessel’s steam propulsion system. While the original configuration was retained, select components were rebuilt to meet safety and operational requirements. Specialists from Turkish energy company Tüpraş provided engineering support to help restore the system in line with its early-20th-century design.

Following its launch, Cangarda was transferred to the Rahmi Koç Museum in Istanbul’s historic Haliç district. The yacht will become a permanent exhibit, offering visitors a close look at early steam-powered yacht design and engineering.A documentary chronicling Cangarda’s history and restoration is also in production and expected to be released later this year.

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