Savarona Yacht

The Savarona Yacht was built in 1931 at the Blohm & Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. The yacht was commissioned by Emily Roebling Cadwallader, the granddaughter of John Roebling, the engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, for four million dollars. Its name is derived from a species of African long-necked black-feathered swan. Ms. Cadwallader had previously given the same name to two yachts she had commissioned.

The Manufacturer’s Plaque of the Savarona Yacht (AA)

Technical Specifications

The yacht has a total length of 136 meters, a beam of 15.8 meters, a mast height of 16 meters, and a draft of 6 meters. Equipped with twin turbine engines, the yacht’s total power is 7,200 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 13.5 knots. The vessel has a displacement of 6,130 tons. Its interior structure and furnishings are decorated with antique collections and special items from the period. It features a main suite and 17 luxury suite accommodations.

Savarona Yacht Plan (AA)

Savarona Yacht Interior Design (AA)

Savarona Yacht Interior Design (AA)

Atatürk and the Savarona Yacht

The Republic of Turkey purchased the Savarona in 1938 for one million dollars. During the acquisition process, Germany placed a lien on the yacht with the support of the Krupp company; the issue was resolved through the intervention of then U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, enabling the transfer of the yacht to Turkey. On March 24, 1938, the Turkish flag was raised in a ceremony held at the Port of Southampton, England.

The Savarona arrived in Istanbul on June 1, 1938, during the period when Atatürk’s health was deteriorating. Atatürk stayed on the yacht for seven weeks, hosting cabinet meetings and state receptions. Among the guests was King Carol of Romania.

Savarona Yacht Atatürk Memorial Corner (AA)

Uses During the Republican Era

Following Atatürk’s death, the Savarona continued to be used as the presidential yacht. During World War II, it was secured in Kanlıca Bay. On July 2, 1951, it was transferred to the Naval Forces Command, serving purposes such as training and hosting state officials.

The yacht suffered a fire in 1979 but resumed service after repairs. In 1986, a decision was made to decommission the yacht; however, it was leased for 49 years by businessman Kahraman Sadıkoğlu and underwent a restoration process lasting three years involving 425 workers. The interior design was restored in accordance with the original by the internationally renowned designer Donald Starkey.

Savarona Yacht and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (AA)

Modernization Process and Current Status

On August 17, 2023, the Savarona was returned to the Naval Forces Command as a State Yacht. As part of modernization efforts at the Istanbul Shipyard Command, 80 tons of asbestos were removed, and the machinery, navigation, and electrical systems were renewed. The inner deck plates, fuel, and water tanks were replaced. Furniture was restored to match the original design. During full-speed sea trials, the yacht reached a speed of 17.2 knots.