Built in Sydney, Australia, in 1901, one of the world’s last remaining Edwardian steam yachts has new owners, a Melbourne family who intend to keep the boat in the South Pacific country.
Constructed for a Sydney banker as a pleasure cruiser, the luxurious 100-foot Ena epitomizes its era, but the yacht has not had an easy life. It was sold to the fledgling Australian navy and served during World War I. Later, stripped down, it became a fishing trawler in Tasmania. The Ena sank off the coast of Hobart in the 1980s, but was rescued and its gleam and opulence were restored.
A Swiss banker had kept the yacht moored in Sydney for 25 years. It soon will depart for its new home in Melbourne, but last week the Ena took one last ride around Sydney Harbour.
“This is the greatest steam yacht in the world,” new owner Warwick Turner told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. “There are two others, but this is considered by many as the best.”
“Steam is something that just gets in your blood,” Turner added.
Valued at $4 million Australian ($3.7 million in U.S. dollars), the yacht will be used as a venue for corporate functions.
“I happen to know the Turners, and I couldn’t think of better people to take her on and look after her and be the custodian,” boat restorer Mitch Spooner said.
