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SS Delphine (1921)

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History
NameDelphine
OwnerJacques Bruynooghe
BuilderGreat Lakes Engineering Works
Cost$2 Million
Launched1921
StatusCharterable
History
US
NameSS Delphine
Commissioned1921
History
US (Navy)
NameUSS Dauntless (PG-61)
CommissionedJanuary 1942
Decommissioned1945
History
US
NameSS Delphine
Commissioned1945
History
US
NameSS Dauntless
Commissioned1967
History
 France, Singapore
NameSS Dauntless
Commissioned1989
History
Monaco
NameSS Delphine
Commissioned1997
General characteristics
Tonnage1961 (gross)
Length257.8ft
Beam35.5ft
Draft14.6ft
Installed powerSteam
PropulsionPropeller
Speedmax 12 knots
Capacity26 passengers
Crew24-30

SS Delphine is a yacht commissioned by Horace Dodge, co-founder of Dodge Brothers. The yacht was launched on April 2, 1921, and spans 258 feet. Power comes from three Babcock and Wilcox boilers[1] which power two 1500 horsepower quadruple expansion engines.[2] "Of all the large American-built steam yachts built between 1893 and 1930, the Delphine is the only one left in her original condition with her original steam engines still in service."[2]

The Delphine caught fire and sank in New York in 1926, to be recovered and restored. She suffered further damage in 1940 when she ran aground in the Great Lakes, and was repaired. She was acquired by the United States Navy in January of 1942 and rechristened USS Dauntless PG61, to serve as the flagship for Admiral Ernest King, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations. She was sold back to Anna Dodge (Horace Dodge's wife) after the conclusion of World War II and restored to civilian standards and service, including her original name.[1]

Delphine changed hands in 1967 and again in 1968, changing names again to Dauntless, only to be sold again in 1986, 1989, and finally 1997 - at scrap metal prices to her current owners - who proceeded to restore her for $60 million to the original 1921 condition including interior decor and the original steam engines.[2] She was rechristened Delphine by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco on September 10, 2003.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Horace Dodge's Steam Yacht DELPHINE www.ssdelphine.com/past.htm, accessed November 23, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c Joshua Levine (April 21,2008). "Vaporous Lady". Forbes. 181 (8): 236–238. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)