SS Delphine

The Golden Age of Superyachting Returns

Built in 1921 for the Dodge family, SS Delphine still sails under the original engines she was designed for.

The Yacht

SS Delphine is the world’s last operational steam-powered superyacht available for luxury charter. Built in 1921 for the Dodge family, she still sails under her original Horace Dodge quadruple expansion steam engines, restored for modern operation. Twelve cabins welcome twenty-six overnight guests, and she is available for private charter and quayside events.

Technical Specifications
SS Delphine at anchor in golden light below a steep wooded headland.

The History

  • SS Delphine seen from directly above on a dark blue sea, her full length from bow to stern with her tender alongside.

    1921

    Built in Michigan for Horace Dodge, who died before she was finished. She was launched in April 1921.

  • SS Delphine heeling over in a wall of spray at her sideways launch in 1921. Popular Mechanics, 1921. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

    1926

    Fire sank her in New York in 1926. She was raised four months later and restored.

  • SS Delphine as USS Dauntless in wartime camouflage at the Washington Navy Yard, circa 1944 to 1945. US Navy photograph 80-G-K-14448, Naval History and Heritage Command. Public domain.

    1942

    Taken into the US Navy as USS Dauntless. Flagship of Admiral Ernest King, head of the US Fleet.

  • Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin seated at the Yalta Conference, February 1945. US Government photograph, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Leather Chesterfield armchairs and sofa in the wood-panelled smoking room aboard SS Delphine today.

    1945

    Roosevelt, Churchill, Truman and Molotov come aboard as the post-war world is shaped.

  • SS Delphine sitting dry in the dock during her refit, her red hull and white superstructure seen from the quayside.

    2024

    A €100M+ refit returned her to service. She still sails under her original steam engines.

A long table laid for dinner down the teak deck of SS Delphine, seen from above with the tender cradled alongside.

Private Charter

SS Delphine is available for private charter and for quayside events for more than 180 guests. Pets are welcome; parties, events and night navigation are subject to prior approval by the captain and management. Every departure is confirmed at least six hours in advance, giving the steam boilers time to reach pressure. Rates are on request.

Charter Information

Inquiry

Send us an inquiry

We reply to every inquiry. You can also write to ssdelphineyacht@gmail.com or call +33 688 89 45 75.

Technical Specifications

Year built
1921
Engines
2 × Horace Dodge quadruple expansion steam engines, Great Lakes Engineering, N° 578 ST and 577 PS
Power
1,500 HP per engine
Maximum speed
10 knots
Cruising speed
8 knots
Range
3,000 NM economical, 4,000 NM at cruising speed
Generators
2 × Stamford HCM 534C1, MTU engine, 375 kVA. 1 emergency Stamford, John Deere engine, 150 kVA
Guests sleeping
26
Guests cruising
180, plus 12 overnight
Quayside events
180 and above
Guest cabins
12, with 15 beds
Connectivity
Starlink, 4G and 5G, WiFi throughout
Commercial status
YET 12, ISM, ISPS and MLC compliant

Charter Information

Rates are on request. SS Delphine is available for private charter and for quayside events for more than 180 guests.

She is YET 12, ISM, ISPS and MLC compliant.

Pets are welcome. Smoking is not permitted inside the yacht.

Night navigation, parties and events are subject to prior approval by the captain and management.

Departures must be confirmed at least six hours in advance, to allow the steam boilers to reach pressure.