Naz Perwer
The motor yacht was ordered by the Prince Youssef Kamal, a relative of King Fuad, as a replacement for a steam powered yacht. The Prince was an Egyptian geographer and world traveller and was one of the richest people in Egypt, which is reflected in the lavish fitting out of the Naz Perwer.
The Naz Perwer was built by established yacht manufacturers Ramage & Ferguson of Leith, Scotland (1877 - 1934). The keel was laid down in 1923, launched on October 12th 1923 and completed during March 1924. The hull was made of steel.
Gross tonnage was 598 tons, length 235 ft, breadth 29ft 6in breadth and depth 17ft. The twin screw yacht was powered by two Sulzer Brothers Winterthur built four cylinder diesel engines (470mm x 820mm), each producing 850bhp. Home port was Alexandria, Egypt.
Whilst under test in the North Sea the measured mile average speed was 16knots, the 500 mile continuous test at full speed lasted for 33hours with an average speed 15.5knots.
After testing was completed the Naz Perwer departed for Alexandria. Then followed a clockwise cruise round Africa, departing by the Suez Canal and returning via the Straits of Gibraltar.
When built it was one of the most highly powered yachts afloat, with its furnishings reflecting the wealth of its owner. The dining room was panelled in mahogany in the style of Queen Anne and fitted with large skylights, the stateroom was in the style of Louis 12th, with stained wood and fine figured mahogany panelling, the fireplace equipped drawing room was in the Tudor style, oak with heavy carved mouldings.
The yacht was also equipped with the Marconi marine V4 radio equipment that allowed for the reception of broadcast programmes at sea. Whilst on a trip to Bergen (on sea trials?) Aberdeen was recieved clearly during daylight and at night both Aberdeen & Newcastle were heard from a position 100 miles north of Bergen. The Chelmsford station was received during virtually the whole cruise including when the yacht was landlocked in fjords 200 miles north of Bergen.
In July 1929 the yacht became stranded and sank (location unknown).
To make good the loss of the 1924 built Naz Perwer Prince Kamal returned to Rumage & Ferguson in 1930 for a new yacht. This vessel was powered by two eight-cylinder diesels built by Friedrich Krupp AG Kiel. This yacht would pass through several owners, renamed the 'El Quosseir' and as of 2018 was in the care of the Egyptian Navy.
Page added January 21st 2023.
Resources:
Papers Past: Otago Daily Times March 20th 1924.
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