Suez Canal opening ... the lovely old motor yacht

[Pete Bower]

Those of us who have followed the unbelievably quick progress of the construction of the "new" Suez Canal, and who saw news excerpts yesterday of the opening ceremony, must have noticed the beautiful old white-hulled steamer used in the celebration.
I believe, but I'd like confirmation, that she featured in the FIRST opening ceremony as well. Is this true? What is her name? What is her history? When was she built? Who owns her now, and where is she based?

[Clive Harvey]

The vessel is the Egyptian presidential yacht El Horriya (formerly the Egyptian Royal Yacht Mahroussa). I believe that she is in fact now named El Mahroussa. She is 150 years old and was built by the Samuda Brothers, whose shipyard was on the Thames.

[Pete Bower]

Excellent. Thanks, Clive.

[davidships]

She is this one:

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=754874