The auction, ordered by the French courts, comes with an "as is, where is" condition, with a remarkably low minimum bid of €500,000 (approximately $520,000). The sale is being facilitated by local law firm BMC Avocats, with the vessel currently docked at Sud Marine Shipyard in Marseille, France.
The upcoming auction follows a legal dispute involving unpaid fees to Sud Marine Shipyard, where the yacht is currently berthed. Bidders must have legal representation and place a deposit in an escrow account. Interested parties can arrange onboard visits on January 13, 2025, to assess the yacht’s condition.
If no bids are received, the vessel will remain available for acquisition at a reduced price of €325,000.
A Storied History
The SS Delphine, measuring 258 feet (79 meters), holds a distinguished place in US maritime history. Built in 1921 by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in Michigan, she was the largest steam-powered yacht built in America. Commissioned by Horace Dodge, co-founder of the Dodge automobile empire, the yacht was named in honor of his daughter, Delphine Dodge Cromwell.
Her innovative design was more than just a vanity project. Horace Dodge himself contributed to the development of her quadruple steam engines, a groundbreaking engineering feat for the era. Tragically, Dodge passed away just months before the yacht's completion, leaving his wife, Anna Dodge, to oversee the project. Delphine was christened by her namesake on April 2, 1921, and became a symbol of luxury and innovation.
Tragedy and Triumph
The yacht’s journey has been anything but smooth. In 1926, while en route to Florida, the SS Delphine caught fire in New York City. The crew escaped unharmed, but the yacht sank. Following her recovery, extensive repairs were undertaken at a Brooklyn shipyard, including a new interior crafted by the renowned Tiffany store in New York.
During World War II, the yacht was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy and renamed USS Dauntless, serving as a flagship for Admiral Ernest J. King. After the war, she returned to the Dodge family, who eventually donated her to a foundation in 1967. Years of neglect and ownership changes followed, leaving the once-pristine vessel in disrepair by the 1980s.
A Resilient Revival
In 1997, Jacques Bruynooghe, a Belgian entrepreneur, purchased the deteriorating yacht and embarked on a meticulous six-year restoration. With the help of his daughter, Ineke Bruynooghe, he restored Delphine’s period-authentic interiors and revived her original steam engines. The yacht was rechristened in 2003 by Princess Stephanie of Monaco, marking a triumphant return to the water.
Delphine subsequently entered the charter market, offering guests the rare experience of cruising aboard an authentic steam-powered yacht. Accommodating up to 26 guests, with room for 100 for dockside events, her weekly charter rate reached $470,000 at the height of her glory.
A Unique Opportunity
The SS Delphine’s inclusion in the Top 100 yachts by length during her early years and her historic status as one of the largest American-built yachts make this auction a unique opportunity. While her current condition is uncertain, the potential for restoration or preservation ensures she remains a prized piece of US maritime history.
According to YachtBuyer Market Watch, the SS Delphine was initially put up for sale on March 31, 2010, with an asking price of €38,000,000. After a series of price reductions, the yacht was last listed for €19,750,000 before being withdrawn from the market in February 2017.
For maritime enthusiasts, collectors, or investors, the auction offers not just a yacht, but a living artifact of a bygone era. The SS Delphine stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring allure of classic design.
