HMY Saudadoes was a royal yacht of the Kingdom of England constructed in 1670 on the orders of King Charles II for his consort, Queen Catherine of Braganza. The vessel was built to provide a means of leisure travel on the River Thames and to facilitate diplomatic and personal communication between the English court and the queen’s native Portugal.
Construction
The yacht was launched in 1670, reportedly with a tonnage of approximately 86 tons, a beam of 18 feet (5.5 m) and a draft of 8 feet (2.4 m). As originally built, Saudadoes was armed with six small guns, reflecting the practice of equipping royal yachts with modest armament for defensive purposes. In 1673 the vessel underwent a rebuilding that increased its armament to sixteen guns, converting it into a more robust sixth‑rate ship while retaining its role as a royal yacht.
Service
Saudadoes was employed for pleasure trips on the Thames, serving as a symbol of royal prestige and as a private conveyance for the queen and her household. In addition to domestic duties, the yacht made at least two voyages to Portugal, allowing Queen Catherine to maintain contact with her family and homeland. These voyages underscored the diplomatic significance of the vessel, linking the English and Portuguese courts during a period of close alliance.
Later Fate
Records indicate that Saudadoes remained in royal service until the late 17th century. In 1696 the yacht was captured, though details of the capture—such as the captor and subsequent disposition—are not extensively documented in contemporary sources.
Historical Context
The commissioning of HMY Saudadoes reflects the broader trend of European monarchs maintaining dedicated royal yachts for personal and diplomatic use. The vessel’s construction under the supervision of prominent shipwrights of the era (including Anthony Deane) illustrates the integration of naval craftsmanship with royal patronage.
Legacy
While the yacht itself did not survive into the modern era, HMY Saudadoes is noted in naval histories and maritime reference works as an example of an early English royal yacht. It is listed among the Royal Yachts of the Kingdom of England and appears in reference compilations such as the “Three Decks” database and various encyclopedic entries.
Accurate information is not confirmed for aspects of the yacht’s later service and the specifics of its capture, as contemporary records are limited.