HMY Katherine (1674)

HMY Katherine was a royal yacht built for King Charles II of England in 1674. She was one of several yachts built during the Restoration period, a time when the English monarchy was re-established and naval power was being rebuilt.

The Katherine was built by master shipwright Sir Anthony Deane, a prominent figure in the English naval administration of the time. Her design was influenced by the Dutch yachts that Charles II had admired during his exile in the Netherlands. These yachts were known for their speed and maneuverability, qualities highly valued for royal transportation and naval reconnaissance.

Details regarding the exact dimensions and armament of the Katherine are somewhat scarce, but records suggest she was a relatively small vessel, suitable for coastal voyages and ceremonial duties. Royal yachts of this period were often lavishly decorated and fitted out to reflect the prestige of the monarch.

The Katherine served the English monarchy for a number of years, providing transportation for the King and other members of the royal family. Like other royal yachts, she would have been used for pleasure voyages, attending naval reviews, and conveying dignitaries. Her ultimate fate and the precise details of her service history remain partially undocumented, though she would have been superseded by newer vessels in later years.