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J.P. Morgan's Corsair IV
When J.P. Morgan Junior took delivery of the Corsair IV in 1930, she was the largest and most luxurious private yacht ever built in the USA. Morgan used her for a decade, mainly on the East Coast and in the Caribbean, before gifting her to the British Admiralty to help with the war effort.
After WWII she re-entered service as a cruise ship, plying routes in Alaska and from Long Beach California down to Mexico. The photo below shows her in Vancouver, 1948. Less than a year later she struck a rock and sank in shallow waters off Acapulco.
The story began in 1882 when J.P. Morgan Senior, one of the world's richest men and an avid yachtsman, bought the 185-foot steamship Corsair . He then commissioned the bigger, faster and more luxurious Corsair II (which the US Navy conscripted into service as a gunboat during the Spanish-American War) and the 304-foot Corsair III , a superyacht that featured a full-beam library, cases of wine and brandy, and humidors stocked with Cuban cigars.
Each of these three yachts generated great publicity, but media attention was particularly intense when the Corsair III was launched in 1898. It was at this time that Morgan made one of the most famous comments ever recorded. When a journalist asked him how much it would cost to operate a yacht of this size, Morgan replied:
Sir, if you have to ask that question, you can't afford it.
J.P. Morgan Senior
The Corsair IV
The Corsair IV was commissioned by J.P. Morgan Junior and built at Bath Iron Works, Maine. When she was launched in April 1930 she measured 343 feet in length and was the largest private yacht ever constructed in the USA. Nicknamed the "Princess of the Sea", she was an object of beauty with her black hull, clipper bow and elegant teak interiors. Morgan adored her, and reveled in the privacy she afforded him. One of his annual guests while cruising in Europe was the UK's Archbishop of Canterbury, and on one memorable occasion the two of them sailed across the Mediterranean to the Holy Land.
Following the outbreak of WWII and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, most privately-owned yachts in America were requisitioned by the US Maritime Commission and converted for use as gunships or patrol boats. For reasons which aren't entirely clear, Morgan gave the Corsair IV not to the US Navy but to the British Admiralty. Based in Bermuda, she served out the war as a patrol ship in the Western Atlantic.
Life as a Cruise Ship
After the war there was a dearth of cruise ships on America's West Coast. Many of the great Canadian Pacific and Japanese liners that serviced this coastline in the 1920s and 1930s had been lost in sea battles or fallen victim to mines. To plug this gap, the Pacific Cruise Lines company was formed in 1946 and promptly snapped up J.P. Morgan's Corsair IV . The yacht was re-named Corsair and taken to Canada to be converted to a luxury cruise liner.
With accommodation for 82 passengers and a crew of 76, the new Corsair exuded luxury. Staterooms were not only bigger and better equipped than rival ships, they were fitted with carpets and air-conditioning (almost unheard of at the time), and included furnishings made from the finest materials. The Corsair debuted in September 1947, offering two-week cruises from California to Acapulco. Ticket prices were high, but in booming post-war America, so was the demand.
The Corsair was a great success. Her cruises sold out well in advance and her popularity exceeded anything her new owners had imagined. Before long she switched from Mexico to Alaska and became the first ship to offer luxury cruises to the Inside Passage. Soon after she reverted to Mexico, the Panama Canal and across the Caribbean to Havana. And then tragedy struck: in November 1949 the Corsair hit a rock off the coast of Acapulco and sank. Fortunately none of her 55 passengers or crew were harmed.
Made in China: the Nero
In the early years of this century, British entrepreneur Neil Taylor began hunting for a classic yacht to restore and re-model along the lines of the Corsair IV . When he couldn't find what he wanted, Taylor set up his own company, Corsair Yachts, and commissioned a near replica of J.P. Morgan's yacht from Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China. Launched in 2008, the sleek, black-hulled superyacht was christened Nero . The following year she triumphed in the "Best Motor Yacht Over 75 Metres" category at the ShowBoats Design Awards.
In 2014 the Nero was bought by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien. Two years later he had her refurbished in Spain, requesting that she be brought up to European standards and given a classic, contemporary elegance. The Nero is now available for summer charters in the Mediterranean and winter service in the Caribbean & Bahamas. Since her introduction to the charter circuit she has won praise for her fusion of old-world charm and tasteful styling, with many clients commenting positively on her spacious interiors, Ralph Lauren decor and relaxed living environments.
Pinnacle Marine New Zealand
We have years of practical experience dealing with luxury yachts and are supported by a network of contacts throughout the industry. If you would like more information about luxury yachts, or anything else connected to the world of yachting, please feel free to contact us.
Grace, Michael (2008), The Tragic Life of the Corsair IV , New York Social Diary
Merl, Risa (2017), Nero: Inside the 90m Modern Classic Superyacht's MB92 Refit , Boat International
Viju, Mathew (2016), Eight Ways J.P. Morgan Defined the Good Life , Robb Report
Wisner, Bill (1975), The Golden Age of Yachts , Motor Boating and Sailing
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At Auction: Nautical Curiosities from J.P. Morgan’s Corsair
The second in a series of enormous steam yachts named Corsair was built for J.P. Morgan in 1890 by Neafie & Levy of Philadelphia, replacing an earlier craft used by the financier as a ferry between his Hudson River estate and office on Wall St. In 1897 the 241-ft. Corsair II became the flagship of the famed New York Yacht Club when Morgan was elected Commodore; in 1898 it was bought by the government and renamed the USS Gloucester , serving as a gunship in the Spanish-American War. Morgan, who commissioned an even larger Corsair to replace it, entertained great men of the day from Teddy Roosevelt and Thomas Edison to Mark Twain aboard the floating mansions fitted with every possible luxury.
Corsair with a Flagship banner. Some 220 pieces of it will be included in an historic sale of nautical curiosities from the various Corsairs and more at Boston Harbor Auctions on May 1. Other items from Morgan’s collection include a silver Tiffany & Co. cigar cutter designed in the Corsair ‘s crescent and star motif; his mahogany poker set complete with ivory chips; Boston-made brass ship’s clocks; embroidered table linens; specially bottled Scotch whisky and engraved tumblers; canvas covered wicker provisions trunks; and even a classic wooden launch from the Corsair III (pictured below in front of the NYYC in Newport). Not a bad haul….
Jared Paul Stern is the editor of Driven .
All photos courtesy Boston Harbor Auctions.
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Comments on “ at auction: nautical curiosities from j.p. morgan’s corsair ”.
Cute house.
Amazing. The interior is a wonder, I’m sure. I’ve been on Victorian Yachts at the Museum in Newport. Pianos, red velvet sofas. I can only imagine what’s in there.
Very cool. Great find MW.
Sweet! Bit of fun: the on-line catalog of the Morgan Library is called “Corsair.”
Jamie Dimon should buy it all.
I love the simplicity of the poker chips.
Comments are closed.
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Personal items revealing j.p. morgan's opulent life at sea to be sold.
- Artifacts to be sold from J.P. Morgan's yacht reveal high life of 19th-century American elite
- Items include silver sculpted lamp, ivory poker chips and hundreds of pieces of rare china
- Auction organizer says items show personal side of man known for exquisite taste
- Morgan commissioned the 241-foot yacht "Corsair II" in 1890
(CNN) -- Artifacts from the megayacht of 19th-century financier J.P. Morgan are to be sold this weekend at an auction set to reveal how one of America's most influential men enjoyed life aboard his second home on the high seas.
Commissioned by Morgan in 1890, the 241-foot yacht "Corsair II" played host to many of the era's richest and most prominent figures, including U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft, billionaire tycoons John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, as well as light-bulb inventor Thomas Edison.
Although the "Corsair II" has been long-since scrapped for parts, intimate items from the elegant, wood-paneled yacht will be auctioned Sunday in Boston -- with some lots expected to achieve bids in excess of $200,000.
The hundreds of artifacts for sale range from hand-crafted bone china bearing the Morgan family crest, to specially designed Tiffany cigar-cutters, to a vast and intricate silver lamp carved in the shape of a mythological dolphin and -- most luxurious of all -- a fully restored 30-foot launch boat.
But for Larry Lannan, owner of Boston Harbor Auctions , who will be handling the sale, the standout item is stored in a velvet-lined box with the "Corsair" flag embossed in silver: Morgan's set of ivory poker chips.
"The man loved poker and was known to play high stakes with all the heavyweight industrialists, financiers and politicians of the day," said Lannan.
"Imagine the hands that have touched these chips -- the likes of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. Just imagine all the late-night cigar-fueled drama in the middle of the sea, the fortunes won and lost!"
John Pierpont Morgan dominated the world of corporate finance throughout the late 1800s until his death at the turn of the century, but was also renowned for his passion of and investment in the arts, once stating: "No price is too great for a work of unquestioned beauty and known authenticity."
While Morgan filled rooms with masterpieces of fine art and collections of expensive gems, "most of it he never touched," said Lannan. "What we have here is a selection of very personal belongings that he and his closest circle would have handled on a daily basis -- his whiskey tumblers, tea cups, his chess table."
But, though prosaic, they are no less refined. The 220 pieces of china on auction were specifically tailored to Morgan's demands by English firm Mintons -- who at the time supplied crockery to the royal family.
"The blue trim with the gold accents and the Morgan signature flag of a crescent moon and star alongside the New York Yacht Club burgee -- all this would have been to Morgan's specific wishes," Lannan revealed. "He was certainly a man of highly particular tastes."
And for those who'd like to know what success really tasted like in the 19th century, then the auction also contains a rare bottle of J & G Stewart Scotch whiskey direct from Morgan's cellar.
"I'm not sure that it'll actually taste very nice," conceded Lannan. "So I hope whoever buys it won't be doing so for the flavor!"
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
J.p. morgan jr.'s corsair.
12 comments:
Glamorous photo. As Morgan Sr. once said, "if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it"
Incidentally, Corsair was built at the Bath Shipyard here in Maine. We look at it in this photo and we're moved both by its graceful lines, and its tasteful opulence. What isn't entirely clear is its size: At 343 feet, it was likely around 150 feet and more LONGER than the Morgan house at Matinecock Point. Think about it.
Aaargh, I didn't mean to comment three times, but forgot to include this link to a good article about Corsair: http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/30155
I don't own a hardcopy of this photo but it was among a number that sold at auction a few months ago that were part of a larger collection of Morgan family yachting possessions. Also sold was this beautiful trophy from J.P. and E.D. Morgan's racing yacht 'Columbia' (an America's Cup Defender): http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9921594
Today's word verification, "prime", is so appropriate for the subject of today's post. Also, great commuter yachton right of photo. My dad often told us about how he and his friends used to canoe under the bow of this magnificent yacht (while it was at anchor, of course). If any of you ever get to visit the Model Room of the New York Yacht Club, there is a large scale model of the Corsair (once the NYYC flagship)on display that is incredible. It features "cutaways" in the hull that allow you to peak into stateroom, head, coal bin, etc. Memorable, to say the least. OFLI
OFLI, I have indeed seen the model of Corsair at NYYC. Just extraordinary---as are so many of the models in that equally extraordinary room. There is also a magnificent model of the Corsair at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. It was made for the lobby of the Bath Ironworks, where Corsair was built. The fittings on that model are of gold to imitate the brass ones on the actual boat. Also on file at the Museum are the plans for Corsair. The various Corsairs plied Maine waters often---Mrs. Morgan Sr. and two of Morgan's Jr.s sisters all summered there (as did Morgan Sr.'s mistress), and the local Society columns of the day are full of tales of dinners held aboard the yacht, with sparkling guest lists, and tales of launches back and forth to shore. In his memoirs, Louis Auchincloss tells a marvelous tale of one Bar Harbor summer when his parents were summoned to dinner (his father sometime represented some of the Morgan interests). His mother, already invited to another party, made a social lie to her hostess of the sort that we're encouraged not to make as children, thus enabling them to go to the Morgan party. When called up by her children for the hypocrisy, she said that someday they would understand the necessity.
JP Morgan Chase owns a collection of dinnerware from the Corsair- terribly chic and elegant, emblazoned with the Corsair's flags (I think there's a nautical term for those triangular flags, but it escapes me) and comprising all sorts of items that no self respecting plutocrat would set to sea without: bouillon cups, oyster plates, celery dishes and the like.
DED, I'v driven past the Bath Iron works, but unfortunately, did not get a chance to stop in. I spent a few days at Small Point, Beautiful, but as one cruising book put it "... has mosquitos the size of sea gulls". Magnus, The small triangular flag you're referring to might be a burgee. For those of you interested in steam yachts, I would recommend the coffee table book, "The Steam Yachts: An Era of Elegance", by Erik Hoffman. Very nice book. In addition to the Ocean going yachts, it also features fast commuters, also owned by many of the North Shore's finest (such as the one pictured near the Corsair). On a nice day, it sure beatsa private train car or limo. OFLI
Magnus, love the details about the Corsair service. Quite remarkable, given the generally more casual air about even high end yachting nowadays, to think of the Morgans and their guests properly dressed for dinner, sitting down to delicate cups of consomme. The last time I was on a big yacht, a few months ago, it was ketchup bottles all the way. On the other hand, my great-grandfather, who was not particularly fancy in the big scheme of things, never went sailing without a tie, right into the 1960's. That era is very gone. OFLI, I have personally never seen a mosquito bigger than a sparrow up here, but I have heard of larger. I remember a summer evening many years ago, much too warm. I went down to the yacht club with the idea that I'd row a dinghy out to the center of the harbor and enjoy the still evening twilight. You'd think I'd know better in Maine at dusk in the summer. I lasted less than five minutes. I still remember the sound, like a million little dive bombers. It was like a scene in a horror movie---think 'The Birds' recast with mosquitoes.
I'm never clear on Morgan, Morgan Jr. - who owned "Matinecock Point"? Did Sr. first have property, then Jr. inherited? If I read the upside-down date(1894) stamped on copy I have - this yacht is Corsair II. Corsair I was a 185-foot purchase(1882) from Charles J. Osborn(Jay Gould's private banker}. Corsair II was 241-feet, commissioned after his father died around 1890. Designed by J. Frederick Tams and John Beavor-Webb. Corsair III was 304 feet built in 1899 by T. S. Marvel of Newburgh, NY. Corsair IV built at the Bath Works in 1929 was 343 feet. Link to captain's log on a early voyage - http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-01-24/wall_street/30046344_1_brooklyn-bridge-jpmorgan-skylight
Half & Half, Morgan Sr.'s country estate was on the west bank of the Hudson River. As far as I know he never owned Matinecock.
O(F)LI: Burgee- yes. Thank you
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SS Corsair IV
We see the ship here as the 1947 Pacific Cruise Lines SS Corsair having been sold
and completely renovated into a passenger ship from a private luxury yacht Corsair IV
For many years the author had a folder somewhere in the system containing the ships details as well as a series of photographs of this remarkable small classic vessel. She certainly was not one of the great liners of the world, for she was built and designed to be a luxury yacht that would later become a deluxe cruise ship. Many of my regular readers may say that this ship does not fit the profile of ssmaritime.com, however, I believe that this delightful ship has a special place in maritime history, for sadly so little has been written about her! It was only due to an email received from a reader with an enquiry regarding this ship, which prompted me to write and compile this story, and I trust that it will be greatly enjoyed by those who read it, although the Corsair did have a tragic end!
Background to her building:
The story starts with the famed Business tycoon J. Pierpont Morgan and his son, Jack Morgan who had built three fine yachts in their days. All of them had been named Corsair & Corsair II & III . Like any great man of wealth and power each yacht be bigger, faster and even more luxurious than the previous one. Because of this, the family created massive media attention each time a new yacht was launched and when the last ship was launched a rather famous quote became a byword for many in the world of the rich. For when asked Sir how much will it cost to operate a boat of this size Mr. Morgans response was, Sir, if you have to ask that question, you cant afford it.
J. P. Morgan Snr
Mr Morgan senior boarding the first SS Corsair
In 1927 the Morgans were already thinking of a new addition, the Corsair IV, which would be constructed at the Maine Shipyards. She cost US$2.5 million, being the equivalent of around 60 million plus in todays terms. This new ship would be the Morgans largest yacht ever, but also the largest yacht to have been built in the U.S.A. She had an overall length of 104.55m / 343ft, although her official registered length was 91.4 m / 300ft. She was listed as: 2,142 GRT (Gross Registered Tons).
The Morgans had a love for the traditional yachts and even a touch of the pirate look in the designs. This was obvious in the Corsair IV, as she was a long, sleek looking, dark and heavy below, with a stylised superstructure that was lighter and to be envied!
Her Launching:
When she was ready for launching in 1930, Jack Morgan Junior hired three private railway cars which were filled with family and friends, and transported them all the Bath Iron Works Maine shipyards for the grand occasion. The launching was a great event and was covered by all the media of the day, considering the Great Depression had already begun.
The sleek looking motor yacht Corsair IV slips into the water with a multitude of onlookers
The SS Corsair is seen being fitted out beside her builders at Bath Maine
Photograph is owned and was provided by Mr. Mark Pennington
Mr. Mark Pennington wrote the author and stated: My grandfather Ferdinand G. Dumais (Bud) worked at the Bath Iron Works during the construction of the SS Corsair and I have included two images he has left to me for your viewing and use. I only recently became aware of the identity of the ship and its owner through conversation with Mr. Nathan R. Lipfert, who is the Senior Curator of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath Maine .
A water colour image of the SS Corsair just after her completion
Image is owned and was provided by Mr. Mark Pennington
The author is most grateful to Mr. Pennington for providing these rare images and advising us about his Grandfathers involvement in her building.
**********************************
The Corsair Story:
SS Corsair IV served the Morgan family faithfully for the ten years, sailing along the East Coast of the USA as well in the Caribbean and she took part for trans-Atlantic record-breaking crossings. However in 1940 the Corsair IV was handed over to British Admiralty to be used for the war effort. After the war was over she was laid up as the Morgans had no further plans for her.
Here we see the SS Corsair IV completed and at sea looking simply splendid!
After World War II suddenly cruising had seemed to have become extremely popular amongst Americans who seemed to have money to spend on cruises, especially in the luxury end of the market. However at the time there were not any all first class ships that specialised in cruising, as most were liners that had two or three classed and operated on seasonal cruising. In addition, around half of the passenger ships had been sunk and those that had survived the war required extensive refurbishing and were needed on line voyages, and then even they would take several years before they would be back in service or new ships built. Well known North American Companies, such as American President Lines, Matson and Canadian Pacific Lines all took their time to get back to service. It took American President Lines three years to re-establish liner service to the Orient and it wasnt until 1948 when Matson Lines famous Lurline recommenced her Hawaii service. Canadian Pacific also took their time, but they all sailed again in due time! But, none of these would be ready to operate cruises.
There were some business men in the shipping industry who had a good head on them and they had a good idea about the luxury cruise market, and thus the Skinner and Eddy Corporation who owned the Alaska Steamship Company in 1946 decided to form a new branch the Pacific Cruise Lines. They went looking for a ship and soon found the perfect ship for their needs, the Corsair IV. The former super luxury Morgan yacht was purchased reregistered Panamanian flag.
She was officially renamed Corsair , with the IV being dropped, was taken to the Todd Shipyards in New York where she received some minor repairs required at the time as well as an overhaul in the engine room.
SS Corsairs engine room like the rest of the ship, it was spotless!
When these were completed she sailed to the Victoria Machinery Depot in Victoria , Canada , where a comprehensive conversion took place making her into a genuine luxury passenger cruise ship. Some of the most famous designers took part in her interiors, such as William F. Schorn & Associates of New York , who also worked on the famous liners SS Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay of McCormick Line. Every part of the ship, for now she was much more than just a yacht, but a glamorous ship, was redone in detail, but retaining the elegance befitting the luxury of the Corsair, but modernised with sublimely elegant surroundings for the ships passengers! When Skinner and Eddy Corporation of Pacific Cruise Lines planned a new ship, their plan was to offer to their cruise passenger one of the most luxurious cruise ships on the seas, and apparently they succeeded as the future booking would soon prove.
SS Corsairs facilities:
Facilities on the new and glamorous SS Corsair were second to none . She had just 42 staterooms accommodating 82 passengers. Each of her staterooms was much larger and more luxurious than on almost any other ship afloat. Obviously there was no expense spared in furnishing and decorating them, with the finest materials, and all done with the best workmanship that was available in the USA . Each of the Corsair staterooms and suites featured luxury beds, as there were no passenger berths on her. In addition every stateroom and suite had a private bathroom.
The bedroom of a double bedded suite
The bedroom of a twin bedded stateroom
Then lounge area of a twin bedded stateroom
SS Corsair had just over 40 stewards on board; however she did have a total of 76 crew members that is almost one per passenger, which is unheard of these days! Each passenger received individual attention and nothing was ever too much. Catering on board was the ultimate as some of the very top European chefs were hired to dish up their finest cuisine, and her food was lauded by everyone long after they had left the ship!
Stewards line up out on deck for inspection
One of the ships chefs ensuring the detail is perfect!
A gleaming galley
Her public rooms such as the Main Lounge, forward Observation Lounge, Cocktail Lounge, Restaurant and other on board venues were all luxuriously carpeted and fully air-conditioned as were all of her accommodations, bedrooms, sitting rooms and suites. The Morgans would have been very proud of her!
The Main Lounge
Forward Observation Lounge
Cocktail Lounge and Bar
The Thunderbird Restaurant
SS Corsair is ready to set sail:
Pacific Cruise Lines placed full-page advertisements for cruising on this super luxurious all first class SS Corsair in a popular Holiday magazine and the response was simply amazing. Suddenly bookings rolled in and before Pacific Cruise Lines knew it, they had a big waitlist on their hands. All was going well for their new ship!
SS Corsair looking like a luxury cruise ship in her new all white livery
Note her hull enclosures and aft deck extensions
SS Corsair made her maiden voyage on September 29, 1947 as she departed on a two-week cruise from Long Beach , to Acapulco , via a variety of ports. The fare started from $600 per person, which was expensive for those days and it equalled, it is said more than a quarter of the 1947 typical American family income at that time. But this was a luxury cruise line and was aimed at the rich and her cruises were selling out well in advance. Her popularity as a luxury cruise ship was even bigger than her owners could have imagined, as countless letters proved from her passengers during the first twelve months of operation. The super luxury cruise ship, SS Corsair was a massive success, and she was to have a profitable long future ahead of her!
Above and below : The 1948/49 Acapulco cruise brochure
Her Long Beach to Mexico cruises continued, however in the summer of 1948 Pacific Cruise Lines switched the Corsair to Alaska service, sailing out of Vancouver, British Columbia where she was the very first ship ever to provide a deluxe two-week cruise to the Inside Passage. In addition, there was another first for the Corsair Alaska cruises for they also had am especially chartered train transporting passengers from Whittier to famed McKinley National Park , which is now the norm with most cruise lines, but the Corsair was the forerunner of this operation!
Above and below : The 1949 Alaska brochure
This season was followed by a series of cruises to Mexico and Havana , where she cruised the Gulf of California and the Panama Canalthis schedule was completed in the spring of 1949. She then returned to Alaska for a series of summer cruises, which was again repeated by a season of cruises to Mexico from Long Beach beginning in October 1949.
SS Corsair seen at Long Beach California
Passengers enjoying the cruising life on SS Corsair:
Passengers enjoying a drink aft of the ship on the big bed
An intimate moment on the aft big bed still has that feel of a yacht!
Having fun up on deck
Tragedy struck the SS Corsair on November 12, 1949:
Then suddenly on November 12, 1949 whilst on a Mexican Riviera cruise, SS Corsair struck a rock and being in danger of sinking, she was beached at Acapulco . Her crew and all 55 passengers took to her lifeboats and went safely ashore.
Tragedy has struck as we see the Corsair on the rocks
This photograph is the property of Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
Thus, thankfully there was no loss of life. The Corsair soon listed onto her starboard side, and her promenade deck was soon under water. She was examined by her marine experts and owners, however it was determined that the luxury cruise ship was a total loss, and thus she was abandoned to Davy Jones locker. Today divers go down and look at this once great lady of the sea and they can only imagine her grandeur that once was.
As we think of the countless ships that I have written on over the years, we must admit that this small luxury yacht come cruise ship is very special indeed. There have been very few ships that compare to this magnificent super luxury cruising yacht in these modern days, for they build massive ships well over 223,000 GRT that simply look more like hideous Condos, and square boxes with a hull under it. But 1. you will cruise with a crowd, and 2. None will any of those ship come even close to equal the sublime elegance of the former J.P. Morgan yacht SS Corsair IV!
Sadly the storm clouds says it all, her days are over!
The end to P. J. Morgans dream
Remembering the SS Corsair IV
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Blue Water Liners sailing to the distant shores. I watched them come, I watched them go and I watched them die.
************************
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Launching of the yacht CORSAIR (IV) at Bath Iron Works, 1930
Contributed by maine maritime museum.
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Description
The steel-hulled, turbo-electric-powered CORSAIR was the fourth yacht by that name owned by J. P. Morgan and his family. CORSAIR (IV) was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath and was the largest yacht ever built in the U.S. She measured 2,142 gross tons, register length 300 feet, length over all 343 feet. Morgan used her for 10 years, mostly on the East Coast and in the West Indies. She was given to the British Royal Navy during World War II, and then was a luxury cruise ship on the West Coast until being wrecked near Acapulco in 1949.
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About This Item
- Title: Launching of the yacht CORSAIR (IV) at Bath Iron Works, 1930
- Creator: Perry Thompson
- Creation Date: 1930-04-10
- Subject Date: 1930-04-10
- Location: Kennebec River, Bath, Sagadahoc County, ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Dimensions: 19 cm x 24 cm
- Local Code: Neg. No. 03548
- Collection: Photographic Reference Collection, PC-3
- Object Type: Image
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- Yachts and yachting
- Yachts--Maine--Bath
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- Shipbuilding--Bath (ME)
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- Ships--Maine--Bath
- Bath Iron Works
- Corsair (Ship)
- Morgan, J P
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To escape the often tempestuous financial scene, J.P. Morgan found solace on the sea and owned a series of yachts during the course of his lifetime. It is Morgan who, when asked the expense in maintaining such a vessel, is credited as saying the now cliché approximation of, “if you have to ask how much […]
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Corsair III in Vencie 1902
©The Morgan Library & Museum, Archives Collection
To escape the often tempestuous financial scene, J.P. Morgan found solace on the sea and owned a series of yachts during the course of his lifetime. It is Morgan who, when asked the expense in maintaining such a vessel, is credited as saying the now cliché approximation of, “if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.”
Commodore of the New York Yacht Club from 1897 to 1899, Morgan purchased his first luxury craft in 1881, a 185-foot steam sailor christened Corsair . Just nine years later, Morgan commissioned the 241-foot Corsair II (designed by John Beaver-Webb and built by Neafie & Leavy out of Philadelphia), which included a 30-foot tender.
A haven from the public eye, the yacht was a pelagic playground for an elite few. Included among the onboard opulence was handmade bone china by Minton, Tiffany cigar-cutters, and a set of poker chips carved from ivory. The latter sold for $66,000 at auction in 2011.
In 1898, the Corsair II was conscripted into service by the United States Navy and became the USS Gloucester , a gunboat used during the Spanish-American War. This naturally necessitated that Morgan have a replacement, so the 304-foot Corsair III was constructed the same year by T.S. Marvel Shipbuilding. Amidst the yacht’s lavish layout were found a library that extended across the beam, a player piano, cases of wine and brandy, humidors stocked with Cuban cigars, and a comprehensive collection of dining accessories, including pearl-handled fruit knives, julep strainers, finger bowls and, of course, asparagus tongs. After Morgan’s death, the third iteration of Corsair saw action as a patrol ship in WWI and as a survey ship in the Pacific theater during WWII.
Sharing his father’s nautical nature, J.P. Morgan Jr. carried on the tradition by having the 343-foot Corsair IV completed in 1930. The largest yacht built in the United States at the time, it came at a cost of $60 million by today’s standards.
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
Corsair IV was constructed in Maine at the beginning of the Great Depression for $2.5 million (or about $60 million in today's currency). Measuring 2,142 gross tons, with a registered length of 300 feet and overall length of 343 feet, the Corsair IV was the largest yacht ever built in the U.S. Designed in the traditional piratical look of Morgan yachts; Corsair IV was long, dark, heavy ...
The Corsair IV. The Corsair IV was commissioned by J.P. Morgan Junior and built at Bath Iron Works, Maine. When she was launched in April 1930 she measured 343 feet in length and was the largest private yacht ever constructed in the USA. Nicknamed the "Princess of the Sea", she was an object of beauty with her black hull, clipper bow and elegant teak interiors.
The tragic life of the Corsair IV. The steamer yacht Corsair IV, built for J.P. Morgan Jr. in 1930, after its postwar conversion into a cruise ship in the Pacific. J. Pierpont Morgan Jr. could never have imagined his yacht Corsair IV being converted into a deluxe cruise ship whose short career would end in tragedy but it happened. J.P. Morgan ...
Corsair III, designed by John Beavor-Webb, was built in 1898 by T. S. Marvel Shipbuilding, Newburgh, New York, christened by the daughter of the owner, Miss. Louisa Morgan, and her hull launched in December 1898. [2] [3] Her triple expansion steam engines were fitted by W.& A. Fletcher Co. of Hoboken, New Jersey after launch. [2] J. P. Morgan died in 1913, and his son J. P. Morgan Jr ...
The second in a series of enormous steam yachts named Corsair was built for J.P. Morgan in 1890 by Neafie & Levy of Philadelphia, replacing an earlier craft used by the financier as a ferry between his Hudson River estate and office on Wall St. In 1897 the 241-ft. Corsair II became the flagship of the famed New York Yacht Club when Morgan was elected Commodore; in 1898 it was bought by the ...
Artifacts to be sold from J.P. Morgan's yacht reveal high life of 19th-century American elite ... Commissioned by Morgan in 1890, the 241-foot yacht "Corsair II" played host to many of the era's ...
Corsair IV was constructed in Maine at the beginning of the Great Depression for $2.5 million (or about $60 million in today's currency). Measuring 2,142 gross tons, with a registered length of 300 feet and overall length of 343 feet, the Corsair IV was the largest yacht ever built in the U.S. Designed in the traditional piratical look of Morgan yachts, CorsairIV was long, dark, heavy ...
Corsair I was a 185-foot purchase (1882) from Charles J. Osborn (Jay Gould's private banker}. Corsair II was 241-feet, commissioned after his father died around 1890. Designed by J. Frederick Tams and John Beavor-Webb. Corsair III was 304 feet built in 1899 by T. S. Marvel of Newburgh, NY.
J. P. Morgan Snr . Mr Morgan senior boarding the first SS Corsair. In 1927 the Morgan's were already thinking of a new addition, the Corsair IV, which would be constructed at the Maine Shipyards. She cost US$2.5 million, being the equivalent of around 60 million plus in today's terms.
The model is flying the New York Yacht Club burgee, J.P. Morgan's house flag, a name pennant and an American flag. The model is displayed in a mahogany framed glass case with a band of inlay around the edge of the case on a mahogany case. 56 x 16¼ x 57 in.(142.3 x 41.2 x 144.8 cm.) cased dimensions on stand.
The steel-hulled, turbo-electric-powered CORSAIR was the fourth yacht by that name owned by J. P. Morgan and his family. CORSAIR (IV) was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath and was the largest yacht ever built in the U.S. She measured 2,142 gross tons, register length 300 feet, length over all 343 feet. Morgan used her for 10 years, mostly on the East Coast and in the West Indies. She was given ...
JP Morgan "Corsair" Private Yacht Model Museum-quality ship model of JP Morgan's private steam yacht, the "Corsair" of 1930 built at Bath Iron Works. Equipped with built up mahogany cabins, planked deck, etc. Raked masts have standing and r
Commodore of the New York Yacht Club from 1897 to 1899, Morgan purchased his first luxury craft in 1881, a 185-foot steam sailor christened Corsair. Just nine years later, Morgan ... J.P. Morgan ...
A magnificent model of the American Steam Yacht Corsair, 1890. With masts and booms, standing and running rigging, anchors, anchor davits, winch, deck lights, paneled deck houses, with doors and windows, deck rails, companionways, deck lights, open bridge with telegraphs, binnacle and helm, ventilators, stayed funnel, with safety valve, extension rails and pins, paneled bulwarks, aft helm and ...
From $631.36/mo with. Check your purchasing power. See plans. Quantity. Add to cart. Exceptional, museum quality model of Corsair IV, JP Morgan's private steam yacht. This model is outfitted with raised paneled mahogany cabins, planked deck, turned brass fittings, rigged masts and etc. Detailed longboats and launches hang from davits.
Nine years later, Morgan commissioned his first yacht -- the 241-foot Corsair (II). The Corsair yacht employed both sail and steam for propulsion. It was with the Corsair yacht that Morgan became commodore of the New York Yacht Club from 1897 to 1899. A haven from the public eye, the yacht Corsair was a pelagic playground for an elite few.
Description. Exceptional, museum quality model of Corsair IV, JP Morgan's private steam yacht. This model is outfitted with raised paneled mahogany cabins, planked deck, turned brass fittings, rigged masts and etc. Detailed longboats and launches hang from davits. The vessel flies the New York Yacht Club burgee and the Morgan house flag.
An exhibition standard model of J.P. Morgan's steam yacht Corsair (II) W. Hitchcock a solid hull with painted red bottom, black topsides with inset portholes, black waist, planked and pegged decks fitted with numerous details including: jackstaff, anchor davit, anchors, anchor windlass, bollards, skylights, cabin structures, search lights, deck railings, ship's wheel, binnacles, engine ...
NERO evokes the spirit of 20th Century yachting glamour and successfully combines this with all the luxuries offered on a modern-day superyacht. Inspired by J. P. Morgan's fourth imagining of his Corsair yachts, the last of which was launched in 1930, NERO honours a classic lineage. Pairing classic style with contemporary sophistication, NERO ...
inspired by the luxurious corsair flagship yacht of the golden age. ... these limited edition residences are named for j. p. morgan's 1930 corsair iv, a 300-ft luxury yacht. robert a. m. stern is a world-renowned, new york-based architect, educator, and author. residences masterfully designed
Meet Sarah Stillpass, Global Investment Strategist, J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Our specialists are dedicated to providing expert wealth management advice and crafting a view on what solutions are right for you. ... yachts and commercial real estate. Sarah graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a ...
Bloomer is non-executive chairman of both Morgan Stanley International, which covers markets outside the U.S., and the Hiscox Group, an insurer that does business on the Lloyd's of London ...
Dimensions: 108" L x 24" W x 78" H (with raised panel table) Weight: over 200lbs. Exceptional, museum quality model of "Corsair II", JP Morgan's private steam yacht. This model is outfitted with raised paneled mahogany cabins, planked deck, turned brass fittings, rigged masts and etc. Detailed longboats and launches hang from davits.
The Morgan Stanley International bank chairman, and his wife were confirmed dead after five bodies were found by divers after the luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. Thursday 22 August 2024 ...
220 pieces of Mintons china owned by JP Morgan for use on his 1890 yacht Corsair. Each piece has the Mintons stamp of a red circle with a crown which represents the manufacturing period of 1873 - 1912. This china was used to entertain guests and friends such as Mark Twain, Thomas Edison,Theodore Roosevelt, William Randolph Hearst, Joseph ...
So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox. The body of the ship's cook, Recaldo Thomas, was ...
The yacht capsized at about 5:00 local time after a heavy storm caused waterspouts, or rotating columns of air and mist. ... Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer is also one of ...
Monumental model of JP Morgan's private steam yacht Corsair. The model has mahogany cabins with raised panels, countless skylights fitted with protective brass bars, planked decks, brass fittings including searchlights, bridge telegraphs, binnacle, anchor winch, davits etc. Five lifeboats and launches with ribs and floorboards hand form davits.