HMY Saudadoes

HMY Saudadoes was a royal yacht built in 1670 on the orders of King Charles II of England for his Queen, Catherine of Braganza.

It was used for pleasure trips on the River Thames and to maintain communications with the Queen's homeland of Portugal, making the journey twice.

The idea appears in some measure confirmed, by a note relative to captain Jennifer's appointment, in which it is said to have been made by the queen herself.

The 'Soldado's coxswain, a young sailor John Dann, later deserted and joined Henry Every in what became known as the most profitable raid in history.

The name was evidently chosen by Queen Catherine herself, and gives an insight into her character expressing deep feelings of wistful longing for an absent person or place left behind.

Saudadoes circa 1677