A Presidential yacht, commonly referred to as a vessel within a country’s naval fleet reserved exclusively for the use of the nation’s President, typically receives this prestigious designation during a fleet review.
Several countries maintain vessels permanently designated as Presidential yachts:
1. Egypt: The President of Egypt enjoys the privilege of utilizing the El Mahrousa, which ranks as the eighth largest yacht in the world.
2. Finland: The President of Finland makes use of a smaller private yacht, the Kultaranta VIII.
3. India: India’s presidential yacht is the INS Sumitra.
4. Italy: Italy designates the Italian ship Argo (MEN209) as its presidential yacht.
5. Philippines: The Philippines has seen several vessels serve as presidential yachts, including Casiana (1936-1941, renamed Banahaw), Orchid (1946-1948), Dalisay (1948-1959, renamed Apo, Pagasa, and Santa Maria), RPS Lapu-Lapu (1959–present, renamed RPS Roxas, RPS The President, RPS Pag-Asa, and BRP Ang Pangulo).
6. Russia:Russia has employed presidential yachts for its leaders, such as Olympia (2002–2009, used by President Vladimir Putin), Sirius (2010–, initially used by President Dmitri Medvedev), and Graceful (2018–, the most recent presidential yacht). Additionally, the Russian government has utilized a special vessel named Rossiya, which dates back to the Soviet Union era. In 2003, the ship Burevestnik was commissioned to serve Russia’s leaders.
7.Turkey: Turkey’s Presidential Yacht Savarona is the current vessel in use. The Turkish government has also commissioned the construction of a new 50-meter yacht for the personal use of the President and visiting heads of state. This new yacht, being built in Istanbul, is reported to feature a ballistic hull, surface-to-air missiles, and high-tech equipment.
8. United States: While the United States employed presidential yachts in the past, including USS Mayflower (1906–1929), USS Potomac (1936–1945), USS Williamsburg (1945–1953), and the most recent presidential yacht, USS Sequoia (1933–77), the practice has since been discontinued.
9. Yugoslavia: Yugoslavia’s most famous presidential yacht was the Galeb, which belonged to Marshal Josip Broz Tito.
