Introduction A familiar feature of the Halifax waterfront is what appears to be a large Edwardian steam yacht berthed across from the main building of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. In fact, CSS Acadia is neither. Since she was built until 1913 - - three years after the death of King Edward VII - - she is not technically Edwardian. More importantly, she was never a private yacht but rather a government hydrographic ship, which also served as a warship in both World Wars.
What is particularly interesting about Acadia is how much of her early 20th century design she retains. Despite 56 years in service and the introduction of then-cutting edge technologies along the way, a visit to Acadia is very much a step back into the days of Titanic, Lusitania and Mauretania. Indeed, her interiors and open deck features recall the great liners of that period albeit on a smaller scale. Thus, Acadia is a must-see for those interested in such ships. |
Basic StatisticsClass: Unique
Builder: Swan Hunter Entered civilian service: July 1913 Commissioned (RCN) January 1917 October 1939 Decommissioned (RCN): March 1919 November 1945 Retired from civilian service: November 1969 Gross tonnage: 846 Length: 182 feet Beam: 34 feet Draught: 19 feet Propulsion: 2 fire tube Scotch boilers, 1 triple expansion steam engine, 1 propeller Speed: 12.5 knots Military armament: One 4 inch gun One 12-pounder gun Eight depth charges |
Cruise destination - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Visiting CSS Acadia - page one