Messages

1

The Alexander Palace / Re: Hidden room and basement passages Discovered in the AP.

« on: February 25, 2014, 12:59:35 AM »

Here are my drawings for the location of the kitchen tunnel.....links:

http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php?topic=4716.msg458800#msg458800

http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php?topic=4716.msg458192#msg458192

2

Imperial Transportation / Re: The Standart

« on: September 08, 2013, 09:49:25 PM »

3

The Windsors / Re: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

« on: August 19, 2012, 11:20:36 PM »

I seriously doubt the Duke is being treated for a mere bladder infection.   Males are not usually treated to multiple hospital stays for this malady.  Some day we'll probably know the real story.  He certainly gets around well for someone of his age.  The medical details of the royals is often shrouded in mystery.

4

The Windsors / Re: The Diamond Jubilee - 2012

« on: February 03, 2012, 11:18:32 AM »

The last I heard, she was in dry dock for repairs and cleaning. Is she out now then ?
 In 1983, when the Quuen visited California,  we produced a commemorative plate featuring the yacht, which, in the end, she did not use because it was too stormy at that time. Still have some of those plates.

She took on a serious list just before being moved to the dry dock.  This was caused by a hole in the shell plating below the waterline.  Several areas of the interior were flooded.  Pumps were activated to de-water the ship.  As we can see the master of the port has ordered a tug to nose up against the hull to keep her from tipping over.  This is a precaution as she was not in immediate danger of rolling over.   Is anyone superstitious?

 Not sure when  she will be out of the dry dock and fit for service.

5

The Windsors / Re: The Diamond Jubilee - 2012

« on: February 03, 2012, 12:24:58 AM »

The old royal yacht has been completely modified into a museum.  There is  an entire industry at Leith that relies on the yacht for income as a tourist attraction.  The city has a legal hold on the yacht and intends to keep it.  Its days as a Crown property are over.

If HM needs a yacht there are dozens of gorgeous new ones available for lease or sale.

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The Feodorovski Cathedral & Gorodok / Re: Tennis Court

« on: January 15, 2012, 10:41:44 PM »

7

Imperial Transportation / Re: The Standart

« on: January 13, 2012, 04:03:45 PM »

what can one say but wow?

http://s008.radikal.ru/i304/1101/9c/9b49bb05c95a.jpg

thanks for posting.   I do not think I have ever seen that photo.....wow is correct.

8

Imperial Transportation / Re: Imperial Yacht Tsarevna

« on: January 10, 2012, 04:09:16 PM »

Imperial yachts never sailed alone: they were escorted by naval ships, which had spare cabins for accomodating low-ranked suite members.

You make a good point Mike.   I didn't mention it because I thought most everyone already knew that.   I believe there were always at least two in attendance.

  These guard ships came in  handy when the Standart went aground in 1907.  They rushed in to rescue the Imperial family and others on board.   

9

Imperial Transportation / Re: Imperial Yacht Tsarevna

« on: January 09, 2012, 12:30:20 PM »

That is why I asked, Douglas, about the capacity issue. Were there other ships/yachts along with this one to house the surplus of availability ?

Yes there were other yachts available but I have no definite information on their travels during this time period.   All I have read is that the Tsar complained and a new larger yacht was ordered.

10

Imperial Transportation / Re: Imperial Yacht Tsarevna

« on: January 07, 2012, 06:05:18 PM »

Here is the Tsarevna at anchor in a port.   Alexander III considered this yacht to be too small for his large extended family.   He ordered the construction of the much larger Polar Star. which was much more comfortable.

11

Imperial Transportation / Re: The Standart

« on: January 03, 2012, 09:55:52 PM »

As I've already noticed somewhere, one of the purposes of the Standard's long sailings was allowing its officers to gain promotion scores. It was mandatory for a naval officer to make long sailings to get promoted and to receive regular service awards.

You are very correct Mike..   Plus, on these long voyages the crew did not have to be concerned with the day and night comfort of the Imperial family.   The long voyage was basically training and  relaxation for the crew. 

12

Imperial Transportation / Re: The Standart

« on: January 02, 2012, 02:40:25 PM »

To slightly (actually a  lot) shift the topic: What was the longest cruise of the Standart? That is, what was the farthest port or point it ever reached? I would think that would be one of the stops off the east coast of England. Anyone know of a cruise farther afield (asea)?

I believe the longest voyages were the ones from St. Petersburg, south to Gibraltar,  across the Mediterranean Sea and finally  stopping at Yalta, near the Livadia palace.  [5,200 nautical miles/9,800 Km...one way ]  The Imperial family would meet the yacht in the Crimea, traveling there by train.

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Imperial Transportation / Re: Imperial Yacht Tsarevna

« on: December 31, 2011, 08:57:40 PM »

Happy NY, Douglas.
 The yachts;  these family sailings were  rather large, what with staff, servants crew and all. And the yachts were hardly  Cunard ocean liners so  where did everyone fit on the the  ships ? Must have been very cramped, even with the size of these vessels.

Thanks Robert.  Yachts have always had a way of making all of the interior compartments a wonder of miniaturization.  Twenty inch stairways, narrow passageways and very tiny cabins are an example.  I suppose they had to leave most of the staff at home.   

When they built the larger yachts, of course everything became more spacious and they really had all the comforts of home.  

I sailed on a 1905 steam yacht a few years ago and was so surprised at how small  everything was.   It was all very cozy and intimate to say the least.

14

Imperial Transportation / Re: Imperial Yacht Tsarevna

« on: December 31, 2011, 12:47:41 PM »

Here are some additional photos of the yacht "Tsarevna".   She was used by the Dowager Empress for short voyages after the death of Alexander III .


Here is a picture from 1891.  Tsar Alexander III and members of the family.

15

Imperial Transportation / Re: The Standart

« on: December 31, 2011, 12:16:27 PM »

...And, yes of course, General Count Alexander Grabbe is the officer bracing himself against a railing/structure in the left background in the second photograph.

 Regards,  AP.

Thank you!

A pleasure!  A Happy New Year to you and yours!         Regards,  AP.

The Count Grabbe is leaning on the up-lifted glass roof of the engine room below.  If you stand there you receive some nice warm air from the steam engines below.  I've done it myself and its great on a cold day at sea.

Thanks for the details, AP and a Happy N.Y. to you and everyone.