'Brittania'

'Brittania'

Britannia was built in 1893 as a gaff-rigged cutter for King Edward VII. She was designed by George Lennox Watson and built for £8,300 at D&W Henderson shipyard in Patrick on the River Clyde. She served both himself and his son King George V with a long racing career from 1893 to 1936.

 The Half Model was left to the ISC  by Sir Philip Hunloke G.C.V.O. Commodore of the ISC 1901-1902 & 1944-947. Sir Philip was the King's Sailing Master in charge of King George V's Britannia.

The Brittania Half Model is in the 'Dining Room'

Sailing as Gaff Rigged Cutter

Coverted to a 'J Class' with Burmuda Rig in 1931

Britannia's racing career over 43 years was outstanding and she produced the race results in highly competitive fleets which would eventually establish her as the most successful racing yacht of all time.

 By the end of her first year, Britannia had scored thirty-three wins from forty-three starts.

 Despite a lull in big yacht racing in 1897, Britannia served as a trial horse in Sir Thomas Lipton's first America's Cup challenger in Shamrock.

 In 1898 Edward VII sold Britannia on to several owners in cruising trim. He soon regretted it and by 1902 she was back in his ownership and racing in the British regatta circuit. She was inherited by George V in 1910 and after another update, she continued racing successfully in the British Big Class. Two years after the end of World War II and King George V taking over ownership he felt the country needed a boost. This provided the King in fitting out Britannia for racing for the 1920 season re-established the 'Big Class' in the aftermath of the war and paved the way for new boats built on the introduction of the 'J' Class. In 1931  Britannia was converted to a 'J' class with Bermuda rig, and despite the modifications, her performance to windward declined dramatically. Her last race was in Cowes in 1935 and during her racing career, she had won 231 races and took 129 flags.

 King George V's dying wish was for his beloved yacht to follow him to the grave. On 10th July 1936, after Britannia had been stripped of her spars and fittings, her hull was towed out to St Catherines Deep south of the Isle of Wight. She was scuttled and laid to rest by HMS Winchester, with a simple garland of flowers placed on her stem head.

Britannia preparing to leave Cowes harbour

Britannia undertow before being scuttled

HMS Winchester Built by J.S.White of Cowes 1919

This Naval destroyer was used to scuttle the Britannia

Chart showing resting place of Britannia.

Saint Catherine's Deep.

South of The Isle of Wight