Museum Quality
Presented is
a magnificently made model of one of England most classic racing yachts owned by royalty her entire career.
The craftsman who built this model executed an exceptional work of maritime art that is meticulous in all respects. It
is fittingly called “MUSEUM QUALITY”. This Britannia, which is the first English ship of that name was a racing
yacht that was commissioned by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII in 1892. Cunard Line’s first steamship was also
named the Britannia, and of course until recently retired, her majesty Queen Elizabeth’s British Yacht of State carried
that name. All royal yachts would be more properly designated HMY BRITANNIA.
The original ‘Britannia’
was ordered in 1892 by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, and after his death owned by George V. Built on the Clyde, of
wood on steel frames, the vessel was launched in 1893 and enjoyed success in its early racing years.
This model is from the same source as those sold by a well known gallery
that specializes in ship models for considerably more money. It is exact in its design and equal in the quality
of the workmanship. All the customary gear and equipment is in place and carefully replicated.
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Midships, teak laid deck and houses
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This single masted gaff rigged model with boomed top sail has the
original’s royal blue hull with white boot top and maroon bottom paint. Her decks are hand laid teak.
It features a gaff rig main, three jibs, a foresail, mainsail, topsail. The running rigging,
including lazy jacks, and carefully stitched sails with reef points, is all authentic and makes this an incomparable
model. The deckhouse, and wood decks and cap rail are varnished.
DIMENSIONS:
Model LOA 45″ L x 7″ W x 47
1/2″ H Estimated Weight 20 pounds
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FIRST BRITANNIA: As stated in the second
paragraph, ‘Britannia’ was ordered in 1892 by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, and
after his death owned by George V.
She was built on the Clyde, of wood on steel frames, the vessel was launched in 1893 and enjoyed
success in its early racing years. In 1897, the Prince sold it, only to buy it back four years later and fit it out for cruising
only.
In 1921, the new owner, George V, refitted it out for racing, and for the first few seasons
was able to duplicate its earlier successes. However, as the years progressed ‘Britannia’ became increasingly
unable to hold its own against the more modern rigged J-class yachts. Although fitted out with a Bermudan rig in 1931, it
was still unable to match the newer yachts and was withdrawn from racing in 1935.
After George V’s death in 1936, it was towed out into the English Channel and sunk in
deep water off the Isle of Wight, in accordance with his dying wishes.
OUR GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: If not completely satisfied
with your purchase it may be returned if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original condition and packaging.
Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately,
no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.
