Britannia and Other Yachts Racing
This view shows his majesty’s royal yacht Britannia, owned by King George V, racing with other yachts off Cowes around 1912. In the background steams the RMS Olympic, while further in the distance looms the royal yacht Victoria and Albert. Designed by G.L. Watson, HMY Britannia was built in 1893 at Henderson’s yard on the Clyde. She immediately proved herself a success, becoming a champion yacht in her first year. King Edward VII and his son George V regularly enjoyed sailing Britannia. King George V requested that, after his death, royal yacht Britannia be scuttled rather than scrapped.
The original painting can be viewed on board RMS Queen Mary 2 in the Commodore’s lounge on 9 Deck.