The King’s Britannia

Step aboard the illustrious Britannia and embark on a voyage through history,
where the allure of the sea meets the grandeur of royalty. The King’s Britannia
offers a captivating narrative that chronicles the life of the royal yacht Britannia.
This vessel became a symbol of British maritime supremacy and a beloved
icon of the yachting world.

Under the ownership of King Edward VII and King George V, Britannia reigned
supreme in the world of yacht racing, claiming victory after victory and captivating
the hearts of those who beheld her. With his insider’s perspective and
profound knowledge, Commander John Irving delves into the yacht’s origins,
the vision of her designer, and her impressive record on the racing circuit. This
meticulously detailed account not only celebrates the technical achievements
and aesthetic beauty of Britannia, a vessel that became a symbol of British
maritime supremacy and a beloved icon of the yachting world, but also
explores the deep connection between the ship and the people who sailed her.
From the excitement of her maiden race to the poignant lowering of her
racing colours, The King’s Britannia is more than just a yacht’s story—it
is a tribute to an era of elegance, tradition, and the undying spirit of
adventure.

John Irving was an officer of the Royal Navy from 1914 to 1945; a
naval gunnery expert, then brilliant Navigator and commander of
Antarctic expeditions. He was appointed a wartime Government
orator and stood for Parliament in 1948, having seen action in
historic sea battles, including the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and
Coronel and the Falklands, and fierce convoy ops in World War I.

Publication Date: Originally published in 1937 (republished in 2024)

Pages: 304