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.
Format
Also Available As
Physical paperback book
Printed on demand and shipped to your address
Printed to order: dispatches in 3-6 UK business days
Printed to order · tracked delivery
Tracked delivery
Times are from when you order. All shipments are tracked. Customs delays outside our control may occasionally extend international windows.
Ask Winston
Open Winston with a ready-made question and follow cited public archive sources.
Pay later available
Klarna, Afterpay/Clearpay and Affirm may appear at checkout where eligible.
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
Be the first to know about new releases, exclusive offers, and archive discoveries.
Commander John Irving · Hardcover · 589pp
Step aboard a bygone era of British seamanship with The Yachtsman's Week-End Book - John Irving's timeless maritime classic. Blending history, wit, and nautical lore, this richly illustrated compendium captures the romance of sailing, seamanship, and sea life around Britain's coasts. Perfect for sailors, collectors, and lovers of the sea.
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days
Commander John Irving · eBook · 175pp
Royal Navalese dives into the heart of Royal Navy tradition with this captivating hardcover book, meticulously compiled by RN Commander John Irving, a distinguished figure from the early 20th century and father to the acclaimed historian David Irving. This book offers a unique window into naval life, uncovering the secret language - or "Navalese" - spoken among sailors of the Royal Navy up until the twilight of the British Empire post-1945. Paired with the whimsical illustrations by Beryl Irving, David Irving's mother serves as both a historical artefact and a lively read. The book brings to life the camaraderie, hardships, and distinctive humour that characterized naval life. Each term and expression is presented with clarity, often accompanied by amusing anecdotes that capture the essence of maritime culture. First published in 1946 and republished in 2020 by Focal Point International, London, this edition allows readers to explore the nuances of naval slang that has evolved over centuries, offering insights into the language and Royal Navy life during a pivotal era. Whether you're a naval enthusiast, a linguistics aficionado, or simply curious about the unique lexicon of one of the world's most renowned maritime forces, "Royal Navalese: A Glossary of Fo'csle Language" promises an enriching journey through the words and expressions that have shaped the identity of the Royal Navy.
Instant digital delivery
Commander John Irving · Paperback · 589pp
Step aboard a bygone era of British seamanship with The Yachtsman's Week-End Book - John Irving's timeless maritime classic. Blending history, wit, and nautical lore, this richly illustrated compendium captures the romance of sailing, seamanship, and sea life around Britain's coasts. Perfect for sailors, collectors, and lovers of the sea. Paperback, 589 Pages
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days
Commander John Irving · Hardcover · 250pp
Master the art of coastal navigation with Lt.-Commander John Irving's timeless guide for sailors and students of the sea. From plotting your first course to reading buoys and avoiding collisions, Coastal Navigation and Pilotage offers clear, practical instruction backed by detailed charts and diagrams. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yachtsman, this book will give you the confidence to sail safely along any coast. A must-have manual for every navigator's cabin table. Order your copy today and chart your own safe landfall.
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days