Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JJ
The Royal Yacht Britannia first launched in 1953 was the official seafaring vessel of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family for over four decades. Used for state visits, royal vacations, and diplomatic trips, the vessel is now a popular tourist attraction moored in Edinburgh where it offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life.
Throughout its working life, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II during her overseas tours, sailing over one million miles around the world while promoting British interests abroad.
The vessel is now kept in immaculate condition by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is open year-round for visitors to follow in the footsteps of world leaders as they explore the royal’s private quarters and the below-deck rooms. Self-guided audio tours will take you to every nook and cranny of this enormous ship while information panels explain what life would have been like on board the vessel in its heyday.
There’s also an excellent restaurant onboard on the upper deck as well as a gift shop in the visitor centre, and as Britannia is moored alongside Ocean Terminal you can easily visit the restaurants, shops, and cinema that the waterfront shopping complex has to offer.
1: The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Exploring this iconic vessel gives you a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating maritime history of the Royal Family and discover the stories behind their voyages and state visits.
2: The Royal Yacht Britannia has been meticulously preserved since its decommissioning in 1997. As you explore the ship, you’ll be able to view the opulent interiors which include the State Apartments, the Royal Bedrooms, and the impressive Royal Deck Tea Room.
3: The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in the historic port of Leith, just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. The yacht is docked permanently, allowing visitors to soak in the waterfront views while they explore the vessel. After your visit, you can take a walk to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Leith with its charming shops and restaurants.
1: Although the tickets are a wee bit pricey there’s a lot to see so you’ll spend a good 2-3 hours on Britannia. While the tickets are expensive if you only make one visit, they allow unlimited re-entry for one year, so keep hold of them in case you decide to return another day.
2: Ocean Terminal is a nice shopping centre with a cinema and several cafes and restaurants. You could easily stretch your Britannia visit to last most of the day if you use those facilities.
3: If you want to explore the city centre after a visit to Britannia take Lothian Bus services 11, 22, 34, 35 and 36. Highlights of Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle (obviously), Calton Hill , The Scott Monument , Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace .
The ship is entered via the visitor centre in Ocean Terminal which is situated on the top floor of the shopping mall. As you walk around Britannia’s five main decks on a self-guided tour you can listen to an audio guide that explains what life was like on board not only for the royal inhabitants but also for the Royal Navy crew that manned it during its voyages.
Starting at the bridge you pass through the state apartments, the crew quarters, and the engine room before finally reaching the racing yacht Bloodhound which is part of an interesting royal sailing exhibition.
There are many highlights of this ship that all family members will enjoy – including the huge state banquet room with its massive dining table and the gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom that used to travel on the ship along with the Royal Family.
If you fancy a wee treat you can pick up some delicious homemade fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop. but make sure you leave enough room for the Royal Deck Tea Room where you can sample top-notch Scottish cuisine as well as coffee and sandwiches. The entry ticket includes free re-admittance for one year so if you ever go back to Ocean Terminal you could always take another visit just for the restaurant.
Britannia was built at the Clydebank shipyards near Glasgow and successfully launched in 1953, with its maiden voyage to Malta beginning in 1954. During its time at sea, Britannia was manned by volunteers from the Royal Navy, some of whom liked it so much they served onboard for over 20 years.
Whenever royalty was on the vessel a full troop of Royal Marines accompanied them, and during this time they would have sailed around the globe several times as the royal family undertook their ambassadorial duties in almost every nation on earth. Britannia also performed services as an aid ship, evacuating over 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden in 1986, and was ready to be converted into a hospital ship at a moment’s notice.
Britannia was eventually decommissioned in 1997 after mounting political pressure regarding the cost of maintenance made its continued use impossible. The ship was finally tied up at Ocean Terminal where The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust was set up to look after it. Today, more than 300,000 people visit the Royal Yacht Britannia each year, making it one of the top five tourist attractions in Scotland.
Check out the Britannia Visitor Centre : Start your visit at the Britannia Visitor Centre located in Ocean Terminal. There, you can discover Britannia’s fascinating history through exhibits and photographs before you step aboard the yacht itself.
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia : Step aboard the British monarch’s former floating palace and explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters, and engine room. This magnificent ship offers a unique glimpse into royal life at sea thanks to audio guides which are included in the ticket price.
Tea at The Royal Deck Tea Room : After your tour, unwind at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Enjoy traditional teas, delicious cakes, sandwiches, and spectacular views of the docks and the Firth of Forth . It’s a great way to reflect on your visit to Britannia before deciding where to go next.
Attend a Special Event : The Royal Yacht Britannia hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from Hogmanay celebrations to Burn’s Night suppers . To see which events are coming up next, head to the official Royal Yacht Britannia website .
Visit The Gift Shop : You cannot miss Britannia’s gift shop in Ocean Terminal which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts and souvenirs. From royal memorabilia to nautical-themed toys, you’re bound to find the perfect memento for your visit.
Ocean Terminal . 74 Ocean Dr., Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. 2-minute walk. A large shopping centre that’s one of the first arrival points for ships sailing into the Firth of Forth. Ocean Terminal contains a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and department stores.
Leith . 8-minute walk. A vibrant and historic area of Edinburgh that is renowned for its trendy bars and restaurants. Leith is architecturally significant for the number of restored Victorian warehouses that line Commercial Street and Bernard Street. Some of Scotland’s best restaurants are located in Leith, including The Kitchin and Wishart.
The Water of Leith . Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HE. 11-minute walk. A walkway that runs for 12 miles from the Colzium Hills outside of Edinburgh to Leith. The majority of the path is set on quiet pavement that runs alongside the river. Much loved by locals for its wildlife.
Leith Links . 4 Links Gardens, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8AA. 18-minute walk. Informal gardens and a play park that was historically a golf course but has been revamped into a recreation area.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society . The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ. 13-minute walk. The Vaults is the main site for the SMWS in Edinburgh. Visitors can sample a range of quality single malt whiskies as well as gins and rums, along with optional expert-led tasting sessions.
Where is the royal yacht britannia berthed.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith Port in Edinburgh, next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Ocean Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, and the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre is on the second floor. Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.
No, the British Royal Family does not currently have a yacht. The last royal yacht was the HMY Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a museum ship in Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is owned and managed by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
The Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 due to maintenance costs and changing politics which meant the yacht was considered unnecessary. It was estimated in 1996 that a refit would cost £17 million and would only prolong the ship’s life for an additional 5 years.
Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .
It doesn't get more majestic than Queen Elizabeth II's yacht.
Seventy years ago, the Britannia began its journey as the royal yacht for Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family of the United Kingdom. Over the next 44 years she’d travel more than a million nautical miles and, in all her glamour and old world elegance, served as a residence that welcomed state visits from all over the world and family holidays alike. Then and now, she was and is a majestic symbol of the British Commonwealth and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II .
“Britannia is special for a number of reasons,” Prince Phillip once said. “Almost every previous sovereign has been responsible for building a church, a castle, a palace or just a house. The only comparable structure in the present reign is Britannia. As such she is a splendid example of contemporary British design and technology.”
Although she retired from service in 1997, today the Britannia, one of many of the world's grandest yachts , is docked in Edinburgh, where she is open as a visitors’ attraction and host of private events. Below we give you all the Royal Yacht Britannia facts you might want to know, from who owns the yacht now to why she was decommissioned to how fast she is to how to get tickets to visit. Britannia was, after all, the one place the queen said she could “truly relax,” so why not see why for yourself?
On February 4, 1952, John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, received the order from the Admiralty to build a new Royal Yacht to travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in times of war, according to the royal yacht's website . King George VI passed away two days after, sadly, and so on April 16, 1953, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II announced the yacht’s new name as the ship was revealed.
"I name this ship Britannia,” she said. “I wish success to her and all who sail in her." Britannia was commissioned into the Royal Navy in January 1954 and by April of that year sailed into her first overseas port: Grand Harbour, Malta.
The queen and The Duke of Edinburgh worked with interior designer Sir Hugh Casson for the ship to serve as both a functional Royal Navy vessel and an elegant royal residence. Queen Elizabeth II selected deep blue for Britannia’s hull, instead of the more traditional black. Its Naval crew included 220 Yachtsmen, 20 officers, and three season officers—plus a Royal Marines Band of 26 men during Royal Tours.
All of them might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, so the laundry service on board worked nonstop. The yacht also engaged in British overseas trade missions known as Sea Days and made an estimated £3 billion for the Exchequer between 1991 and 1995 alone.
The ship’s wheel was taken from King Edward VII’s racing yacht, also named Britannia, according to Boat International , and the 126-meter ship could reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots, according to Super Yacht Times . Other fun facts: The yacht could produce her own fresh water from sea water, and shouting was forbidden aboard to preserve tranquility, favoring hand signals for Naval orders instead.
Over the next 44 years, the Britannia would sail the equivalent of once around the world for each year, in total visiting 600 ports in 135 countries. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones were the first of four couples to honeymoon on the ship in 1960, gifting them all privacy to sail to secluded locations. Prince Charles and Princess Diana followed in 1981 on the Mediterranean as well as Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips before them in 1973 in the Caribbean and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 in the Azores.
For family vacations aboard the ship, games, treasure hunts, plays, and picnics were organized, and on warm days the children could play in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.
In the Sun Lounge, the queen especially enjoyed taking breakfast and afternoon tea with views through large picture windows, a space you can see replicated in the TV show The Crown. Although no filming took place on board the Britannia for the show, researchers ensured scenes aboard it were accurate. In the queen’s bedroom, the resemblance is seen down to the decorative wall light fittings and embroidered silk panel above her bed that had been specially commissioned.
In 1997, the ship was decommissioned after the government decided the costs to refit it would be too great. On its final day in her service that followed a farewell tour around the U.K., the queen openly wept as the Band of HM Royal Marines played "Highland Cathedral."
"Looking back over 44 years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction," Queen Elizabeth II said. All clocks on the ship stopped at 15:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked from the yacht for the final time, and they would remain at that time until the present.
Today the yacht is owned by Royal Yacht Britannia Trus t, and all revenue it generates goes to the yacht’s maintenance and preservation. Ticketed entry allows you to step into state rooms like the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room and State Drawing Room, in addition to the working side of the ship in the Crew’s Quarters, Laundry and gleaming Engine Room. Along the way you will see original artifacts from the shop—95 percent of which is on loan from The Royal Collection.
You can visit the Britannia any day of the year on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Hours vary by season, and you can find them listed and purchase tickets on the yacht’s website . Private tours are also available, and you can visit the Royal Deck Tearoom, where the Royal Family hosted cocktail parties and receptions, for drinks, meals and scones. Additionally, the Britannia hosts special ticketed events for New Year’s and other occasions, and event spaces can be booked as well.
While you are in Edinburgh, you can also stay on the Fingal , a neighboring yacht-turned-floating-hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the Britannia, and dine at its Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, which serves breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails.
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We explore how the royal yacht britannia, the royal family’s former yacht, became one of britain’s best-loved attractions….
Words by Kirsten Henton & photos by Euan Myles
This year marks two major milestones for the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia , the Royal Family’s former yacht, aboard which they would cruise the Western Isles of Scotland each summer. Celebrating both 70 years of service and 25 years as a multi-award-winning floating museum and visitor attraction, this regal yacht is more popular than ever.
Since dropping anchor in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith and opening to the public in 1998, a year after it was decommissioned, Britannia has captivated some six million visitors. It’s a spectacle of refined elegance crammed full of fascinating royal and naval history.
Somewhat randomly, Britannia, and the bold tartan trews worn by the guides, were fixtures in my family for over a decade. Having taken early retirement, my father, Richard Henton, who has a lifelong interest in the Royal Navy, subsequently worked as a guide aboard Britannia from 2003 to 2014.
As he puts it: “The nice thing about working on Britannia was being associated with a truly prestigious icon that was instantly recognised internationally. I also had a certain affection for the Royal Yacht since I remember her launch back in 1953.”
The decades following WWII witnessed great change globally. War-torn countries from Europe to Eastern Asia endured significant financial and social hardships, while colonised countries that had formed the backbone of European empires, many of whose citizens had fought and died in two World Wars, actively sought their independence.
Seismic events such as the Partition of India, unrest in Palestine and Malaya (now Malaysia), and the later Suez Crisis all signalled the complexities of this new order. In addition, the Commonwealth came to prominence. Plus, Britain had a new monarch. Following the death of King George VI on 6 February 1952, 25-year-old Elizabeth was proclaimed queen and a new chapter in British history began.
It was into this changing world that Britannia was launched. In fact, the shipyard received the official order to commence work on the new Royal Yacht from the Admiralty on 4 February 1952, just two days before King George VI died.
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA: UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Although plans for a new Royal Yacht were temporarily shelved owing to WWII, work began on Britannia in 1952 at the renowned John Brown & Co. Shipyard in Clydebank, where liners including the Lusitania, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth were also constructed. Although officially launched on 16 April 1953, it wasn’t until 11 January 1954 that Britannia was commissioned into active service with the Royal Navy.
The 412-foot-long (126-metre) yacht was one of the last fully-riveted ships to be built. It was seen to have quite the modern form with a crisp clipper bow and a sleek cruiser stern. Meanwhile, down in the engine room, two steam-powered turbines generated 12,000 horsepower and a maximum speed of 22.5 knots (around 25 mph).
Curiously, the ship’s wheel, which was taken from its 1893 namesake, Edward, Prince of Wales’s (later Edward VII) Royal Cutter Britannia, is located in the wheelhouse for security reasons. This meant that yachtsmen at the helm couldn’t actually see where they were going. Instead, they followed instructions via voice pipes from the bridge above.
The ship’s name also remained a mystery to all but a few until its christening. When Queen Elizabeth II smashed a bottle on the bow in April 1953, some 30,000 people, mainly shipbuilders and their families, turned out in the pouring rain to hear her proclaim “I name this ship Britannia” for the first time, although it was never painted onto the hull.
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA: UNDERSTATED INTERIORS
Stepping aboard Britannia, you might expect some serious luxury. However, as Laura McCall, of the Royal Yacht Britannia reveals, luxury wasn’t the look the Royal Family were going for at all: “The initial designs were considered to be too opulent and, instead, more of a ‘country home’ feel was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip… it’s elegant yet reflects the post-war austerity in which the ship was built.”
This period also necessitated the ability to convert Britannia into a hospital ship, should it ever be required. Over in the state apartments, it’s a homely affair. What’s more, it remains relatively unchanged, a time capsule of chintzy chairs, surprisingly narrow single beds and considerably ordinary decor.
Of course, the grand state dining room, magnificent staircase, and teak sun lounge with its giant picture windows – said to have been our late Queen’s favourite spot – quickly remind you that it was still a floating palace fit for royalty.
THE ROYAL YAHCT BRITANNIA: LIFE AT SEA
Britannia offered an escape for the Royal Family. It was a private bubble, which Queen Elizabeth II described as “the only place I can truly relax.”
McCall says: “King Charles enjoyed summer holidays on Britannia and in later years, [it] was where His Majesty brought his own sons for family trips to the Western Isles.” It has also hosted four royal honeymoons and, McCall continues, was where “the Royal Family entertained everyone from prime ministers and presidents to the celebrities of the day, including Frank Sinatra.”
For the 220 yachtsmen, known as ‘yotties’, who served aboard Britannia, life was very different to other postings. The rules were unusual, for starters. As Acting Captain J S Dalglish, the officer in charge of commissioning Britannia, later wrote: “Everything in the yacht is done in complete silence. We used no… broadcasting device for getting orders round the vessel, but instead the telephone etc. below decks, and signs and signals above.”
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA: THE SOFT ART OF DIPLOMACY
It wasn’t all high days and holidays, however. Britannia was a mobile ambassador, a vessel that ferried the next generation of royals looking to represent Britain through diplomacy, trade, even the odd humanitarian mission.
It also played a vital role in connecting Britain with the expanding Commonwealth, formed of mainly ex-British territories all the way from New Zealand to Jamaica. In her Christmas Day broadcast in 1953, Her Majesty The Queen said: “The Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the empires of the past. It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace.”
Britannia was a vital tool the Royal Family used to honour those promises and strengthen ties with nations previously stitched into its empire.
THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA: THE MUSEUM
Today, people visit Britannia from all over the globe. According to my father: “The highlight of being with visitors was their evident interest in all aspects of life on board and observing their reactions to what many considered to be the decidedly non-luxurious aspects of the Royal Family’s accommodation and the generally cramped nature of the ship’s company.”
He adds: “Those from Commonwealth countries and the USA showed particular interest since they had often seen Britannia when she visited their own countries.”
Planning a visit? My dad’s top tip is not to rush it but to give yourself sufficient time to look around properly – at least an hour and a half. Personally, I can’t recommend a trip to the Royal Deck Tea Room enough. Go for a scone and a glass of something bubbly, stay for the views to Fife and the Antony Gormley statue gazing across the Forth.
Britannia’s arrival in Leith opened a new chapter in the yacht’s story. Now, as Britain welcomes a new monarch, she continues to tell the tale of the royals of the 20th century.
To book your tickets for The Royal Yacht Britannia, go to royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
This is an extract, read the full feature in the July/August 2023 issue of Scotland, available to buy here from 16 June.
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For over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents and celebrities.
Now you can host an exclusive dinner for up to 196 guests or a drinks reception for up to 450 people. Intimate tasting experiences for up to our Officers' Wardroom can be held for up to 16 guests. As Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's former floating royal residence, you will find the same high standards today as when Britannia was in Royal service. Days of preparation go into every event. Everything is considered, down to the smallest detail; from fresh flowers to the finest crystal, gleaming silver cutlery to personalised menus, embossed with Britannia's unmistakable gold crest. Our in-house culinary team is led by Executive Chef, Mark Alston, and the exquisite cuisine is all prepared on board in the original Royal Galleys, using only the finest, seasonal ingredients. We are here to help you get the very best from your event. Our experienced Events team will look after every detail for you, from the personalised invitations to the after-dinner entertainment.
Plan your event of a lifetime aboard one of the most luxurious venues in the world.
Capacity by configuration | Dimensions | |||||||
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Banquet | Boardroom | Cabaret | Classroom | Reception | Theatre | Area | Height | |
196 | 450 | |||||||
16 | 97m | 2.5m | ||||||
80 | 150 | 177m | 3.2m | |||||
96 | 38 | 170 | 164m | 3.0m | ||||
100 | 82m | 3.0m |
The floating palace served the royal family for 44 years.
The Crown Season 5 kicks off with a flashback of a young Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland for the launch of the Royal Yacht Britannia , just as both she and the vessel were about to venture into uncharted waters. In an obvious metaphor, the United Kingdom’s newly crowned queen expressed her hope that the Britannia would be “dependable and constant, capable of weathering any storm.” As viewers now know, the late British monarch went on to enjoy a historic reign prior to her death on Sept. 8, 2022. As for whether the Royal Yacht had as impressive of a run, here’s everything to know about Britannia’s current whereabouts and sailing status.
The new royal yacht, which was commissioned just two days before King George VI died in February 1952, was designed to travel the globe and double as a wartime hospital ship. In light of the King’s declining health before his death, it was also intended to be a cruising convalescent residence for the ailing royal. As portrayed in the Netflix series, the Britannia launched from a Clydebank, Scotland shipyard in April 1953.
For the next 44 years, the yacht would serve as a royal residence for Queen Elizabeth, who welcomed aboard such world leaders as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, and Rajiv Gandhi, among others, for various state dinners. Meanwhile, other members of the Royal Family over the years used Britannia for such purposes as family holidays and honeymoons. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones were the first newlyweds to honeymoon on the yacht in 1960, and Prince Charles and Princess Diana later famously spent their 1981 honeymoon on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the yacht. According to Town & Country , the crew managed to duck the press so efficiently that the Britannia earned the nickname “the ghost ship.”
Outside of the vessel’s recreational uses, the Yacht also played a role in some major historic events. When a civil war broke out in South Yemen in January 1986, for example, the Britannia, as a non-combatant Royal Navy ship, was allowed to enter territorial waters to rescue trapped British nationals without inflaming the conflict.
After traveling more than one million nautical miles, former Prime Minister Tony Blair decommissioned the Britannia in 1997. The ship became the last of 83 Royal Yachts, a tradition dating back to Charles II’s reign in the 1660s. “Looking back over forty-four years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction,” said the Queen, who was photographed publicly shedding tears at the ceremony. All of the ship’s clocks remain stopped at 3:01, the exact time that she disembarked for the last time.
Now, the Britannia is located in Edinburgh and serves as a tourist attraction and exclusive events venue. Visitors can explore each of the five decks of Queen Elizabeth’s “floating palace” during hours that it’s open to the public. Meanwhile, the yacht is also available for private tours and exclusive use, as it is available to rent for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, etc. For the first time, Britannia will also host a “Royal New Year” party for ticketholders to ring in 2023 aboard the historic yacht.
Britannia's fabulous Gift Shop has a great range of exclusive souvenir gifts, Royal gifts, china, toys, food and nautical items, ready to be sent within the UK. Hand-picked by our team of experts, you'll find some of our bestsellers online, with the full range available from our Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
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Team profile.
Nationality: Great Britain
Representing: Royal Yacht Squadron
Key people: Ben Ainslie, CEO; James Allison, CTO; Martin Fischer, Chief Designer.
Key sailors: Ben Ainslie (skipper) , Giles Scott (helmsman) ; Freddie Carr; Dylan Fletcher; Leigh McMillan; Neil Hunter.
This is Ainslie’ third attempt to win the Cup for Great Britain, and it’s a team that is all about the tech. Backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives the team access as part of the INEOS Sport Group to Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team , with live data link-ups to the Mercedes Applied Science team in Brackley, as well as working with the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team .
The British team was formed in 2014, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, with Ben Ainslie leading the charge.
After winning the America’s Cup with Oracle Team USA in San Francisco (2013), Ben Ainslie set out to win another, but this time with a British Team. The British Team made it to the semi-final in Bermuda (2017), but were knocked out by Emirates Team New Zealand .
In 2018, the British Team joined forces with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and became INEOS Britannia.
The 2024 37th edition of the America’s Cup in Barcelona marks the first time a British team has competed in 3 consecutive America’s Cups since Sir Thomas Lipton and the Royal Ulster YC bids between 1899 to 1930.
The America’s Cup began in 1851 in Cowes, Isle of Wight, organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, and predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. Since losing the first competition 173 years ago against the Americans (New York Yacht Club), the British (Royal Yacht Squadron) are still yet to win…
The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight, is a highly prestigious and exclusive yacht club with over 200 years of rich history . They host a wide range of events and races throughout the year, including Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race , as well as marking the finish line for elite offshore competitions like the Ocean Globe Race .
Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron, or “The Yacht Club” as it was then known, was situated at Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London.
The Prince Regent was welcomed as a member in 1817, and in his later ascension to the throne as George IV, Royal was added to the club’s name. The club kept a close association with the Royal Navy, with early honorary members including Nelson’s Captain at Trafalgar, Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy.
Built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences, Cowes Castle has a long royal naval history . After being decommissioned in 1855, the Castle was taken over by the Royal Yacht Squadron and became their clubhouse.
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The year was 1892, Scottish designer George Lennox Watson received a commission from Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales for a sailing yacht. He designed His Royal Highness’ Yacht Britannia to the “Length And Sail Area Rule” as a First Class cutter and had her built alongside his America’s Cup challenger Valkyrie II at the David and William Henderson’s yard in Partick, Glasgow on the banks of the River Clyde. She was launched on April 20, 1893, a week ahead of Valkyrie II.
During her first year’s racing, Britannia had scored thirty-three wins from forty-three starts. In her second season, she won all seven races for the first class yachts on the French Riviera, and then beat the 1893 America’s Cup defender Vigilant in home waters.
Royal sailing yacht Britannia’s racing success would last decades amassing 231 wins and taking home another 129 flags.
King George V requested that his beloved yacht, the Britannia, be scuttled upon his death. On 10 July 1936, after Britannia had been stripped of her spars and fittings, the empty hulk laid at her buoy in Cowes Roadsher hull, where she was towed out to St Catherine’s Deep, somewhere west of Ventnor and south of the Needles, and she was sunk by HMS Winchester, commanded by Captain W.N.T. Beckett RN. Nobody is supposed to know the exact location of where the famous yacht Britannia found it’s resting place, but to this day fishermen from the island report having snagged nets on her.
Fast forward to 1994, the only exact replica of ‘The King’s Yacht’ Britannia was commissioned (royal approval by HM the Queen) and built in the Russian port of Arkhangelsk, inside the Arctic Circle, and financed by a Norwegian magnate, Mr Sigurd Coates. “It cost a tenth of the price of what I would have to have paid for it at a western European shipyard,” Coates tells Bergens Tidende. 15 million kroner and 12 years later, she was completed. But the new shipyard owner had decided to keep the yacht for himself. After three years of legal battles, she was put to sea at Arkhangelsk on 11 June en-route to Northern Norway. By February 2012 she was brought west and south to Cowes, arriving home safely under the guardianship of her new owner, Minicast Holdings Ltd, Gibraltar, which, upon its completion, will be donating the use of the yacht for a minimum of 10 years to the Britannia Trust to be a flagship for charities around the world.
K1 Britannia Ltd , will oversee the refit of the Britannia replica, which will be done by Venture Quays, East Cowes. Venture Quays was originally built in 1935 by British aero and marine-engineering company Saunders-Roe.
The Royal Yacht will be rebuilt according to her 1931 specification when the original Britannia was refitted with a Bermuda rig and converted to the J-Class . Upon completion, she will have the largest wooden mast in the world!
The hull and deck of the replica yacht Britannia are sound, but the interior needs to be completely refitted. Restoration work includes fitting new deck hardware, new interior, new mast, rigging, sails, engines and generators. The aim is to use her for a whole range of projects, activities, and charitable projects around the world.
Stefano Faggioni is to act as chief interior designer, with the aim of making the interior of the new Britannia look as much like the original as possible, but with modern amenities.
The reconstruction team is now seeking sponsors to design and build each item that was on board the original Britannia. Click the following link fo more information on the Britannia trust , and how you may help assist the restoration.
George Lennox Watson “Britannia” Specifications:
LOA: 172.0 (end of bowsprit to end of boom) * LOD: 121.5 ft (37.0 m) * LWL: * Beam: 23.66 ft (7.21 m) * Draft: 15 ft (4.6 m) * Ballast: * Displacement: 221 tons * Sail Area: 10,328 sq ft (959.5 m2) (1893) * Yard Number: 366 * Hull material: Wood construction * Rig: Gaff-rigged cutter * Designer: Watson * Built by: D&W Henderson Shipyard Ltd * Year launched: April 20th, 1893 * Restored By: Scuttled (July 10th, 1936) * Original Owner: Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. * Current Owner: * Sail Number: K1
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INEOS Britannia, the British Challenger of Record racing for the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd in the 37 th America’s Cup, has ended the Round Robin stage of the Louis Vuitton Cup on the top of the leaderboard. Ben Ainslie’s British team won its final scheduled race against Orient Express Racing Team (FRA) this afternoon, which tied them on points with the Italians, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. The two teams then entered into a “Sail-Off” to see who would end up in first place and therefore have the privilege of picking their opponent, entry side and race number in the Semi-Final of the Louis Vuitton Cup. INEOS Britannia dominated the race against the Italians to secure the race win and top spot of the leaderboard. The Semi-Final of the Louis Vuitton Cup, which determines which team takes on Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the 37 th America’s Cup Match, begins on Saturday.
INEOS Britannia Team Principal and Skipper Ben Ainslie said: “The team did a great job digging deep through the Preliminary Regatta and this Round Robin and taking learnings from all those races. Our performance recently is a real credit to the team, and not just those on the water, but those back at the base in Barcelona and back in the UK – all the hard work is paying off. We said all along, the America’s Cup is a development game and we started off a little bit rusty in the Preliminary Regatta and the beginning of this Round Robin stage, but every day we sail this boat we are getting better and better and I think we’ve got a great package, but there is still a long way to go.”
After a delayed start, the race against the French got underway in testing, light air conditions, with plenty of pressure on the Helms and Trimmers to keep the boat on the foils. Ben Ainslie and his crew got the best of the start, separated well to windward of the French boat and a couple of knots quicker. The extra speed quickly converted to a lead that gave the British boat control as they got to the boundary. When the French boat tacked, INEOS Britannia was able to tack between them and the breeze and throttle off their power supply.
By the first gate, the British had a lead of 25 seconds, and quickly extended that downwind. The breeze softened significantly a couple of times, but the INEOS Britannia crew sailed beautifully to keep the boat foiling. Eventually, it was France that had the touchdown, dropping back several hundred meters before they could get the boat stabilised and back in the air. The sixth win for INEOS Britannia was confirmed soon after as they crossed the line in style. The win for the Brits in turn knocked the French out of the competition. Orient Express Racing Team was hoping to win the race against the British, and have Alinghi Red Bull Racing lose their race against the Italians to be level on points and then have a sail-off for the fourth and final spot in the Semi-Finals.
Just minutes after the British and French race , Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA) was forced to pull out of their race against Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI) with a jammed starboard foil arm. It gifted the race to the Swiss and left the Italians tied with the British, activating a sail-off.
The sail-off started right after the final scheduled race of the Round Robin, in which New Zealand beat the USA. The pre-start was a repeat of the first race of the day. Luna Rossa went back to the start line early giving themselves a lot of time to kill, and INEOS Britannia were able to again, start well separated to the right of their opponent, with more speed.
Ben Ainslie and his crew edged out into a controlling position by the first tack and were able to make the Italians suffer up the beat, just as they had done with the French. The deficit at the first gate was 18 seconds, and from there it was all about the British boat.
The team sailed flawlessly around three laps and six legs. At the end of the first lap the advantage was 29 seconds, at the end of the second it was 49 seconds. The Italians had a good final upwind, pulling back 12 seconds, but a safe final leg saw INEOS Britannia home with a solid 42-second win, victory in the Round Robin and the right to choose their Semi-Final opponent.
INEOS Britannia Co-Helm Dylan Fletcher said: “To get another race against Luna Rossa and another win is very good for the team. We feel like we are building some solid momentum so we will aim to continue that for the Semi-Final. The boat speeds between teams have been quite close and everyone has their ideal conditions, I’m sure all the boats will be getting faster so we just need to keep our head down and work on our areas to come out fighting in the Semi-Final.”
The Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Final kicks off on Saturday 14 September. INEOS Britannia will announce which team they have chosen to race at the pre-event Press Conference on Friday. The teams the Brits have to choose from are: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA), New York Yacht Club American Magic (USA) and Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI). The first team to win five races, and score five points, in each pairing will progress to the Final (26 Sept-7 October), with the winning team of that match going on to face Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the 37 th America’s Cup Match (12-27 October). UK viewers can watch all races live on TNT Sports from 13:00 BST (14:00 CEST) each race day.
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control
Where kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers once dined, your event becomes part of a timeline of historic moments experienced aboard Britannia, a truly special private event venue in Edinburgh. With the Royal Yacht yours for the evening, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and landmark moments in business and life with dinner or a drinks reception in the State Apartments.
Your dedicated Events Manager will ensure every detail is executed with precision and passion maintaining the same high standards as expected during Royal service.
Enquire with our Events team for your event of a lifetime
Private hire of Edinburgh's most prestigious event venue includes The State Dining Room, the Wardroom or both.
Dining on board, the finest crystal, gleaming cutlery, fresh flowers and personalised menus set the scene for exquisite dishes.
Enhance your event with entertainment on board
Read the words of those who have already followed in the footsteps of Royalty.
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit.
Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!
Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal. Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea.
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes
Learn more: fingal.co.uk
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Enjoy a captivating glimpse into the history of the Stevenson family, brought to life by our Scottish storyteller and much more. Prepare for a night of enchantment and exceptional hospitality at Fingal! To complement your visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, check out our programme of events on board, from treasure hunts to anniversary celebrations.
Experience an event of a lifetime. Fingal Scotland's luxury floating hotel. Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024 Please pre-book your tickets to guarantee admission. ... The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 - 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
Special Events on Britannia. Step aboard for the event of a lifetime with one of our exclusive events. Hogmanay aboard Britannia. Celebrate the New Year aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. Full Details. Burns Supper. ... The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 - 10 October for planned building works out with our control. ...
Both Morning and Evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here. PRESERVING BRITANNIA. Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070).
construction and design of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht's life began on the River Clyde. It was built in John Brown's shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953. Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned ...
Royal Yacht Britannia. 23,631 reviews. #1 of 543 things to do in Edinburgh. Speciality MuseumsShips. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Write a review. About. Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith Port in Edinburgh, next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Ocean Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, and the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre is on the second floor. Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.
For over forty years, the Royal Yacht sailed over one million miles on nearly a thousand official visits for the British Royal Family. Now berthed in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith, just two miles from the city centre, Britannia is a fascinating visitor attraction and one of the UK's most prestigious event venues.
Royal Yacht Britania Facts and History. On February 4, 1952, John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, received the order from the Admiralty to build a new Royal Yacht to travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in times of war, according to the royal yacht's website.King George VI passed away two days after, sadly, and so on April 16, 1953, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II ...
Experience Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction and exclusive use events venue. The Royal Yacht BRITANNIA, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. 32,679 likes · 309 talking about this · 200,037 were here. Experience Tripadvisor's No.1 UK...
Tickets will be e-mailed to the e-mail address provided during online purchase. On average, a tour takes 1.5 - 2 hours with additional time should you wish to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom. Special offers or discounts are available when purchasing online (except Armed Forces or Student tickets*). Simply enter the reference number at the checkout ...
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Now Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024, you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 ...
Although plans for a new Royal Yacht were temporarily shelved owing to WWII, work began on Britannia in 1952 at the renowned John Brown & Co. Shipyard in Clydebank, where liners including the Lusitania, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth were also constructed. Although officially launched on 16 April 1953, it wasn't until 11 January 1954 that ...
2. Miles From City Centre. 2. Miles From Train Station. 8. For over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents. Now you can host an exclusive dinner for up to 196 guests or a drinks reception for up to 450 people. 18 guests can have an intimate dining experiences in our Officers' Wardroom.
Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy.She was in their service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built for the Prince of Wales in 1893. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled more than a million ...
Outside of the vessel's recreational uses, the Yacht also played a role in some major historic events. When a civil war broke out in South Yemen in January 1986, for example, the Britannia, as a ...
Everything is replicated to the same high standards as when Britannia was in Royal service. Experience exceptional fine dining prepared in the original Royal Galleys. Host your special event on board one of the most luxurious five-star venues in the world. Queen Elizabeth II hosted many business events on board during Britannia's 44 years at sea.
Britannia's fabulous Gift Shop has a great range of exclusive souvenir gifts, Royal gifts, china, toys, food and nautical items, ready to be sent within the UK. Hand-picked by our team of experts, you'll find some of our bestsellers online, with the full range available from our Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
The Royal Yacht Squadron . The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight, is a highly prestigious and exclusive yacht club with over 200 years of rich history.They host a wide range of events and races throughout the year, including Cowes Week and the Round the Island Race, as well as marking the finish line for elite offshore competitions like the Ocean Globe Race.
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
Royal sailing yacht Britannia's racing success would last decades amassing 231 wins and taking home another 129 flags. King George V requested that his beloved yacht, the Britannia, be scuttled upon his death. On 10 July 1936, after Britannia had been stripped of her spars and fittings, the empty hulk laid at her buoy in Cowes Roadsher hull ...
Britannia is open 9.30am - 4.30pm (April - October) and 10am - 3.30pm (November - March). The Royal Yacht is closed on 1 January and 25 December. At last admission (3.30pm/4.30pm respectively) you still have 2 hours to complete the tour with an average audio guided tour lasting 1.5 hours. If you wish to visit the Royal Deck Tea Room, we ...
INEOS Britannia, the British Challenger of Record racing for the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd in the 37 th America's Cup, has ended the Round Robin stage of the Louis Vuitton Cup on the top of the leaderboard. Ben Ainslie's British team won its final scheduled race against Orient Express Racing Team (FRA) this afternoon, which tied them on points with the Italians, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Exclusive Use Venue in Edinburgh. Be it a milestone birthday or anniversary celebration, a special corporate or incentive event, Britannia is the perfect venue to host the event of a lifetime where you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty. The former Royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II can be exclusively yours for the evening, providing a ...
A Unique Private Event Venue in Edinburgh. Where kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers once dined, your event becomes part of a timeline of historic moments experienced aboard Britannia, a truly special private event venue in Edinburgh. With the Royal Yacht yours for the evening, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and landmark moments ...