For the first time in nearly 30 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia returns to Cowes on the Isle of Wight through ‘Sailing Through Royal History’, an exhibition from The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust celebrating its enduring connection with Cowes, its community and the close Royal links to legendary local yacht designer Uffa Fox.
This brand-new touring exhibition will be hosted in the historic Commodores House, once the workshop of renowned yacht designer and builder Uffa Fox, Commodores House also hosted members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip who was a former crewmate and personal friend of Uffa. The exhibition will run throughout August (31 July – 29 August) and coincides with major sailing events including Cowes Week Bicentenary Regatta and the two prestigious Dragon class regattas, The Edinburgh Cup and the Marblehead Trophy.
Central to the experience will be COWESLIP, the most celebrated of the Flying Fifteen keelboats, once sailed by the Royal Family. Designed and built in Cowes by Uffa Fox, COWESLIP was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947 as a wedding gift from the local community. Recently restored by Cowes-based David Heritage Racing Yachts, COWESLIP will be displayed once again on the quayside of Commodores House, underscoring its deep historical ties to Cowes and how Uffa had her craned on.
Through images, video and both virtual and augmented reality, the exhibition explores Uffa Fox’s major contribution to yacht design and build, the story of Royal sailing, and the longstanding presence of The Royal Yacht Britannia at Cowes Week, bringing to life this remarkable chapter of maritime history.
In the evenings, the characterful surroundings of Commodores House transform into an ideal setting for relaxed drinks receptions and informal dining through exclusive use hire. With its waterfront location and rich maritime heritage, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the water or to soak up Cowes at its most vibrant. This unique events space will be available for private hire throughout the month of August.
In addition to this exhibition, The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, in partnership with the Classic Boat Museum, has commissioned an exclusive series of informative panels located by the waterside on The Parade in Cowes. The panels highlight the bicentenary of ‘Racing Royals’ featuring the personalities of Edward VII, George V and Prince Philip and their contribution to the maritime heritage of Cowes through their presence and support to the event.
Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Franck Bruyère said: “With the touring exhibition being a first for the Trust, we are proud to debut ‘Sailing Through Royal History’ in Cowes, one of the UK’s most significant sailing destinations. Working with local businesses and the people of Cowes, we are delighted to contribute to such a prestigious and historic event in this momentous bicentenary year of Cowes Week.”
Find out more: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/cowes
Maritime Heritage Trail in Cowes
For the Cowes Week Bicentenary year, The Classic Boat Museum and The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust are collaborating to showcase Cowes yachting heritage in a trail which takes the visitor from the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Parade to the Classic Boat Museum on Thetis Road. For over 200 years, Cowes and yachting have benefited from the excitement created by the Royal Family’s involvement in the town’s regattas and yacht clubs. The trail includes the ‘Sailing Through Royal History’ Exhibition and a novel panel presentation on the Parade that highlights the personalities of the Royal Family’s most active sailors: Edward VII, George V and Prince Philip and presents the racing yachts in which they competed: Britannia, Bluebottle, Coweslip, Bloodhound and Yeomens XVI to XXVIII. For more information visit: https://www.classicboatmuseum.com/maritime-heritage-trail
Share your memories!
Do you remember when HMY Britannia was a familiar and much-loved sight at Cowes Week from her launch in 1954 through to her decommissioning in 1997? Isle of Wight locals and visitors are invited to share their memories and stories, photographs and paintings of HMY Britannia to help celebrate and preserve this special chapter of the Island’s history. Please email: jo@crewkit.co.uk
