The Royal Yacht Britannia is returning to Cowes for the first time in almost 30 years as part of a new exhibition celebrating the town’s royal sailing heritage.
The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s new touring exhibition, Sailing Through Royal History, will open at the historic Commodores House from 31st July until 29th August, coinciding with the Cowes Week Bicentenary Regatta and two prestigious Dragon class regattas, the Edinburgh Cup and the Marblehead Trophy.
The exhibition celebrates Britannia’s long association with Cowes, the Royal Family’s connection with the town and the legacy of legendary yacht designer Uffa Fox, whose former workshop is now Commodores House.
One of the centrepieces will be Coweslip, the famous Flying Fifteen keelboat designed and built in Cowes by Uffa Fox. The yacht was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip by the people of Cowes as a wedding gift in 1947.
Recently restored by Cowes-based David Heritage Racing Yachts, Coweslip will once again be displayed on the quayside outside Commodores House, recalling the days when Uffa Fox himself had the yacht craned into the water from the site.
Visitors will be able to explore the story through photographs, video, and virtual and augmented reality experiences, highlighting Uffa Fox’s influence on yacht design, the Royal Family’s passion for sailing and Britannia’s longstanding presence at Cowes Week.
Commodores House itself has strong royal connections. Once Uffa Fox’s workshop, it also welcomed members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip, who was both a former crewmate and close friend of the celebrated designer.
Alongside the exhibition, The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust has partnered with the Classic Boat Centre Trust to install a series of information panels along The Parade. The displays celebrate 200 years of Cowes Week by telling the story of the event’s ‘Racing Royals’, including King Edward VII, King George V and Prince Philip, and their contribution to the town’s maritime heritage.
Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, 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.”
Commodores House will also be available for private evening hire throughout August, offering drinks receptions and informal dining overlooking the waterfront during one of the busiest months in Cowes’ sailing calendar.
A time when it meant something not the same any more.
So, just to be clear, is the ship “Britannia” coming to Cowes or not?