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拍品專文
Britannia was designed by George L. Watson, and built at Hendersons on the Clyde for King Edward VII in 1893. She underwent numerous re-fits, eventually being modified to the American Universal Rule to allow her to race against the J-Class boats, which were becoming so popular. The 1935 sailing season was to be one of the best for the J-Boat class at club regattas in the United Kingdom, with 8 yachts entered to compete, including the American J-Boat Yankee, and the American schooner Westward. This was Britannia's forty-second season of active racing, and for King George Vs Jubilee year she had been completely refurbished in an attempt to make her competitive with the newer J-Boats. She had her copper bottom removed, a new metal mast and boom, a double headsail rig, rod rigging and a centerboard added.
However, the yacht to beat in 1935 was the J-Class yacht Endeavour. Owned by Sir Thomas Sopwith, Endeavour was the most competitive challenger for the Americas Cup, narrowly loosing to Harold Vanderbilt's Rainbow by a margin of 4-2 in 1934. During the 1935 season she won 12 of the 36 races and never finished worst that 4th place. Endeavour was sold to a Herman Andreae in 1936, and continued to dominate the racing scene until 1938 when she was laid up for the war.
Although it was to be a short season for Britannia, out of a possible 36 races, she made starts in 21 races. Sadly, this was to be her last season, as the improvements to her aging hull had little effect and after the season ended, the ailing King George V passed away on January 20, 1936. In accordance with his Majesty's wishes, Britannia was towed out to sea off of St. Catherine's point on the Isle of Wight and scuttled. Between 1893 and 1935 Britannia competed in 569 races, and won 231 first place trophies among other prizes.
This painting by Montague Dawson captures the competition between the warhorse and the new rival in weather conditions that both yachts thrived in.
However, the yacht to beat in 1935 was the J-Class yacht Endeavour. Owned by Sir Thomas Sopwith, Endeavour was the most competitive challenger for the Americas Cup, narrowly loosing to Harold Vanderbilt's Rainbow by a margin of 4-2 in 1934. During the 1935 season she won 12 of the 36 races and never finished worst that 4th place. Endeavour was sold to a Herman Andreae in 1936, and continued to dominate the racing scene until 1938 when she was laid up for the war.
Although it was to be a short season for Britannia, out of a possible 36 races, she made starts in 21 races. Sadly, this was to be her last season, as the improvements to her aging hull had little effect and after the season ended, the ailing King George V passed away on January 20, 1936. In accordance with his Majesty's wishes, Britannia was towed out to sea off of St. Catherine's point on the Isle of Wight and scuttled. Between 1893 and 1935 Britannia competed in 569 races, and won 231 first place trophies among other prizes.
This painting by Montague Dawson captures the competition between the warhorse and the new rival in weather conditions that both yachts thrived in.