M 721 - HMY Britannia

The order to build a Royal Yacht as replacement for the obsolete Victoria and Albert was placed in February 1952 with John Brown & Co Ltd. The Clydebank yard winning this contract largely because of its experience in building the prestigious Cunard Queens and RMS Caronia.

Launched in April 1953, by Her Majesty the Queen, Britannia was the most modern in a long line of Royal Yachts which date back to the Royal Yacht Mary in 1660 during King Charles II's reign.

Britannia was designed as a dual function vessel - as a Royal Yacht in peacetime and as a hospital ship in times of hostility.

Although built under the austere conditions that prevailed after the end of the Second World War she had a classic balanced profile and meticulous attention was paid to all the details of the ship.

Features included an innovative funnel design, bulbous bow, stabilisers, a superstructure tested in a wind tunnel, and the steel hull riveted then machined flush above the waterline to give an immaculate finish.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh took personal interest in the interior design, choosing for the Royal apartments simple decor incorporating white painted walls, mahogany and brass. Exquisite furnishings and objet d'art provided embellishment, with many items retained from previous Royal vessels.

Throughout Britannia's 43 year active life her appearance remained flawless inside and out despite having steamed well over 1 million miles. Her last and longest voyage was to Hong Kong for the handover of the territory to China in June 1997 immediately before she was de-commissioned.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was a fitting symbol of Britain's proud maritime heritage and in retirement continues to be a showcase for British shipbuilding at its best.

Specifications