Racing Yacht Bloodhound
From 2 July, the classic and elegant 1930s ocean racing yacht Bloodhound, owned by The Queen and Prince Philip in the 1960s, will be moored alongside Britannia here in Edinburgh.
Built in 1936 by the famous Camper & Nicholsons yard in Gosport, Bloodhound was one of the most successful ocean racing yachts ever built, winning scores of races in the south of England and also crossed the Atlantic to compete in Bermuda. On the back of this outstanding race history Bloodhound was acquired by the Royal Family in 1962 and Prince Philip had much success competing with her at the famous Cowes Week regatta around the Isle of Wight. During this sailing festival Britannia hosted not only the British Royal Family but members of other Royal Families and many dignitaries.
During royal ownership Bloodhound would also accompany Britannia in the Western Isles when the Royal Family had their one true family holiday each year. It is during these happy times that the young Royals learned to sail on Bloodhound. When not in Royal use Bloodhound, and her permanent three man crew, were made available to yacht clubs across the country. They used her to teach thousands of young people to sail.
Copyright: Beken Ltd
In 1969 Bloodhound was sold and not replaced by the Royal Family. Bloodhound then effectively retired from racing. Over time she gradually fell into considerable disrepair and very nearly became beyond salvage. However in 2003 she was purchased by Tony and Cindy McGrail of Poole. Tony is a yacht surveyor and seasoned restorer of classic yachts and they embarked on a loving and thorough four-year reconstruction.
Having been purchased by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in January 2010, Bloodhound is the centrepiece of our new Royal Sailing exhibition. Here you can find out about the Royal Family’s passion for sailing. From their attendance at the famous Cowes Week regatta, to private family holidays sailing in the Western Isles of Scotland, you will get a glimpse into the Royal Family’s love of the sea.
(Please note that from 2011, Bloodhound will be sailing during July and August and will not be on view to the public.)
Bloodhound facts
- Designer: Charles Nicholson
- Builder: Camper & Nicholsons
- Class: Twelve Metre Rule
- Length Overall: 63ft (19.2m)
- Mast Height: 65ft (19.8m) to top of mainmast
- Weight: 34 tons
- Launched: 1936
Find out more about Bloodhound’s history and the reconstruction at www.royalyachtbloodhound.com
