BOAT WITH HISTORY

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 69, 15 December 1931, Page 7

BOAT WITH HISTORY

Formerly on King’s Yacht

FINELY-MODELLED CRAFT

On the deck of the Federal steamer Northumberland, is a lean, finely-mod-elled pulling boat, which for 37 years was one of two gigs carried on the Royal yacht Victoria. and Albert. It was in service during the last years of Queen Victoria’s reign, throughout the years that King Edward VII was ruler of Britain, and for nearly 20 years of the reign 'of the present King. Two years ago the Royal gig was condemned and Captain H. L. Upton, master of the Northumberland, made application to the Admiralty, for possession of if, for although it was considered too old for further service with the Royal yacht it was still in excellent condition. The request was granted, and in due course the gig was hoisted on board the freighter. To-day it is used by the cadets of the Northumberland in their training for pulling races against the lads of the training ships Worcester and Conway. Fully manned, it is rowed by six oars. Twenty-five feet long and sft 6in. in breadth at its widest part, the gig is built of mahogany throughout, and, according to the Northumberland’s, officers, it is still as sound as a bell. At the bows tile official badge of the shipping company has, replaced tlie Royal Arms. A tarpaulin cover protects the boat from the sun and weather when it Is not in use.

“The gig is a beautiful thing to pull,” commented Captain Upton.

The Victoria and Albert, is one of the oldest craft in the Navy list, for she was laid down at the command of Queen Victoria and was launched In May, 1899. The christening ceremony was performed by the Duchess of York, now Queen Mary. , Her design was the work of the late Sir William White, who had cause to rue the fact, for owing to an error in calculation the vessel proved deficient in stability and nearly capsized when in dock. Sir William was severely censured by the Admiralty and left Whitehall under a cloud, after many years of devoted service.