THE ROYAL YACHT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1925, Page 4

THE ROYAL YACHT

A commander in the Royal Xavy writing in the London “Daily Mail" when Kin." George was about to set out on his Mediterranean holiday, had 1 lie following to say about, the Royal yacht, Victoria and Albert:—Of lale years cruises in the yacht have been somewhat rare, and the crow look back with regret to the days before the war when she was a frequent visitor to foreign waters. The \ ictnrin and Albert, known in the service as the “V. and A.” is a magnificent vessel, noticeable for the smart rake of her masts and bell topped 'tunnels, her old patterned anchors, and the gold scrollwork carrying the coat-oi'-arm-uii the hows.

She was built '-’•'J years ago at Pembroke, fortunately in a dry-dock instead of on the more usual buildingslip, for when the dock was Hooded U iloat her she fell over on her side. At the time rumour had it ih.at the constructor, in making his calculation for stability, had added the date

the vear in with the rest <:! his figures* Extra ballast and a reduction in tophamper wore necessary to make her seaworthy.

Most of the royal apartments are on the main deck and are beautilully fitted. The Queen’s bedroom, with its hand-painted panelling, is particula l l\ fine. . , . . , The King’s bedroom (in which in* hod is slung so as to keep up'ighi -when the ship rolls) and dressing-room arc furnished in a more simple style: hung on the walls are many portraits of royalties and a fine picture ni l.urn

Nelson. . . The drawing-room, with Us lieauuful inlaid panelling, und the King s well-stocked library complete the personal apartments on this deck, on which -excellent accommodation ten

guests and the royal suite is also situated.

The ship is manned entirely by ofliccrs and men of the Royal Xavy. Ihe officers serve a normal period in the yacht, and return to the Fleet: the men used to remain on as pensioners until too old to go to sea. lmt this has been changed and the crew are now all active-service ratings, leaving the yacht when they lake their pensions. The yachtsmen are distinguished from the general service by whipbadges instead, of the usual red and

* ():’. hoard they wear black shoes with smart black bows, rather like pump-. The origin at this custom is obscure, but old prints of Nelson’s time seniotimes show sailors wearing just this soil of shoe. Service in the vacht is keenly sought nfu-r in the Xavy. in spite cf the cramped quarters, which are uncomfortably crowded at sea. for l no men eujev 'many privilege's ami are very proud to be in the personal service ol their King.