The King Retires From Yacht Racing

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 248, 21 October 1935, Page 9

The King Retires From Yacht Racing

' 'BRITANNIA” TOE PLEASURE

“Britannia” best-loved of Oil Brit ish yachts, will never race again. She is to go into retirement while her honours are still thick upon her, according to the London “Daily Express.”

The King has been offered a new yacht to replace tho veteran in which he has sailed for.forty years. But he said:—

“I do not want a new yacht. The ‘Britannia’ is good enough for me, I shall not sail another.”

Major Sir Philip Hunlokc, the King’s sailing master and ono of the finest racing helmsmen alive said the King’s decision was irrevocable. “It is a matter of sentiment,” he said. “For purely selfish reasons I would have liked the King to have a new yacht. I -would have liked to race her. But no one understands better than-myself tho King’s feelings about Britannia.’

“The other big boats are too good for '.Britannia’,” Sir Philip said. “Scientific gadgets and secrets of construction, as represented in the new yachts like ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Vclheda’ pu-t ‘Britannia’ at a disadvan tage.

“One can’t race and come in last all the time. It is humiliating to the old boat.

“This year we did no good at all. We did not once get a wind which suited her. ‘Britannia’ is a wonderful sea boat and likes plenty of wind, but wi had all light airs. She never had i chance.”

Although “Britannia’’ will never .ace again there is no thought of relegating her to the scrap-heap. “We will prdbably cruise her about for the King’s pleasure.”

King George is 70 years of age. He has done his share of yacht racing and must feel very kindly towards the “Britannia” with which so many years of his reign have been associated in sport of the finest rivalries. As a naval man the salt sea air will have its call to him through life. And how better can that call be satisfied than C n the decks of the old “Britannia”!