Sailing through royal history

Visitors to Cowes Week have been welcomed into a unique celebration of Sir Edward “Uffa” Fox, and the royal yacht, Britannia, thanks to a new exhibition set inside Uffa’s former workshop and home. The display at Commodore’s House brings together stories, artefacts, and vessels linked to one of the country’s most influential yacht designer and builder, who was a personal friend of the Duke of Edinburgh, and often sailed with him at Cowes.

Among those greeting visitors to the exhibition is Tim O’Brien, one of Britannia’s long‑serving visitor assistants. Tim, who previously served in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Air Force Police, has spent a decade sharing Britannia’s history with the public. “I love the stories,” he says. “This is the first time we’ve done anything like this, and it’s a brilliant exhibition.”

Some elements of the display connected to Uffa may remain in Cowes after the event, while others connected to Britannia could travel further afield. Tim jokes that he “can’t elaborate” on future destinations, hinting at overseas plans that he’d like to be part of. He’s full of interesting anecdotes about the former Royal Yacht, which is now a permanent visitor attraction in Edinburgh.

Another boat with strong royal links forms part of the exhibition. Coweslip, a Flying 15, once owned by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, is currently positioned outside the Commodore’s House. The little racing keelboat, designed by Uffa, was presented by the people of Cowes to the then Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1949 as a belated wedding gift. The Duke of Edinburgh frequently sailed Flying 15s, and visitors are often surprised to learn of the connection. The exhibition also features a video tour of the Royal Yacht, and a 3D virtual reality look at her engine room.

The exhibition has been running throughout Cowes Week, and now continues for a further three weeks until August 29, giving residents and visitors ample time to explore this rare insight into royal sailing heritage, and Uffa Fox’s enduring influence.