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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1931, Page 4

All those who are interested in sailing must have been surprised to read that the redoubtable Britannia, in lior new Bermuda rig heat the Shamrock at Cowes by 32 seconds, Yachts certainly have been (built with better theoretical performances than tin's 38-year-old yacht, hut not one can claim so many wins. Tire King’s old cutter belongs to tile era in yachting when the “plank oil edge" tyfkj of vessel iuul just given way to what subsequently became known as the “plank on side’’ type of yacht. The older type of vessel depended for its speed upon a narrow plank-like boat kept upright by means of a huge keel. Some years before the Britannia was built the' tonnage system of measuring yachts had given place to a rating by length and sail area. This system persists in a modified form to this day. In their efforts to produce faster and yet faster vessels of this new type yacht designers evolved so-called “skimming dishes” or “plank on side” vessels,' balanced by fin. When the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, placed an order for the cutter Britannia she was rudely hut correctly dubbed a “skimming /dish.” Whatever her critics may say against her, they cannot deny her the victories she lias won gainst more modern, and presumably more skilfully designed, vessels. Since she was first built 38 years ago she Ims competed in over 429 races. She lias sailed into first place some 180 times,' and has carried off over 70 other prizes, making a total that exoveds 250 all told. Curiously enough, the swing of the pendulum in yacht design lias reverted to the “ ’nineties.” Owing to modifications of the regulations regarding length and sail area, the new rules regarding displacement, the Britannia practically complies with modern specifications. The chief difference is her lack of freeboard—a disability when pressed by fresh .wind. Set against this disadvantage, however, is Britainnia’s substantial rigging and build. This enables her to win many races on her merits in the heavy weather often experienced round the coasts of Britain even in the summer. Possibly this accounts for her victory over Shamrock in the opening race of the 1931 season.