I WOULD like to bring to your attention the close association of two subjects that are of concern to Glasgow at the moment, namely Britannia and the City of Architecture appellation.
The Britannia I have in mind is the cutter yacht built at the Meadowside yard of D & W Henderson (at the confluence of the Kelvin and Clyde) for the then Prince of Wales in 1893. At an overall length of 121ft, a displacement of 152 tons, and carrying a sail area of 11,000 sq ft, she quickly gained a reputation for being a quite exceptional boat. Although not a direct challenger for the America's Cup, she proved herself superior to Vigilant, the winner of the 1883 cup race, when the pair met on the Clyde in the following year - watched by over 100,000 spectators.
After 40 years of competitive racing at the highest level, Britannia was finally scuttled off the Isle of Wight on the instruction of King George V, following his death in 1936. Would it be treason to suggest that this magnificent craft be resurrected and placed in the dry dock in Govan, almost directly across the river from where she was launched?
Although Edinburgh has the more recent version, and a fine boat it is too, Glasgow has the opportunity of putting on show what is universally acknowledged as being one of the finest boats ever built. Scotland would have two Britannias on show; a quite stunning possibility.
As for the City of Architecture; is there a rule that only bricks and mortar be considered? Can I suggest that naval architecture be included in this broad church, and in which the Clyde has outstanding candidates? In fact, G L Watson, designer of Britannia along with four other America's Cup challengers among many others, is regarded as probably the greatest architect in the world of boat design. Scotland has produced more challengers for the America's Cup then any other country; indicative of our level of excellence in this area.
I have put together a permanent exhibition of their work at our premises at Troon harbour, but I consider it long overdue for Glasgow to embrace its gifted sons, and give them the recognition they so richly deserve, as it has already extended to their contemporaries, Greek Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is time we recognised the folk who have created some of the most beautiful and majestic objects ever constructed in this country.
John C MacCallum,
MacCallums of Troon,
The Harbour, Troon.
May 24.
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