GAVIN, C. M.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Royal Yachts. First edition, number 443 of 1,000 copies only. This handsome work is a comprehensive account of British royal yachts from the Restoration down to 1932, with data on their design, construction, armaments, and name origins.Charles Murray Gavin, paymaster commander at the Admiralty, published his book during the last years of the reign of George V, a keen yachtsman. "He inherited Britannia from his father; he initially used her as a pleasure boat, but in 1913 re-rigged her as a racing cruiser and raced her regularly. Between 1893 and 1934 she sailed in 569 races, winning 231 and taking prizes in 124 more... In 1935 George V was asked if he would like a replacement as a jubilee gift from yachtsmen. He declined this offer and requested that Britannia be scuttled after his death. In July 1936 she was sunk off the Isle of Wight" (ODNB). The last royal yacht, another Britannia, was decommissioned in 1997.

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.