Brokerage


H Britannia refined


ave you ever wondered what it was like to sail the first Royal Yacht Britannia? The 37.5- metre (123ft) gaff cutter Alexa of London – now seriously for


sale – is built on the same beautiful classic lines as GL Watson’s iconic original, which was one of the most successful racing yachts of all time. With the same immense sail area,


similar displacement and better weight distribution, Alexa carves through the sea with the super-smooth, steady motion that Britannia was renowned for, rather than bouncing over the waves like a typical modern yacht. When fully powered up she pulls a dramatic displacement wave behind her like a vintage 12-Metre, which adds another dimension to the joy of


70 SEAHORSE


sailing in a fresh breeze. The view forward from her helm, past the low deckhouse and across a huge expanse of flush teak decks with a graceful positive sheer, is just as elegant as her perfect silhouette when seen from afar. Modern versions of famous classic


yachts need to tread a careful line, authentically capturing the essence of the boats that inspired them while being much more efficient to run, with far lower maintenance overheads, than a real museum piece. Designed, built and refitted with a practical, pragmatic mindset, Alexa is extremely successful in this regard. ’The hull is laid in steel


‘Built on the same lines as GL Watson’s original’


Now seriously for sale, the majestic gaff cutter Alexa of London is an improved version of the iconic Royal Yacht, with great potential for long-distance cruising


and modern materials and equipment are used,’ says Alexa’s long-serving captain, Ross Murray, ‘but the undeniable splendour and refinement of a true gentleman’s thoroughbred sailing yacht is present in every detail.’ She offers a more refined sailing


experience than an actual relic from the late Victorian era, with the great benefit of modern sailing systems. The comfortable passenger cockpit is a


secure place to relax at sea, safely away from all blocks and pulleys, lines and winches. Her centreboard gives a significant boost to her upwind performance and enables her to access a much wider range of harbours and


MIKE JONES/WATERLINE MEDIA LTD


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