THE QUEEN'S YACHT

Yacht Britannia

October 11, 2012

For more than 200 years, kings and queens of England have owned Royal Yachts, and Elizabeth is no exception. It is a beautiful three masted steam powered dual engine vessel, capable of doing 20 knots. It was the honeymoon cruise vessel for Charles and Diana and others of the Royal family. the ship cruised for more than a million miles, which was equivalent to once around the world for every year it was commissioned.

Although it is not as plush as it could have been, it suited the Queen and that was the important part. It has a garage on board that keeps a 1960 black Rolls Royce Phantom V in it. The Queen's Barge is a luxurious "Taxi" that takes her to shore and back again. It, alone, would make a sailor's mouth water! The woodwork is gorgeous!

We toured the whole boat and had tea in the tea room. My lemon cake was amazing! They made it on board in the Royal Kitchen. The Bloodhound, the Queen's racing yacht was also a piece of work! Don't know if it ever won a race or not, but it was beautiful to see!

Today, the Queen's Yacht is decommissioned and parked in Edinburgh where it's being cared for and open to the public.

The remainder of the day was spent shopping and looking around The Royal Mile area. We ate lunch at a baked potato cafe and sipped coffee at Starbuck's when it started raining!

We were like drowned rats by the time we walked back to our apartment! We fixed supper, washed clothes, watched TV and packed our suitcases, preparing for morning's departure to London.

Scotland was very interesting. We have enjoyed it immensely. There is still much to see that we don't have time for.

Perhaps another day!