George Lennox Watson Collection

The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934

Steam yacht Liberty running east. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Steam yacht Liberty running east. Liberty was built for Joseph Pulitzer in 1908. Designed by George Lennox Watson she was one of the largest private yachts of her day

HMY Britannia before being sunk, July 1936. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
HMY Britannia before being sunk, July 1936. After Britannia had been stripped of her spars and fittings, her hull was towed out to St Catherines Deep near the Isle of Wight

The luxury steam yacht Nahlin at anchor. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The luxury steam yacht Nahlin at anchor. Nahlin is a luxury yacht and one of the last of three large steam yachts constructed in the UK

Shamrock II at the finish, Oct. 3, 1901, c1901 Oct 3. Creator: Unknown
Shamrock II at the finish, Oct. 3, 1901, c1901 Oct 3

Shamrock II & Columbia just after start, Oct. 1, 1901, 1901 Oct 1. Creator: Unknown
Shamrock II & Columbia just after start, Oct. 1, 1901, 1901 Oct 1

Valkyrie rounding outer mark Oct. 5, 1893, 1893 Oct 5. Creator: Unknown
Valkyrie rounding outer mark Oct. 5, 1893, 1893 Oct 5

The start, October 9, 1893, c1893. Creator: Henry Greenwood Peabody
The start, October 9, 1893, c1893

America's Cup Races, 10-3-01, Columbia and Shamrock II before the start, 1901 Oct 3. Creator: Unknown
America's Cup Races, 10-3-01, Columbia and Shamrock II before the start, 1901 Oct 3

Steam yacht Liberty, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Steam yacht Liberty, 1914. Liberty was built for Joseph Pulitzer in 1908. Designed by George Lennox Watson she was one of the largest private yachts of her day

The 221 ton gaff-rigged cutter Britannia sailing under spinnaker, 1913. Creator
The 221 ton gaff-rigged cutter Britannia sailing under spinnaker, 1913. Britannia was owned by King George V. One of the most successful racers of its day, in 1913 it won 8 of the 13 races it entered

His Majestys Yacht Britannia, c1930. Creator: Unknown
His Majestys Yacht " Britannia, c1930. From " The Wonder Book of Ships", edited by Harry Golding. [Ward, Lock & Co. Limited, London and Melbourne, ]

The racing cutters Sonya, Onda and Carina, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The racing cutters Sonya, Onda and Carina, 1911

The cutters Creole (3) and Ma oona (6) racing close-hauled, 1913. Creator
The cutters Creole (3) and Ma oona (6) racing close-hauled, 1913. Ma oona was designed by Alfred Mylne and built at McAlisters yard in Dumbarton in 1907. Creole was designed by George L

The racing cutters Creole (3) and Rosamond, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The racing cutters Creole (3) and Rosamond, 1911

The racing cutters Rosamond and Creole sailing close-hauled, 1911. Creator
The racing cutters Rosamond and Creole sailing close-hauled, 1911

The cutters Rosamond, Carina and Sonya racing downwind, 1911. Creator
The cutters Rosamond, Carina and Sonya racing downwind, 1911

The racing cutter Creole under sail, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The racing cutter Creole under sail, 1911. Creole was built in 1890 from designs of G L Watson for Colonel Villiers Bagot

The 179 ton White Heather and 221 ton Britannia racing upwind, 1921. Creator
The 179 ton White Heather and 221 ton Britannia racing upwind, 1921

The 221 ton cutter Britannia at anchor with prize flags, 1921. Britannia was owned by King George V. One of the most successful racers of its day, in 1913 it won 8 of the 13 races it entered

The Big Class yachts Britannia, Ma oona, and Carina sailing in light winds, 1913

The 40-rater cutter Carina leaves wake, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina leaves wake, 1911. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

Libertys motor launch underway, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Libertys motor launch underway, 1914. Liberty was built for Joseph Pulitzer in 1908. Designed by George Lennox Watson she was one of the largest private yachts of her day

The 40-rater cutter Carina heeling in good wind, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina heeling in good wind, 1911. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing with spinnaker, 1913. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing with spinnaker, 1913. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing full sail downwind, 1913. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing full sail downwind, 1913. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing close-hauled, 1913. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing close-hauled, 1913. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing on a reach, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina sailing on a reach, 1911. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 40-rater cutter Carina at anchor with flags, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 40-rater cutter Carina at anchor with flags, 1911. Carina was designed by George Lennox Watson for Admiral Montagu and built in 1894

The 766-ton steam yacht Sayonara, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 766-ton steam yacht Sayonara, 1912. Sayonara was built in 1911 to G.L. Watsons design for Archduke Charles Stephen of Austria

Lowering Libertys motor launch, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Lowering Libertys motor launch, 1914. Liberty was built for Joseph Pulitzer in 1908. Designed by George Lennox Watson she was one of the largest private yachts of her day

Libertys motor launch alongside Liberty, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Libertys motor launch alongside Liberty, 1914. Liberty was built for Joseph Pulitzer in 1908. Designed by George Lennox Watson she was one of the largest private yachts of her day

Start of Cowes to Weymouth Race: Carina, Adelaide, Ma oona, Britannia, 1913. Creator
Start of Cowes to Weymouth Race: Carina, Adelaide, Ma oona and Britannia not finding much wind, 1913

Britannia sails close-hauled, 1933. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Britannia sails close-hauled, 1933. This photograph shows Britannia after its conversion to J-Class bermuda rig in 1931

Britannia sails downwind under spinnaker, 1935. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Britannia sails downwind under spinnaker, 1935. This photograph shows Britannia after its conversion to J-Class bermuda rig in 1931

Britannia sailing without topsail, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Britannia sailing without topsail, 1911. Britannia was owned by King George V and was used for cruising in 1911

Norada, Britannia & Maudrey sailing in gentle winds, 1913. Creator
Norada, Britannia & Maudrey sailing in gentle winds, 1913

The 221 ton gaff-rigged cutter Britannia sailing under spinnaker. Britannia was owned by King George V and was one of the most successful racers of its day

Britannia sails close-hauled, 1931. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Britannia sails close-hauled, 1931. This photograph shows Britannia after its conversion to J-Class bermuda rig

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George Lennox Watson was a renowned figure in the world of luxury yachts. With his expertise and passion for sailing, he created some of the most iconic vessels of his time. The steam yacht Nahlin, crafted by Kirk & Sons of Cowes, stands proudly at anchor, exuding elegance and opulence. In 1934, Watson's genius gave birth to the J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia. These magnificent creations showcased his mastery in design and craftsmanship, leaving spectators in awe as they gracefully glided through the water. The steam yacht Liberty, another masterpiece from Kirk & Sons of Cowes under Watson's guidance, symbolized freedom on the open seas. Its sleek lines and powerful engines propelled it forward with grace and speed. One cannot forget the gaff-rigged cutter Britannia sailing under spinnaker in 1913. This 221-ton beauty epitomized Watson's dedication to creating vessels that combined both form and function seamlessly. His Majesty's Yacht Britannia was yet another testament to George Lennox Watson's brilliance. Although its creator remains unknown, its regal presence spoke volumes about Watson's influence on nautical design during that era. Watson also left an indelible mark on racing cutters like Sonya, Onda, Carina, Creole (3), Ma oona (6), Rosamond - all captured beautifully by Kirk & Sons of Cowes. These vessels were not just meant for competition but were works of art that danced across the waves with unmatched agility. Whether close-hauled or downwind racing scenes depicted by these photographs from 1911-1913; each one showcases Watson's ability to create vessels that harmoniously blended performance with aesthetics. George Lennox Watson will forever be remembered as a visionary who shaped the world of luxury yachting through his innovative designs and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy lives on through these magnificent vessels, capturing the hearts of sailing enthusiasts for generations to come.