Bloodhound 12 k 101

Bloodhound — Historic Ocean-Racing Yacht

Bloodhound is a 19.2-metre (63 ft) ocean-racing yacht designed by Charles E. Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1936. One of the most successful racing yachts of her time, she competed in numerous ocean races, winning many events in the south of England and even crossing the Atlantic to take part in races in Bermuda. Her graceful lines, speed, and craftsmanship established her as a classic of pre-war British yacht design.

Royal Ownership (1962–1969)

In 1962, Prince Philip purchased Bloodhound for the British Royal Family. She was sailed from Plymouth to Gosport for refitting by Camper & Nicholsons, and by June she was ready for service. That August, Prince Philip sailed her at Cowes Week with his close friend and sailing mentor Uffa Fox.

During her royal years, Bloodhound often accompanied HMY Britannia during the family’s annual summer holidays in the Western Isles of Scotland. The yacht carried a permanent crew of three—one of whom was a descendant of Sir Francis Drake—and it was aboard Bloodhound that a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne first learned to sail.

When not being used by the Royal Family, Bloodhound and her crew were made available to yacht clubs around Britain. For a modest fee of £1 per participant (later raised to £2), thousands of young people were introduced to offshore sailing through these charters.

After Royal Service

In 1969, the Royal Family sold Bloodhound, which was not replaced. She retired from racing soon afterward and gradually deteriorated over the following decades. By the early 2000s, the once-glorious yacht had fallen into serious disrepair and was close to being beyond salvage.

Restoration by Tony and Cindy McGrail (2003–2007)

In 2003, Bloodhound was purchased by Tony and Cindy McGrail of Poole. Tony, a yacht surveyor and classic-yacht restorer, recognized both the scale and the importance of the restoration. Despite doubts that the project could be economically viable, the McGrails committed to a four-year reconstruction. Through their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication, Bloodhound was fully restored to her original condition by 2007, once again seaworthy and gleaming with the elegance of a bygone era.

Return to the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust (2010–Present)

In January 2010, Bloodhound was purchased from the McGrails by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. She now lies berthed alongside Britannia in Leith, Edinburgh, where visitors can view her as part of the Royal Sailing Exhibition.

Each summer, during July and August, Bloodhound sails north to Oban, where she offers day sails around the Western Isles—crewed mainly by former Royal Yachtsmen from Britannia. These voyages celebrate her remarkable heritage and maintain her legacy as both a racing yacht and royal vessel.

Legacy and Significance

Built during the golden age of British yacht design, Bloodhound combines exceptional craftsmanship with a distinguished racing pedigree. Her royal history, connection to the Royal Yacht Britannia, and her careful restoration ensure that she continues to be cherished as one of the finest surviving examples of 1930s ocean-racing yachts.

Today, she stands as a living symbol of maritime tradition, royal leisure, and the enduring artistry of British yacht-building.