The Dragon Class has long been my favorite keel boat, both as a design and the class association. (The six metre class is a close second).
Prince Philip and Dragons!
In 1948 Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were presented with ‘Bluebottle’, a Dragon built by Camper and Nicholson and paid for by members of the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. Today she is on loan from Prince Philip to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, UK, where she can be seen on the Museum pontoon during the summer months and even has the occasional sail in fine weather.
Although Prince Philip did not sail her extensively, she was sailed by a number of crews, and even won a Bronze Medal in the Melbourne Olympics of 1956. ‘Bluebottle’ then spent nearly 40 years as a sail-training vessel at Britannia Royal Naval College until 2001 when she was lent to the Museum.
To find out more about Bluebottle please visit the National Maritime Museum website.
Bluebottle; young Prince Charles is aboard – Dragon . Click Here to view large photo
‘Bluebottle’ On Display During Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2011
Prince Philip has most generously consented to the loan of ‘Bluebottle’ to the Solent Dragon Association for the duration of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2011 and the boat will be on display at the Aberdeen Asset Management hospitality pavillion in Cowes Yacht Haven Regatta Village. Members of the public will be able to view ‘Bluebottle’ and learn about her history.
Dragon Dinner
To celebrate the Duke’s nine decades – the Solent Dragon Fleet will be hosting a Bluebottle Champagne Reception and Dinner on Sunday 7th August, at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club – under the steady gaze of Princess Anne who’s portrait hangs in the main reception.
The dinner is open to all Dragon sailors and their guests and to those with a special connection with Prince Philip’s Dragon sailing history.
For further information and tickets for the gala dinner please contact Sommerville on rachel.sommerville@alburyhouse.co.uk
