Yotties are back on board

USPA NEWS - Chief Executive, Bob Downie said, “We very much look forward to welcoming the Yotties back on board; our visitors love to hear their fascinating stories first-hand and it really does bring Britannia to life.“

Source: The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust

It is 60 years since The Royal Yacht Britannia was commissioned into the Royal
Navy and, this week, visitors to the Royal Yacht in Edinburgh will have a rare
opportunity to meet the former crew of the world´s most famous ship and discover
what made Britannia so special to all who knew her. From 19-22 May, The Royal
Yachtsmen or “˜Yotties´, as they were affectionately known, will be donning their
uniforms once again to work alongside the ship´s current Maintenance team and
enthralling visitors with their first-hand experiences of what life was like for the 240
crew while the yacht was in service.

Now a five star visitor attraction and prestigious evening events venue, for over 40 years this floating royal residence was home to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family. A roving Ambassador for Great Britain, she was built to travel to the Commonwealth countries, sailing a million miles around the world, hosting kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a five star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue. Britannia is owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust (Registered Charity No. SC028070). The Trust´s responsibility is to maintain and preserve Britannia in keeping with her former role and to display her to the public as a key part of British maritime history. The Trust is a wholly self-funding, not-for-profit, charitable organisation. Income generated from running the Royal Yacht as a visitor attraction and events venue goes towards preserving the yacht for future generations. Britannia is the official headquarters of the Association of Royal Yachtsmen.

During her 44 year career, Britannia conveyed The Queen, other members of the Royal Family and dignitaries. She travelled 1,087,623 nautical miles, calling at more than 600 ports in 135 countries. Situated in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, Britannia is now an iconic five-star visitor attraction, as well as an exclusive evening events venue. Visitors enjoy a fascinating insight into The Queen´s former floating palace, and the lives of those who lived and worked on board. With an audio tour in 27 languages and British sign language tablet, of Britannia´s five decks, highlights include the teak-paneled Sun Lounge and elegant State Dining Room, which contrast dramatically with the working side of the ship and the crew´s quarters.