Dear Sir
The future Edward VII dominated Cowes week in the early 1890s through his prowess in sailing the first Britannia which later passed to his son (" Britannia to rule the waves once more, Aug. 2). In 1896, however, the Kaiser gained the upper hand sailing the giant Meteor II, a bigger, faster version of Britannia. "The regatta used to be a pleasant relaxation for me", his British uncle lamented."Since the Kaiser took command, it is a vexation". In this early round of hostilities, victory went to Germany.
After the First World War George V gave Britannia a second glorious era undimmed by competition from abroad. In 1934 he calculated that it had sailed in 569 races, winning 231 first prizes and 124 others.
Yours faithfully
Lord Lexden
London SW1