Launch Day for Britannia Kickstarter
by Emma Upton 31 Oct 2012 15:02 GMT
31 October 2012
Launch Day for Britannia Kickstarter © K1 Britannia
The design and engineering of Britannia, a replica of the famed racing yacht owned by King George V at the turn of the century has just opened its doors to crowd funding on Kickstarter so that her refit can be completed and so that she may sail again!
The K1 Britannia Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com/projects/britannia/rebuilding-the-kings-yacht-0) will run for 60 days and the clock is ticking. Many of the rewards will be produced in limited numbers and will be claimed fast! By pledging to the project, sailing enthusiasts, individuals and organizations from around the world now have a short window of opportunity to be able to own a special piece of Britannia crafted by our team of specialists. Over the next 60 days every pledge to the project will be rewarded with a wonderful and unique gift; a choice of a reward to match the pledge.
K1 Britannia, the company behind the refit, will reclaim the legacy of this historic vessel to leverage her for a whole range of activities and charitable projects around the world. Upon completion, Britannia will be used for maritime education, programs for veterans, and gifted to 80-100 charities a year as a floating venue for charity fundraisers and events.
The Britannia yacht is currently in her cradle preparing for a refit at the Venture Quays shipyard in the Isle of Wight. Upon her completion, in 15 months' time, she will measure 52 metres in length and her mast, at 55 metres, will be the tallest wooden mast in the world.
The Britannia design and engineering team are making history, working to bring to life what would have been on board Britannia when the King sailed her during her legendary yachting and racing career. We are currently raising funds for Britannia's interior design and engineering to recreate every item that would have been on board Britannia at the turn of the century.
The Britannia refit team will bring to life a limited quantity of incredible replicas of the crew and officers' clothing worn on the original Britannia. There are oil paintings and design prints from world renowned marine artists, hand signed and finished litho prints of Britannia's deck plan, sail plan, and interiors. Everything is custom made and for some items, the quantities are limited.
The offerings at the higher end include experiences aboard the finished Britannia such as sailing days during her first regattas where she will race for charity in Cannes, St Tropez, the UK and the Caribbean. At another level you have the chance to dine aboard Britannia with the Captain and Officers of Britannia once the refit has been completed.
Scott Ward, K1 Britannia's director said, "The spirit of this project is all about gifting Britannia to the people. It is a project that reclaims an iconic piece of maritime history. Without your help the design and engineering of Britannia won't be completed to the standard and specification that made her one of the most incredible and admired vessels in the world."
In order to complete the design of the interior special materials will need to be acquired. A full laser scan of the interior and exterior of the hull must be rendered and skilled craftsman must dedicate many hours of their time designing and creating each individual piece on board. This all costs time and money. By helping to fund the interior design and engineering of Britannia you have the chance to partake of the spirit this special project offers and take a wonderful reward home with you.
Whether you sail, own a vessel, or have never been to sea before, we believe that the items crafted for Britannia by our team of specialists will be treasured and cherished by many. By giving to the project you in turn will receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to forever have a part of this legendary maritime treasure in your life.
See more at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/britannia/rebuilding-the-kings-yacht-0 or visit our site at www.k1britannia.org