Sailing Through Royal History - Exhibition now open in Cowes

by Royal Yacht Britannia 1 Aug 09:50 BST 31 July - 29 August 2026

For the first time in nearly 30 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia returns to Cowes on the Isle of Wight through 'Sailing Through Royal History', an exhibition from The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust celebrating its enduring connection with Cowes, its community and the close Royal links to legendary local yacht designer and builder Uffa Fox.

Open now and running until 29 August, this brand-new touring exhibition is hosted in the historic Commodores House, the former home and workshop of Uffa Fox. The building hosted many members of the Royal Family over the years, including Prince Philip, who was a former crewmate and personal friend of Uffa.

At the heart of the exhibition is COWESLIP, the most celebrated of the Flying Fifteen keelboats, presented by the people of Cowes to the then Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh as a belated wedding gift in 1949.

Visitors to Cowes can also explore the Racing Royals Bicentenary Panels, commissioned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in partnership with the Classic Boat Museum. Located along the waterside on The Parade, the series of informative panels celebrates the Cowes Week Bicentenary by exploring the stories of King Edward VII,

King George V and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and their enduring contribution to the town's rich maritime heritage.

For more information and to book tickets for the Exhibition, please visit royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/cowes