Britannia

Britannia is the first of the post-World War I boats. It was built in 1919 by Wee Georgie Robinson in Balmain, assisted by his father, Jack Robinson.

Wee Georgie was not only a sailor. At 19 years old and 5 feet tall, he was a halfback for the Balmain Rugby League team, which won the premiership that year. They went on to win four more premierships. Georgie played for Metropolis, which was the state team. After retiring, he coached first and reserve grades for 35 years.

George was an accomplished sailor, having won 29 races in a 6-footer also called Britannia. Why Britannia? Remember that in 1919 virtually every Australian called themselves British. Technically there was no Australian citizenship until 1949, and patriotism probably played a big part in the name. To confuse us today, the sail insignia was an Australian flag, while the Union Jack was used on other boats over the years, including Australia IV.

The first race was in October 1919, using a borrowed rig from another 18-footer, Livonia. It was unusual for an 18-footer to last more than a decade, but Britannia was the exception. It sailed for 25 years before having the rig removed, an engine fitted, and becoming a start launch. In the early 1980s Georgie, then in his 80s, started restoring Britannia. It was in very poor condition, and it was doubtful it would ever float again. Sadly, he died in 1987, but the boat found its way to the National Maritime Museum, where it is on display.

During the 1920s the racing was dominated by Wee Georgie and Chris Webb. They carried on a torrid struggle, with one skipper dominating one season and the other the next. Britannia remained competitive throughout its racing career and won several national titles.

The replica was measured and built from the restored original and from plans drawn by David Paine and Alan Paine. Ian Smith replicated the planking, timber selection and details of the original, and it is the only true carvel planked replica. Britannia carries a large 1919 sail plan and a crew of up to 14. For more information, see Ian Smith's book “THE 18-Footer Britannia”.