HISTORY

In 1873 George Lennox Watson established the first yacht design office in the world. Ambitious, erudite, and cultured, Watson was an enormously gifted designer. Working at the cutting edge of technology he became one of greatest designers of all time.

Initially specialising in sailing yachts he achieved international acclaim with his America’s Cup challengers Thistle, Valkyrie II, Valkyrie III and Shamrock II. His legendary Britannia remains the most successful racing yacht of all time and list of graceful designs includes such yachts as Vanduara, Queen Mab, Meteor II, Bona and Rainbow.

It was in Watson's Glasgow office that Alfred Mylne and J. R. Barnett were trained. Eager to establish his own reputation, Mylne left to set up his own office in 1897. It was Barnett who worked closely with Watson in the latter 1890's when he perfected the design of the most elegant steam yachts. Following Watson’s death in 1904 Barnett took over the business and created yachts such as Liberty, Sapphire, Sunbeam II and Nahlin.