G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd.

Few yachts own a story like Blue Bird. Commissioned by Sir Malcolm Campbell to search for treasure in the Cocos Islands, designed by G.L. Watson & Co., and inspired by the lines of the Queen Mary — Blue Bird was always destined for adventure. Interrupted by war, she served as a patrol vessel protecting the Mersey approaches, became a Dunkirk Little Ship, but later faded from her original form. We were privileged to design and manage her restoration — a challenging project that spanned eras of technology and regulation. In 2008, Blue Bird earned the World Superyacht Award for Best Refit, standing out as a yacht without rival. Today, she cruises the Mediterranean, her story as compelling as ever. 🔗 Explore more icons from our heritage: www.glwatson.com

This archive drawing shows profiles and sections of all the G.L. Watson designed America’s Cup Challengers. It reveals the extraordinarily rapid development in yacht design over a 15-year period. The unbuilt 1886 design for Foster Conner was a relatively conventional British cutter, but the 1887 design for Thistle shows Watson’s efforts to reduce wetted surface by cutting away the forefoot, whilst increasing the beam to gain stability. The big breakthrough came in 1893 with the design of Valkyrie II, a near sister to the legendary Britannia. Thereafter, Valkyrie III and Shamrock II reveal a pursuit of the extreme. #GLWatson #ClassicYacht #AmericasCup

In 1937, King Edward VIII presented G.L. Watson & Co. with a commemorative ashtray made from the boom of Britannia. A gift from the King himself, it’s a symbol of gratitude for the exceptional design of Britannia, the yacht that took racing by storm and became a symbol of British maritime excellence. This gift is more than just a keepsake. It’s a piece of history that reflects the deep respect that the Royal Family had for G.L. Watson’s innovation and craftsmanship. Explore how Watson's designs shaped the course of yacht history: Link in bio. Follow for more from 150 years of design legacy. #ClassicYacht #GLWatson #YachtDesign

In 1885 G. L. Watson designed an America’s Cup Challenger for Foster Connor but that yacht was never built. In 1887, Thistle, designed for the James Bell Syndicate, became the first of his four challengers to compete for the America’s Cup. Though defeated by Volunteer, Thistle introduced new ideas in hull form and sail plan—designs so admired, they were soon adopted by rival nations. Thistle herself was acquired by the German Emperor who renamed her Meteor. Explore how our yachts helped define an era: Link in bio. Follow us for more insights from 150 years of leadership in yacht design. #GLWatson #YachtDesign #ClassicYacht

Commissioned in the late 19th century, Gipsy & Brunette were built to match each other perfectly, crafted plank by plank from the same logs for absolute fairness in racing. 120 years later, this legacy of precision was revived—leading to Gwell, a faithful replica brought to life by Chantier Stagnol through original designs preserved in our Archive. Some yachts make history. We can help you bring them back to life. 🔗 Start your journey: https://lnkd.in/eagF3y63 #GLWatson #ClassicYacht

In 1896, G.L. Watson designed Mayflower for American financier Ogden Goelet—a masterpiece of Edwardian engineering. After Goelet’s death, she was acquired by the United States Navy. In 1905, Mayflower became the first official US Presidential Yacht, serving five administrations and hosting the 1905 peace talks that earned Theodore Roosevelt the Nobel Prize. Design. Diplomacy. History—all aboard a G.L. Watson original. Discover more icons from our heritage: www.glwatson.com/our-story Follow us for more stories from our 150-year legacy. #GLWatson #YachtDesign #ClassicYacht

By the late 19th century, G.L. Watson steam yachts had become the ultimate status symbol for American industrialists. In 1897, the U.S. Congress responded by passing a protectionist bill specifically aimed at limiting the import of Watson-designed steam yachts — a measure driven by growing transatlantic demand for his distinctive design and build quality. 🔗 Discover more icons from 150 years of innovation: www.glwatson.com/our-story #GLWatson #ClassicYacht

Born in 1851, George Lennox Watson laid the foundations for modern yacht design with his innovative scientific approach. His design output was spectacularly prolific, ranging from small racing yachts to America’s Cup challengers, electric launches to palatial steam yachts, the largest schooners ever built and lifeboats. On average, a vessel of his design was launched every 26 days throughout his 31-year career. Follow us for more on his lasting legacy. #GLWatson #ClassicYacht

G.L. Watson & Co. Design No. 335 – Valkyrie III As with the foiling yachts of today’s America’s Cup, Watson’s late 19th Century challengers pushed the boundaries of yacht design and construction. In the extraordinary rivalry that developed between him and US designer Nat Herreshoff, Watson was never able to fully overcome the compromises imposed on him by the requirement that his designs should not only be the most extreme racing yachts but also be able to sail across the Atlantic before the race. #GLWatson #ClassicYacht #AmericasCup

G.L. Watson & Co. Design No. 270 – Britannia. In 1893, G.L. Watson redefined yacht design with Britannia—a royal commission that would go on to become the most successful racing yacht of all time. From her controversial spoon bow to her J-Class conversion in 1930, Britannia was always ahead of her time. Racing for 43 years, she was a symbol of elegance, power, and the indomitable spirit of British yachting. Her original drawings are held in the G.L. Watson archive. #GLWatson #ClassicYacht