Yachtsmen enjoy comparing their yachts to others within their class, and Jupiter’s crew is afforded an opportunity to visit and thoughtfully examine the Royal Yacht Britannia.
HMS Britannia lies in retirement at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, where she welcomes visitors to inspect her seaworthy attributes, lovely lines, historical connections and details. Jupiter lies in her slip at Sidney awaiting a service call.
Of the many similarities between Britannia and Jupiter, the greatest is that many components have the exact same names.
BRITANNIA
JUPITER
“Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax”
Queen Elizabeth II
“Wow”
Jupiter’s Crew
Rule Britannia
Thomas Arne ~ 1740
Rule, Britannia,
Britannia rule the waves
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves
Rule, Britannia,
Britannia rule the waves
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves
Jupiter Suite, The Planets
Gustav Holst ~ Cecil Spring Rice
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect,
the service of my love;
The love that asks no questions,
the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters,
the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
In addition to inspecting the Royal Yacht the crew attends the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held each August on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle as part of the Edinburgh Festival. Marching and massed pipe and drum bands from around the world deliver a powerful percutient performance found nowhere else.
Pat & I were in Edinburgh earlier this year and they were installing the seating for the Tattoo.
I toured the Britannia, as our ship was berthed nearby.
It was amazing to us that they build all of that every year. Next time come for the show!
Okay, Britannia has a little bit more than Jupiter: a potato peeler, compactor, dough mixer, and ice cream equipment, according to its electrical panel. And while its dining room seats a few more bottoms, I’ll bet one thing: the food isn’t any better!
You aren’t in a position to judge unless you’ve dined on the Britannia, but we appreciate the sentiment!
It was a bet, not a statement. And what makes you think I haven’t dined on the Britannia? After all, the king and I have the same first name. I may have been invited to one of his birthday parties, but it was so long ago…
I would choose Jupiter if you would address me as Your Majesty.
Would you really give up your title as Admiral? Doubtful.
Loved this post ! Most interesting ……shows me how very special Jupiter is and how she stands proud and beautiful in comparison!
Plus Jupiters’ Captains are clearly the better choice !
Thank you DeeDee – we think you are prejudiced and we like it that way!
Clever!!