HMY Britannia
Expert Restoration of a Historic Royal Yacht Scale Model
Purpose: Display in a private collection
Client: Petra Carran
HMY Britannia was the last Royal Yacht of the British monarchy, serving Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family from 1954 until her retirement in 1997. During more than four decades of service, she travelled over one million nautical miles, visiting hundreds of ports around the world while hosting state visits, diplomatic missions and royal tours. Today, Britannia is preserved in Edinburgh as one of Britain’s most significant historic ships and remains an enduring symbol of British maritime heritage.
The yacht’s elegant design and remarkable history have made HMY Britannia one of the most recognisable vessels ever recreated as a scale yacht model. Original examples and professionally restored models are highly regarded by collectors, museums and maritime enthusiasts, making their conservation increasingly important. Each historic yacht model represents not only the vessel itself but also the craftsmanship of the original model maker.
Restoring an HMY Britannia scale model requires extensive research, respect for the original craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. At Polaris Models, every yacht model restoration is approached with the aim of preserving authenticity while returning the model to display condition. Through careful restoration and conservation techniques, we help ensure that these remarkable scale models continue to celebrate the legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic royal yachts for future generations.
Petra Carren commissioned Polaris Models to restore an English fully rigged and copper-clad model of the famous racing cutter Britannia, originally crafted by model maker Adam Appleton. The model, a cherished gift from her father, had unfortunately suffered from years of neglect and required expert restoration to return it to its former glory.
Despite the damage, the model retained most of its original components, making it an ideal candidate for a full and faithful restoration. The intricate rigging, classic copper cladding, and historically accurate detailing all contributed to its significance as a heritage piece.
At Polaris Models, we specialise in restoring classic yacht models like Britannia, with a focus on precision, authenticity, and craftsmanship. This project reflects our commitment to preserving maritime history through high-quality model yacht restoration for collectors, enthusiasts, and families who value legacy and tradition.
The model of HMY Britannia, though beautifully crafted, arrived in a delicate condition and showed clear signs of age and water damage. Over time, some of the joints had dried out, causing parts to loosen, and a past leak had left severe staining on both the sails and sections of the deck. Restoring this historic model yacht required a meticulous, multi-stage process to ensure authenticity and preserve the craftsmanship of the original build.
The first stage of restoration began with a thorough but gentle cleaning. We carefully removed all surface dust before preparing and applying custom chemical solutions tailored to the various materials—particularly on the deck, where the exposed grain of the wood had absorbed years of dirt and grime. Special attention was given to this area, as it is one of the most vulnerable points of accumulation on classic yacht models.
Structurally, the model had several issues. The bowsprit was damaged and required precise repairs and internal reinforcement, all carried out in a way that would remain invisible after completion. The gunwale had sections that had come unglued or broken, which we reconstructed and secured, preserving its original lines.
Next came the deck restoration—a particularly challenging phase. The staining was not only from clean water but also from dirty, rusty water, making the discolouration more difficult to remove. Over several days, we treated the deck using a series of cleaning agents, carefully scraping, sanding, and restaining specific areas of the wood. The goal was to blend repairs seamlessly with the surrounding deck so that no visible trace of damage remained.
The boom had also suffered damage and was discreetly repaired to maintain its structural integrity and original appearance. The sails posed another major challenge. Severely stained by water leaking from a ceiling, they resisted the first two washing attempts. After numerous tests, we developed a chemical solution in precise proportions that successfully removed the stains without weakening the fabric—a delicate balance requiring both patience and precision.
Some of the copper cladding along the hull had also been affected. We carried out careful repairs and light polishing to restore its lustre without over-cleaning or altering the aged character of the material. The deck houses and fine details were cleaned and restored by hand, ensuring every element was preserved or revitalised.
Once structural and cosmetic restoration was complete, we reassembled the model. This required a completely new rigging system, which we carefully designed to match the original style and configuration of the cutter rig.
As the final stage, we built a custom transport crate designed specifically to protect the model during its journey from London to Dubai, where our client was relocating. Ensuring the model would arrive safely at its new home was just as important as the restoration itself.
This restoration of HMY Britannia is a testament to the intricate, skilled work we provide at Polaris Models—preserving history, craftsmanship, and personal legacy with every project.
The restoration of the HMY Britannia model was a deeply rewarding project for the Polaris Models team. We were proud to bring the yacht back to life while staying true to the guiding principle of authentic model restoration—preserving the original model maker’s craftsmanship. Every decision throughout the process was made with this in mind.
Rather than replacing parts or taking shortcuts, we focused on conserving every original element, including the sails, despite the extensive staining. Replacing them would have been faster and easier, but it would have erased the unique character and artistry of the original builder. The same applied to the deck: instead of sanding it completely or fitting new planking, we chose the more painstaking route—cleaning, treating, and blending repairs—to retain the natural wear and hand-finished detail that marked the model maker’s touch.
The result was a fully restored yet historically respectful model that retained its soul and signature. Every detail, from the copper cladding to the rigging, was carefully revitalised rather than replaced, allowing the original craftsmanship to shine through.
When the model was delivered, our client was both happy and deeply moved. As a sentimental gift from her father, this restored yacht holds personal and emotional significance, representing cherished memories and family heritage. It was a privilege to play a part in preserving such meaning through expert model yacht restoration.