Clive David Smith – Yachtsman

In 1949, Clive David Smith, just 18 years old, was the professional yachtsman responsible for the Bluebottle, a Dragon Class yacht presented to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip by the Island Sailing Club of Cowes, Isle of Wight as a wedding present. Despite being the youngest member of the group, Smith was chosen to take responsibility for the boat, train amateur crews and keep the yacht in racing trim.

Personal History

Smith was the oldest son of a plumber from London's East End and by the time of his death in 1961 was said by Uffa Fox to be 'a close friend of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh' with whom they both sailed regularly.

The Bluebottle

Smith travelled with Bluebottle to Canada for the Royal Tour in 1954 and to the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia, where the yacht won a bronze medal. Being a professional yachtsman, Smith was unable to compete but he was responsible for training the crew and keeping the boat in perfect racing trim. When the rules allowed, Smith participated and took part in dozens of races. In addition, he sailed the yacht thousands of miles on passage.

'Bluebottle' is now on permanent loan to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwall.