On January 16, 1855, the 'new' 'Victoria and Albert' was launched and christened, and the name of the old yacht (built 1843) changed to 'Osborne.' The new 'Victoria and Albert' was designed by Oliver Lang, Master Shipwright at Pembroke Yard.
Her Majesty's first cruise in the new yacht took place on July 12, and next day she steamed round the Isle of Wight in 3 hrs. 25 mins. The 'Victoria and Albert' proved an excellent sea-boat. In a heavy gale soon afterwards four line-of-battle ships drove; but Captain Denman reported of the new Royal yacht, 'Splendid sea-boat, and rode out the gale with extraordinary ease, not pitching at all, or bringing the smallest jerk on the cable.'
As for speed, she was tried from Cork to Madeira, and returned from the island, 1,266 miles, at an average rate of 10.8 knots. Cork to Portsmouth, 341 miles, 22 hrs. 7 mins., average 15.4 knots, is also noted.
The new yacht 'Alberta' (paddle steamer) was built in 1863.
| ft. | in. | |
| Extreme length | 179 | 0 |
| Extreme breadth | 22 | 8 |
| Over paddle-boxes | 41 | 0 |
| Burden in tons, 390. Coal stowage, 33 tons. Speed, 14 knots. | ||
All the fittings of the Royal yachts are as simple as possible, but the perfect quality of material is not to be surpassed.
The appointments on these vessels are as follows: The commander, three years; lieutenants, two years. One promoted at end of each year. Names of all officers to be submitted to the Queen.
