The introduction to William Pearce, a Clyde shipbuilder who had the reputation of holding a high standard of workmanship and training, helped George Watson establish himself as one of the greatest designers of all time.

In 1873 Watson opened the first design office in the world. His work met with immediate success and in 1879 his new yacht ‘Madge’ sailed to New York to compete against the heaviest of competition. Such was her performance that she was likened to that of ‘America’ who infamously won the America’s Cup in the Solent back in 1851.

‘Madge’s’ great success launched Watson’s career and he went on to design four America’s Cup Challengers. ‘Thistle’ (1887), ‘Valkyrie II’ (1893), ‘Valkyrie III’ (1895) and ‘Shamrock II’ (1899). ‘The design of these fast yachts confirmed that deep draft and large ballast ratios could produce superior windward performance.’

He also designed the legendary ‘Britannia’ which remains the most successful racing yacht of all time.

Watson was also at the forefront when it came to testing yacht designs using models in water tanks, a technique first developed by RE Froude.

It was in Watson's Glasgow office that Alfred Mylne and JR Barnett were trained. Eager to establish his own reputation Mylne left to set up his own office in 1897. It was Barnett who worked closely with Watson in the latter 1890's when he perfected the design of the most elegant steam yachts. Following Watson’s death in 1904 Barnett took over the business and created yachts such as ‘Liberty’, ‘Sapphire’, ‘Sunbeam II’ and ‘Nahlin’.

A list of Watson’s graceful designs includes such yachts as ‘Vanduara’, ‘Queen Mab’, ‘Meteor II’, ‘Bona’ and ‘Rainbow’.

Source: www.glwatson.com/history.htm