Scudding grey clouds and squally weather ushered in Cowes Week, Great Britain's chief yachting fixture. The regatta started with tragedy. Just before the first race the Britannia, King George's 38-year-old cutter journeyed for position by the starting buoy off Calshot Head, proud of her new Marconi rig with its towering hollow mast. King George was aboard, snugly dressed and eager for the day's sport. A squall struck the Britannia's vast mainsail. She heeled over and nosed into a grey comber. Right before King George's eyes the wash swept Second Mate Ernest Friend overboard....
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