An exhibition on the Royal family’s passion for sailing has opened today in Edinburgh’s Leith docks with the Queen’s former racing yacht taking centre stage.

63-foot long Bloodhound was built by Camper and Nicholson in 1936 for US huntsman Isaac Bell, before being purchased by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 1962 and used for holidays in the Western Isles.

The yacht’s numerous racing victories include the 1948 Round The Island Race and the 1949 Fastnet.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust bought Bloodhound earlier this year from Tony and Cindy McGrail, who spent four years restoring the boat to her former glories, and she will now be berthed alongside her sister yacht the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Two crew members who worked on the yacht during her royal ownership helped sail her into Leith yesterday.

Chairman of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust Rear Admiral Neil Rankin said: ‘It is with a great sense of pride that we welcome such an important part of royal sailing history to her new home, and just as we maintain Britannia for future generations to enjoy, we will similarly care for Bloodhound.’

From 2011, Bloodhound will be available for charter in July and August each year and will not be on public display. She is expected to be sailing in her familiar waters on the west coast of Scotland or in the Solent.

For further information about Bloodhound and the restoration visit www.royalyachtbloodhound.com.