Sir W. Reardon‑Smith and the Training Yacht Margherita
Sir W. Reardon‑Smith and the Training Yacht Margherita Arrival at Swansea Docks William Reardon‑Smith The arrival of Sir W. Reardon‑Smith , the veteran shipowner now nearing seventy years of age , brought a notable stir to Swansea Docks , where his distinctive yacht Margherita became an immediate object of curiosity and admiration. Long regarded for her fine lines and unmistakable character, she drew spectators to the quayside as she eased into the harbour, her presence lending a touch of maritime elegance to the busy port. For Swansea, a town deeply shaped by shipping and the fortunes of the sea, the appearance of such a yacht — and of Sir William himself — carried a certain symbolic weight, reminding onlookers of the long‑standing ties between the port and one of Britain’s most respected shipowners. A Hobby of Training Boys for the Sea Sir William’s visit was made all the more striking by the lively company aboard the Margherita . For many years he had taken a personal interest in t...
