When life falls off a cliff edge

In 1914, initial rumours of political danger following the Archduke and his consort’s assassination were firmly quashed. On 30 June, the coffins were carried through Metkovich’s crowded silent streets, the Dalmatian town draped and shrouded in black crepe, before being transferred to the yacht Dalmart and thence to a warship. Flags drooped at half mast, a foreboding of mourning still to come. Respectful sympathy to Austrian royalty was voiced in the British press, with the Times offering every Englishman’s well wishes and prayers.

Back home the yachting scene remained vibrant, looking forward to a successful completion of the season, with the added excitement of the America’s Cup. was attracting all the headlines. Towards the end of July she was racing trials in Torbay against her sister, with her designer, Charlie Nicholson, in close attendance. Sometimes he steamed alongside, noting every twist of her rig; at others he clambered about fearlessly, checking the masthead gear