Case Study: The Royal Yacht Britannia: Enhancing Elegance with Trusted Mats

The Royal Yacht Britannia, formerly the floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II, now serves as a prestigious five-star visitor attraction in Edinburgh. Having sailed over a million nautical miles during its 44 years of royal service, this majestic vessel continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of regal elegance and maritime heritage.

Recently, the yacht’s management team identified a need to refresh the vessel’s interior while maintaining its impeccable standards. Their solution came in the form of high-quality floor mats from Trusted Mats, which have proven instrumental in preserving the yacht’s pristine appearance.

Angie Fowler, Visitor Experience and Industry Engagement Manager at The Royal Yacht Britannia, explains their motivation: “We were looking to renew flooring throughout the yacht to keep a fresh appearance.” The yacht’s team selected a combination of Aqua Barrier Mats and Shades Custom Heavy Duty Mats, each chosen for its unique benefits and ability to complement the yacht’s décor.

Aqua Barrier Mats: Effective Dirt and Moisture Control

The Aqua Barrier Mats, deployed in various colours including Grey, Brown, Blue, Red, and Anthracite, serve as the defence against dirt and moisture to ensure safe walkways. These mats excel at trapping debris and water, preventing them from being tracked further into and around the yacht.

The bi-level construction of these mats is particularly effective. The upper surface efficiently wipes and scrapes footwear, while the lower-level collects and stores the removed dirt and water. With the capacity to hold up to 5.4 litres of water per square metre, these mats are well-equipped to handle the challenging weather conditions, as frequently encountered in Scotland.

Shades Custom Heavy Duty Mats: Adding a Touch of Elegance

For areas requiring a touch of regal elegance, the team chose Shades Custom Heavy Duty Mats in VIP Red. These mats, measuring 120cm wide and ranging from 4 to 6.5 metres in length, create a stunning visual impact while providing robust functionality.

Angie notes, “It was great to be able to choose from a range of colours for the mats we required, allowing us to tone them into the rooms more effectively – enhancing the overall appearance of the spaces.”

Tony Smith, the Maintenance Team Manager, elaborates on the use of these mats: “The red Shades Heavy Duty Mats are used to give our guests a ‘red carpet’ arrival as they’re piped on board for an evening event. We also use the mats to protect the original teak deck boards of Britannia’s Bridge against wear and tear.”

The versatility of these mats extends beyond the yacht itself. Tony adds, “Additionally, the VIP Red mats on the ramp up to the Fingal Hotel. They look stunning.” Fingal is a luxury 5-star floating hotel and exclusive use venue in Leith, with 22 beautifully styled cabins and decks, operated by The Royal Yacht Britannia.

The high-twist nylon pile of these mats ensures they maintain their shape and colour over time, backed by an impressive 11-year guarantee against significant colour loss. This durability, combined with their striking appearance, makes them an ideal choice for a high-profile attraction like The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Practical Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While the visual impact of the mats is immediately apparent, their practical benefits are equally important. Both mat types feature rubber backing and edging, ensuring they stay firmly in place and resist curling or cracking. This not only enhances safety but also contributes to the mats’ longevity.

Ease of maintenance was another crucial factor in the yacht’s decision. The mats are designed for easy cleaning, which is essential for maintaining the immaculate standards visitors expect, without putting undue strain on the maintenance team.

Tony expresses his satisfaction: “We’re over the moon with the performance, quality and look of the mats.”

We have purchased from Trusted Mats several times already this year.
The communication has been excellent, and we have found Trusted Mats to be an efficient service.”
Angie Fowler, Visitor Experience and Industry Engagement Manager

A Partnership Built on Trust

The Royal Yacht Britannia’s relationship with Trusted Mats extends beyond this single project. As Angie explains, “We have purchased from Trusted Mats several times already this year. The communication has been excellent, and we have found Trusted Mats to be an efficient service.”

This ongoing partnership underscores the reliability and quality of service provided by Trusted Mats, factors that are crucial for businesses seeking long-term flooring solutions.

Setting Sail for Success

The introduction of Trusted Mats’ products aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia demonstrates how the right flooring solutions can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a prestigious venue. By effectively managing dirt and moisture, improving safety, and complementing the existing décor, these mats have played a vital role in maintaining the yacht’s five-star status.

For businesses looking to improve their premises’ appearance and safety standards, The Royal Yacht Britannia’s experience offers valuable insights. Whether you’re managing a historic attraction, a bustling office, or a high-end retail space, the right choice of floor mats can make a significant difference.

The mats from Trusted Mats have not just met The Royal Yacht Britannia’s expectations; they’ve become an integral part of the visitor experience, contributing to the overall impression of quality and attention to detail that the attraction is known for.

With the right combination of functionality, durability, and style, Trusted Mats has helped The Royal Yacht Britannia continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring that this floating palace remains ship-shape for years to come. Tony concludes with a strong endorsement: “We would recommend Trusted Mats to anybody looking for mats, we are very happy with ours.”