( CNN ) -- The British royal family has a long history with the sea . Queen Elizabeth II 's much beloved Royal Yacht Britannia carried members of the monarchy on almost 1000 official voyages over 44 years , from her launch in 1953 to her decommissioning in 1997 . Her Majesty was seen wiping a tear away at the farewell ceremony for Britannia , which was launched in 1953 with a dual purpose - to provide royal travel around the Commonwealth and to act as a hospital ship in time of war . Now UK media reports that Conservative member of parliament Michael Gove has suggested the Queen should be given a new yacht to mark this year 's diamond jubilee . What would go into designing a yacht fit for the Queen of England ? We ask some yacht designers what they would do if they received the commission of a lifetime . A `` timeless '' creation . `` Any royal yacht is around for some time , '' says Ken Freviokh . `` It needs to be timeless and look as good in ten years time as it did on its launch . '' The yacht designer would draw on the last Britannia as a source of inspiration for a new royal yacht . He says a highlight of the vessel is its `` beautiful '' proportions which he would replicate for his own creation . `` It should embody the elegance of the old Britannia , but equally it could be a little bit daring , '' adds Freviokh . But while taking inspiration from the 125 meter yacht , the designer insists it should not be a copy . `` A new royal yacht should n't be conventional , '' he says . `` But it should n't have any 'trendy ' solutions , it needs to be quite distinguished . '' Flexibility is essential for a head of state 's yacht according to Freviokh . From official tours of the Commonwealth to honeymoons , the last Britannia was used for a range of activities . Freviokh would design large spaces that can be opened up when entertaining , and closed in with glass when the weather commands . `` It has to be a little bit of a transformer , '' he continues . `` The area needs to be used all year around in all temperatures , from the warm Mediterranean to the cooler northern waters near Scotland . '' Royal superyachts : How kings and queens sail the sea . It 's not all business for the royals , and Freviokh says he 'd take into account the more intimate occasions when creating spaces , allowing a banquet room to be converted into smaller family areas . `` People should melt '' Tony Castro wants onlookers to be captivated by any royal yacht he would design . `` People should melt when they see it , '' the designer says . `` It should immediately send out a message . '' Castro would take into consideration the role a royal vessel plays when designing one . He says the boat is a great tool to promote the country and grab people 's attention , whether they are heads of state , captains of industry or fundraisers . `` It 's a great way to get people together to sell a message -- no one could turn down an invitation to the royal yacht . '' Castro says the yacht must display the best of local talent -- technically perfect so it can `` show off Britain 's capabilities '' and modern . But Castro says any futuristic design should not include `` wacky '' features . `` It ca n't be too much about the fashion . '' The cost-savvy approach . In times of austerity , questions would be raised over the cost of any new royal yacht at the expense of the taxpayers . With that in mind Stephen Huish believes he has the solution for any penny-pinching royal -- buy second-hand . HMS Victory : World 's oldest warship to get $ 25m facelift . `` In the current market , it 's so much cheaper to buy an existing yacht and re-fit and condition it , '' says Huish . He thinks a complete interior overhaul and a good paint job would suffice . But Huish insists that does not mean that style would be compromised . `` Extravagant areas could be done with more lavish woods , '' he explains . `` The outside should be modern but I do n't think the royal family would go for a highly modern interior , it would have to be traditional , '' says the designer who thinks furnishing should be classic with a slight modern twist such as simple mouldings made out of wood . Huish also highlights the need for flexibility . `` I would have large VIP guest cabins where bulkheads could be cut off so it could be broken off into two or three rooms if need be . '' But if the Queen did not want a pre-loved model , Huish believes there 's never been a better time to commission a yacht with an industry facing tough economic challenges ; the royal is more likely to get more for her pound .
A UK politician has suggested the Queen should be given a new yacht to mark this year 's diamond jubilee . CNN asked some yacht designers what they would do if they received the commission . Timeless , captivating and cost-savvy designs have been suggested .