Friday, November 23, saw the final event of the Royal Southern Yacht Club‘s 175th Anniversary year. A private luncheon was hosted for Members of the Hamble-based Club at the invitation of its Commodore, and honoured by the presence of its Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh discusses plans for the proposed Yacht Haven at the Royal Southern Yacht Club flanked by the Club's Commodore Mark Inkster on his left and Ian Redsell, Commodore, RAF Yacht Club (right) on Friday. Also being shown the model are L-R Frances Redsell, Yvonne Curtis and Dame Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. Photograph: Michael Austen
Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, herself an Honorary Member of the Club, Prince Philip met past and present Flag Officers before a pre-luncheon reception, during which guests were presented to him by the Commodore of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Mr Mark Inkster.
Commodore Inkster and Commodore Ian Redsell, of the Royal Air Force Yacht Club, showed Prince Philip a model of the proposed waterfront development of a new Yacht Haven, a joint project between the two Clubs, to which Prince Philip has graciously agreed to lend his name.
The Royal Southern Yacht Club has enjoyed Royal patronage since its formation in 1837. A Member for 64 years, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was gracious enough to accept an invitation to become Admiral of the Club in 1952 and became its Patron in 2002.
