Princess Royal Celebrates One Of World’s Oldest Yacht Clubs

The Princess Royal with Petty Officer Andrew Yates (Picture: Royal Navy).

The Princess Royal has visited HMS Archer to celebrate one of the world’s oldest yacht clubs 150th anniversary.

The Royal Forth Yacht Club in Edinburgh was formed by 26 local men and has operated from the Granton Harbour for generations - giving members the chance to try sailing on the Forth estuary.

The Club's Patron - HRH The Princess Royal - boarded Royal Navy Patrol Boat HMS Archer to take the salute from yachts participating in the Club’s Anniversary Parade of Sail.

Princess Royal also unveiled a plaque marking the club's anniversary. 

Charles Morton, Commodore of the Royal Forth Yacht Club, said:

“It is a particular privilege to have been elected Commodore in this special year.  We will be holding an Anniversary Regatta later in June with an Anniversary Cruise in Company setting off North at the beginning of July.

“We are honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal as our Patron, particularly as she is a sailor herself, and we are very grateful for her support.”

The Club’s Royal connection started in 1883 when HRH Queen Victoria was “graciously pleased to command that henceforth the club would be known as the Royal Forth Yacht Club”.

Captain Chris Smith, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: 

“The Royal Navy were delighted to help support the Royal Forth Yacht Club’s 150th anniversary.

“Much like the Navy, The Royal Forth Yacht Club is an organisation with a long and proud heritage on the River Forth.  Its role in developing an understanding of the sea, whether that be for recreational or commercial use, is important to all of us living in this island nation.

“The crew of HMS Archer were honoured to host Her Royal Highness and to be part of the event, especially since the ship is Edinburgh-based and is the training vessel for Edinburgh University Royal Navy Unit.”

HRH Prince Philip is also an honoury member of the club.