RCYC at the Fleet Review 28 Jun 2005

Martin Makey, Commodore of both the Burnham and Cowes branches had the honour to officially represent the Royal Corinthian at the historical Fleet Review in the Solent on 28th June. The Review was held in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and was the largest since the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The Solent was a spectacular sight with over 140 navy and merchant ships from many nations participating. Our sister branch in Cowes was generously offered the use of the Farr 52 Chernokeef 2, owned by Peter Harrison, for the day. Chernokeef 2 is a serious racing yacht and therefore very much in keeping with the culture of a large number of our members. However in keeping with the style of the rest of our members, we were royally looked after by Peter and his team with plenty of food and beverage to keep us going during the day! Cowes was represented by Vice Commodore Jeremy Preston, Rear Commodore Amanda Dreyer and her husband William and Hon Sec Robert Laird.

We made our way down the Solent from Cowes in the company of nearly 5000 yachts and anchored off Portsmouth Harbour at around 11.00hrs. The Royal Party with Her Majesty the Queen on board the survey vessel Endurance passed by us at 12.30hrs and commenced the review of the fleet . Endurance then took up position at the head of the fleet at 15.00hrs in time to witness a flypast of aircraft and helicopters. Following the military review, yachts representing yacht clubs and sailing organisations sailed past the Queen who was very visible on the flying bridge of Endurance. Discipline was not as good as the Navy’s but no collisions were witnessed! Our Commodore led a rousing cheer for Her Majesty and then Chernokeef 2 departed back to Cowes in what by then was a dramatic thunderstorm. Later on we took in the sight of the wonderful fireworks display over Portsmouth, in celebration of the British victory in 1805.