The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (RCYC) were pleased to greet their patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal as part of their 150^th Anniversary celebrations.

The Princess Royal, who sails herself, took to the water in glorious weather to watch sailing boats of various shapes and sizes who were racing for the Acorn Trophy which itself is 150 years old and represents a unique symbol of the RCYC heritage.

The Princess Royal, accompanied by Jenny Tolhurst the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, met local dignitaries, members and volunteers before viewing the start of the race and then being escorted by the Club Commodore, Phillip Aspinall, to view the racing from the water.

The Princess Royal presented the trophy to the winner, 16-year-old Ollie Mears racing in a loaned Blaze dinghy.   The Princess Royal chatted with Ollie who was pleased to advise HRH that his father had once won a race sailing with her daughter, Zara when they had both been Corinthian Otters.  The Otters are the youth arm of the club making Ollie’s win a fitting tribute to the Corinthian ethos of promoting amateur sailing and offering sailing opportunities for all ages and abilities.

The visit was the highpoint of a long weekend of special sailing and social events which was enhanced with wall-to-wall sunshine and fresh sea breezes, a perfect combination to celebrate such a significant milestone for the club.

The pursuit race for the NRV 150th Silver Salver was competed for across a fleet of 20+ boats from laser 4.7 to 40ft cruisers.  Well done to winner Charlie Matthews in his Blaze.

And a big personal thank you to all members and staff who made the Royal visit and the 150th celebration weekend such a success.  It was a day to be proud of our club and everything Corinthian.

Phil Aspinall Commodore

Pictures below by Nigel Teather

Banner picture by George Winder