Royal visit to Warsash Sailing Club

Warsash Sailing Club welcomed HRH The Princess Royal, President of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), to open their newly restored clubhouse and see some of the boats used by its vibrant youth section yesterday (October 8th). 

Numerous dignitaries greeted Her Royal Highness, including the Chairman of Hampshire County Council Keith Mans, the Mayor of Fareham Pal Hayre, the RYA Chair Sir Michael Arthur and Warsash Sailing Club Commodore Nigel Rennie.

Exactly 30 years ago, HRH Princess Anne opened the Shore House building so it was fitting that she revisited this popular sailing club and saw their new rooms and balcony with panoramic views of the River Hamble.

The club has one of the most successful youth sailing programmes in Britain and The Princess Royal met some of the sailors and their coaches. Youngsters aged from 6 to 17, including members of the British Youth Sailing Team, proudly showed her the various boats they race in National, European and World championships. 

HRH The Princess Royal also talked to Super Volunteers, the people who contribute to the heart and soul of the club, as well as committee members and trustees.

The highlight of the day was the official unveiling of a plaque to re-open the clubhouse.

Commodore Nigel Rennie commented: “Today it was an honour to welcome HRH,The Princess Royal to Warsash SC. Our youth section trains elite international sailors through the RYA pathway but we are a club for all ages with a strong cruising and yacht racing programme, the Spring Series for yachts and sportsboats, and dinghy racing all year round.”

Roger Cerrato, Rear Commodore Sailing commented, 

“We are very proud of the diversity of type of boats and sailing we offer to youngsters, and we work hard to find the right boat for each child. We teach children and young people to learn to sail, and support them whether they decide to pursue racing or if they find it more fun to cruise, or just enjoy being on the water”.

Councillor Pal Hayre, Mayor of Fareham said, “I feel very proud as Mayor of Fareham to welcome Her Royal Highness to Warsash. We are very fortunate to be living on the coast with such wonderful facilities for outdoor sport and leisure on our doorstep. 

Royal Yachting Association Chair Sir Michael Arthur commented: 

“This visit is a feather in the cap for Warsash SC, which is one of the most successful clubs in the country and an RYA training centre. It is wonderful to see the club investing in its future and providing a safe and welcoming environment for all the younger generations coming through. 

Hampshire County Council Chairman Keith Mans said: “I am delighted to be here to welcome Her Royal Highness to Hampshire and the excellent facilities for sailors of all ages at Warsash SC”. 

Though she spent over an hour at the club it was a ‘flying visit’ as the Princess left as she had arrived, by helicopter from the Strawberry Field next to the club.

Press contact: Sarah Norbury. Tel 07534 125490. email sarahnorbury@yahoo.co.uk

Additional info

One of the most famous Warsash sailors is Hannah Diamond who learnt to sail at the club as a child. She was unable to attend the royal visit as she is racing in the Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona!

HRH Princess Anne inspected a line-up of the types of boats available to sail at the club, from the little Optimist to speed-machines like the Nacra 15 and 29er.