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Royal Harwich Yacht Club

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Royal Harwich Yacht Club

There was no yacht club on the East Coast of England before the year 1843, but on September 28 of that year one was formed at Harwich. It does not appear to have flourished for the first year or so of its existence. The Admiralty granted it a warrant on April I, 1845, and a few days later an intimation was received that H.M. the Queen Dowager Adelaide had consented to extend her patronage to it, and from that time it appears to have entered upon a period of prosperity.

A few years later one finds reference in contemporary records to the high position which the club held in the estimation of yachtsmen, and likewise to the exceptional privileges which its members enjoyed, including exemptions from foreign port dues. In 1846 Queen Victoria and H.R.H. Prince Consort became patrons.

In looking through the records of various yacht clubs, one notices how comparatively lax the regulations in regard to the choice of distinguishing flags appear to have been in the earlier days of the sport. It is interesting to note in this connection that about the time the Royal Harwich obtained its Admiralty warrant the matter was receiving more attention at the hands of the authorities, as an application on the part of the club to make some alteration in the device which it was authorized to carry on its blue ensign was refused by the Admiralty on the ground that ‘great inconvenience attended the changing of devices in the flags of yacht clubs, and their lordships are sorry they cannot comply with the request.’

The first challenge ever sent from this country to the New York Yacht Club for the America Cup was forwarded by the Royal Harwich Club on behalf of Mr. Ashbury, who took over his schooner Cambria, in 1871, to try to recover the trophy which had been won nineteen years before by the American schooner. This naturally brought the club into prominence in the yachting world, and when Mr. Ashbury returned to the attack in the following year with his new schooner  Livonia , it was the Royal Harwich Yacht Club that again sent the challenge on his behalf.The Harwich Regatta now always takes place immediately after the opening matches of the Metropolitan clubs on the Thames, and the ‘Down Swin Matches’ provide races for the vessels from the river to the eastern port.

During the last three seasons the course for the big yachts at the annual regatta has been altered with the object of keeping the vessels within view as much as possible. The club has apartments at the Great Eastern Hotel at Harwich.

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HRH The Princess Royal celebrates 175 years of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club

HRH The Princess Royal, visited the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on 30th January to celebrate 175 years since the founding of the Club – a momentous anniversary also marked by the publication of a new book.

Her Royal Highness was naturally presented with a copy of the new Illustrated History Book of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, 1843 – 2018. She also named a new boat for The Woolverstone Project, a charity set up by RHYC that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to go sailing.

Despite its illustrious history and Royal connections, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club is now a diverse, lively and inclusive club that offers a wide range of sailing, including RYA approved sail training courses and social activities for all ages and welcomes new members. Marking the 175th celebration with a commemorative book and the Royal Visit is testament to the amount of work and dedication of all involved in the development of the Club over its 175 years.

The Princess Royal named a boat that has been especially adapted by RS Sailing for sailors with disabilities. Lion Venture was the name chosen in honour of RHYC’s ‘Rampant Lion’, part of its identity since being given an admiralty warrant in 1845 when Her Majesty The Dowager Queen Adelaide became the Club’s first Royal Patron.

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Royal Harwich Yacht Club

Region: East

RHYC is based in a stunning clubhouse at Woolverstone, on the banks of the beautiful River Orwell in Suffolk, a few miles east of Ipswich. It’s a fabulous location, not just for dinghy sailing and as a great base for cruising, but also for relaxing on the lawn enjoying a drink or a meal overlooking the river!

We are a friendly, lively and inclusive club, offering a wide range of sailing and social activities, and we always welcome new members. We encourage and support dinghy, keelboat and yacht racing as well as a range of cruising activities. We have a spacious dinghy park and a slipway that can be used at virtually all states of the tide. We also have our own marina, which is open to visitors, and swinging moorings on the river.

Our clubhouse provides excellent bar and catering facilities serving the needs of members as well as visiting sailors, clubs and cruising associations, who are always welcome. The clubhouse is a fantastic venue that can be booked for private and corporate functions by members and non members.

Royal Harwich Yacht Club Woolverstone Ipswich Suffolk IP9 1AT

RHYC is located a few miles south of Ipswich, on the banks of the River Orwell. Coming from Ipswich, the turning to the club is a left turn from the B1456 in the village of Woolverstone.

Name: Kathryn Deaton

Phone: 01473 780319

Email: [email protected]

https://www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk/

HRH The Princess Royal names ‘Lion Venture’ at Royal Harwich Yacht Club

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the Royal Yachting Association , celebrates the 175th anniversary of sailing at Royal Harwich Yacht Club .

HRH The Princess Royal, visited the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on 30th January to celebrate 175 years since the founding of the Club and the release of an Illustrated History Book of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, 1843 – 2018.

Celebrations took place at the Club where Her Royal Highness was presented with a copy of the book and named a new boat for The Woolverstone Project , a charity set up by RHYC that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to go sailing.

Despite its illustrious history and Royal connections, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club is now a diverse, lively and inclusive club that offers a wide range of sailing, including RYA approved sail training courses and social activities for all ages and welcomes new members. Marking the 175th celebration with a commemorative book and the Royal Visit is testament to the amount of work and dedication of all involved in the development of the Club over its 175 years.

During her visit, The Princess Royal named the RS Venture Connect SCS that has been especially adapted by RS Sailing for sailors with disabilities. The boat was named Lion Venture in honour of RHYC’s “Rampant Lion”, part of its identity since being given an admiralty warrant in 1845 when Her Majesty The Dowager Queen Adelaide became its first Royal Patron.

Click the link to find out more about  Royal Harwich Yacht Club.

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British Youth Sailing Recognition for Royal Harwich Yacht Club

The British Youth Sailing (BYS) Recognised Club Programme helps clubs to develop the sailing and racing skills of junior sailors, and encourages young sailors at grassroots level to stay in the sport. 

Royal Harwich Yacht Club has long had a significant emphasis on Junior Sailing and Junior Race Week, and despite the challenges of 2020 this was able to take place last year. They are looking forward to getting back on the water in 2021 once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Stephen Olle, Rear Commodore Sailing at RHYC said:

“This is excellent news that RHYC is now a British Youth Sailing Recognised Club. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in achieving this success. This recognition will further enhance our junior training programmes and events like our very successful Junior Race week which will be held on the 23rd August this year. We are planning many more events to support further growth of our Junior and Youth racing and race training programmes.”

RYA Youth Racing Manager, Mark Nicholls, said:

“The key challenge for our sport is to encourage more young people to start participating in sailing and progress into racing. This is best done at club level and a successful junior and youth training and racing programme will enable a club to flourish. The BYS Recognised Club status distinguishes those sailing clubs with a commitment to the development of junior and youth racing and race training, which is delivered in a safe and fun environment.”

If you’d like to find out more about how to get out on the water and start your sailing adventure visit http://www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating or to find out more about Royal Harwich Yacht Club visit https://www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk

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Royal Harwich Yacht Club

www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk

07742 145994

River Orwell – Woolverstone, IP9 1AT

Royal Harwich Yacht Club: A friendly Club with bar and galley adjacent to a marina with 54 permanent berths with stunning views of the River Orwell. We always welcome visitors and will do our best to accommodate you!

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Royal Harwich Yacht Club

How We Manage the Club

The annual general meeting.

The AGM is held on an annual basis, during December.  Its main responsibility is to elect the President, the Flag Officers and members of the General Committee.  Any changes to the Rules and any changes to subscriptions must be approved by a vote at the AGM, which may also vote on other matters put to them by the General Committee.

General Committee

The overall management of the Club is carried out by the General Committee, which meets on a regular basis (normally monthly) to discuss and decide strategic and day-to-day issues.  The General Committee comprises the Flag Officers of the Club and a number of other members, who are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The General Committee for 2024 consists of the following (in addition to the Flag Officers):

• Rosie Davey
• Nigel Martin
• Julian Molyneux
• Clive North
• Josh Richardson
• Paul Rodhouse
• Derek Mayhew
• Andrew Ede         

Sub Committees

The General Committee can appoint Sub Committees to carry out day-to-day management of various aspects of the Club, such as the marina and the catering facilities.  Sub Committees and their Chairs for 2024 are as follows:

• Marina – Bob Portway
• Sailing – Stephanie Hensley
• Social – Jemima Phillpot
• Mooring – Peter Richardson 
• Marketing – Mark Dean
• Laying Up – Simon Blackburn
• Library – Tim Daley
• Training – Stephen Olle
• Environmental  – 

Child Welfare Officer

Tim Fenton – 07931 443807 

Flag Officers 

The Flag Officers, who constitute the executive arm of the Club, are elected by Club members at the AGM.  Flag officers consist of the President, Commodore, Vice Commodore, Honorary Treasurer and Rear Commodores (3).  The Flag officers for 2024 are as follows:

President: Chris Brown

Commodore: laurie vanner, vice commodores: stephen olle and mark dean , rear commodore sailing: stephanie hensley, rear commodore social: jemima phillpot, rear commodore marina: bob portway, treasurer: mike clayton.

The Club employs a number of staff who do an excellent job in running the Club and providing the services for our members and visitors, as follows:

• Matthew George – Club Manager (01473 780319)
• Debbie Emmons – Office Enquiries (01473 780319)
• Bar & Catering  – Reeves at RHYC (01473 780319)
• Ian McClean – Berth Master (07742 145994)
• David Bloomfield – Property Maintenance 

Formerly, HRH The Prince Philip, Patron 1952 – 2021. Awaiting confirmation of a replacement.

The Trustees of the Club, in whom the property and securities of the Club are vested, are as follows:

• Leigh Baxter
• Simon Hewitt

Travel | Travel: Is getting a pricey cruise upgrade…

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Travel | travel: is getting a pricey cruise upgrade really worth it.

Lavishing in ultimate luxury doesn’t come cheap, of course. The million-dollar question of “to splurge or not to splurge?” can add thousands of dollars to an already pricey purchase. For those who can afford a stately stateroom, however, they are often afforded a boatload of benefits beyond the deluxe digs.

But like pretty much everything in life, you don’t always get what you pay for. While the majority of passenger ships put the biggest spenders in cruise control with such privileges as exclusive dining options, private lounges and reserved theater seats, some have guests looking at their travel budget with a sinking feeling.

Playing the dual role of travel agent and real estate agent, we’ve checked out some prime properties that, under normal conditions, promise an elevated experience when paying a suntanned arm and leg.

Even without getting into upgrades, cruise fares are all over the nautical map due to such factors as the number of nights, itinerary, season, availability, the cruise line and even the ship itself. For sanity’s sake, we’ll do like a bad kayaking shore excursion and only scratch the surface here.

Focusing on the value-based mainstream cruise market (because, let’s face it, those who can afford the best don’t even blink at upgrading), the big four are serving up a buffet of bundles — and we all know how much cruisers love buffets. The key is making sure your eyes are not bigger than your stomach — or in this case, wallet.

Despite the dizzying number of premium packages out there, a standard inclusion with a suite on mega-ships (those defined as having 1,500 or more cabins) is a “fast pass” of sorts when checking in, boarding, debarking, tendering and dining in the main restaurants.

The OG of exclusive suite zones is Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ). Having pioneered the concept in 2005, giving it a name — The Haven — in 2011, mass-market NCL offers this elite enclave on the majority of its fleet. This includes the newer Prima-class ships: the 3,099-passenger namesake and 3,215-guest Viva, both of which blur the line between the mainstream and premium categories. A private bar, lounge and restaurant, secluded sundeck and infinity pool, and 24-hour butler service, all within an area accessible only by keycard, will also delight future passengers on the 3,571-guest Norwegian Aqua, debuting in April 2025.

How much is a slice of heaven in The Haven? The fleetwide average fare for a seven-day sail in a 300-square-foot balcony room is around $3,000 per person. That’s chump change and a cracker box compared to one of the two 2,100-square-foot, three-bed, three-bath Duplex Suites that will be on Aqua. At press time, these maritime mansions were about $14,000 per person for a weeklong Caribbean cruise out of Florida next summer.

On Royal Caribbean International’s amazing Icon of the Seas , the largest suite of the world’s largest ship is the 1,772-square-foot, three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse that sleeps eight. It’s got a multi-level slide, a wraparound balcony, whirlpool, areas for karaoke and watching movies, and even a patio with ping-pong.

Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ) divides its top suites on its newer and bigger ships into three Royal Suite categories — Sea, Sky and Star — and, no surprise, the Ultimate Family Townhouse belongs in the class named for the physically highest of the trio. Services and amenities are still impressive up in the Sky and even at Sea level, but being a Star comes with pre-paid gratuities, specialty dining and a deluxe beverage package.

Carnival Cruise Line ( carnival.com ) is known for being more fun than fancy, but with every renovation and new ship there is an opportunity to add frills with the thrills. “Fun Ships” don’t have private elevators for guests between suite enclaves and main decks — at least not yet — but most of Carnival’s fleet offers VIP treatment when staying in certain zones. Excel-class suites, available on the 5,282-passenger Jubilee, Celebration and Mardi Gras, provide access at Loft 19, a top-deck sanctuary that offers super-comfortable lounge chairs, an exclusive and spacious infinity whirlpool, and rentable cabanas that come with such indulgences as dedicated concierge service, chilled towels, lunch delivery, and glorious shade.

Other perks of an Excel-class suite include sparkling wine and a fruit bowl upon arrival, soft drink package, and use of the Thermal Suites, which are dedicated relaxation centers that offer seafaring splendor in a variety of environments. Also worth a look before you book are the following communities that come with select services and amenities: Cuban-themed Havana on Vista, Horizon, Panorama and the three Excel ships (for guests 12 and over); Italian-accented Terrazza on Firenze and Venezia (same); wellness-focused Cloud 9 Spa on 13 ships; and Family Harbor. The latter stateroom and suite community, on Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama and Vista, comes with daily breakfast and snacks in an exclusive family-friendly lounge stocked with age-appropriate video and board games, and movies, an evening of late-night babysitting service at Camp Ocean, and other cool stuff.

MSC Cruises ( msccruisesusa.com ), the third-largest cruise line after Royal Caribbean and Carnival, has the MSC Yacht Club, a winning response to the competition’s various exclusive suite enclaves. Strutting around the loftiest lodging on the beautiful 5,877-passenger Seascape and a dozen other ships in the fleet lends a feeling of being on a cruise within a cruise. Elegance begins with a less stressful embarkation process in port and continues onboard with full-service and buffet-style gourmet dining. Yacht Club privileges also include the best drink and internet packages, 24-hour butler and room service, special concierge desk, perks at the spa, afternoon tea, exclusive pools and lounges, and priority over commoners at several useful places. The Yacht Club experience continues on land should the itinerary include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where the private and serene Ocean House Beach awaits with ocean views, beachfront cabanas and inclusive amenities.

Moving on up to the premium category, Disney Cruise Line ( disneycruiseline.com ) has an E-ticket suite on its 4,000-passenger flagship, the mouska-riffic Disney Wish . The apex of accommodations has an avant-garde address. Nestled inside the one funnel that’s just for show is the “Moana”-themed Concierge Wish Tower Suite. Spread across 1,966 square feet and two levels connected by a spiral staircase are four bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, and enough space to sleep eight. The happiest place at sea is running about $35,000 for a family of five on a three-day Bahamian cruise next summer.

Within the luxury class, Windstar Cruises ( windstarcruises.com ) has three all-suite motorized Star Plus-class ships in a fleet filled out by a trio of Wind-class sailing yachts. Aboard each of the 312-passenger Star Plus vessels are three owners suites ranging in size from 575 to 1,374 square feet. Over the past two years, Windstar has rolled out two additional suites on each Star Plus yacht, and their concept is not only unique, but award winning. Earning bragging rights as “Best Suites at Sea” (small-ship division) at last year’s Cruise Ship Interior Awards were The Broadmoor and Sea Island suites that match the decor of their namesake five-star resorts in Colorado Springs and the Georgia coast, right down to the furniture, crown moldings and wallpaper.

Hitting the heights, which in the cruising world means the ultra-luxury category, Crystal ( crystalcruises.com ) offers up a 1,372-square-foot Crystal Penthouse Suite on the 740-guest Serenity, which went through a near-complete makeover in 2023. with expansive living areas, a private veranda, elaborate finishings, a Romanesque bathroom, dining area, big-enough private kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, and, speaking from personal experience, one of the two best butler services at sea. (Seabourn has the other). At last check, bunking in the best of the best on an eight-day Mediterranean cruise was going for about $44,000 for two next summer.

The beauty of cruising is you don’t have to go big or go home. Living the suite life may cost thousands or tens of thousands, but even if the low end is too dear, cruise fares, like ships and passengers, come in all shapes and sizes.

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