We were delighted that our Commodore, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, found time in his very busy diary to visit the Club last November. Although in the planning stages for many months, only a very few people were aware of the event right up to the last minute.

It was decided that, unlike the Patron’s visit in 2009, the Club should maximise the attendance by members. Criteria were drawn up to include not only the ‘old and bold’ but also a wide range of members including those that had joined within the past twelve months and our young competitive sailing members.

The great day arrived and the Clubhouse was full to capacity. The Vice Commodore gave a briefing to those present and at 12.00 noon the Commodore arrived.

Upon arrival His Royal Highness was greeted by Mr David Lindsay, Lord Lieutenant for County Down, who introduced him to the Mayor of North Down, the Chief Executive of North Down Borough Council and our Member of Parliament, Lady Sylvia Hermon.

He was then re-introduced to Dr Stanton Adair who acted as his guide throughout the engagement. On the upstairs landing the Commodore met the Club officers and their spouses. His Royal Highness then visited the recently re- furbished Lipton Room where he heard a brief presentation on Sir Thomas Lipton by Michael McKee, Club Historian and Gordon Finlay, Club Archivist, and viewed some of the Club’s Silverware and Trophies.

In the Gloucester Room His Royal Highness met members of the General Committee and their partners, before proceeding to the Strangers’ Room where he went on to meet Past Flag Officers and their partners.

Later in the Front Bar and Dining Room, His Royal Highness met more than one hundred and fifty current Club members. He graciously spent time speaking to everyone and showed

much interest in the life of the Club. There followed an excellent buffet lunch with serving points in the Dining Room and Strangers Room. The lengthy visit (two and a half hours) was enjoyed by all and the time seemed to fly.

At the end of the visit the Vice Commodore said a few words before inviting His Royal Highness to present a gift of an engraved crystal vase to long serving member of staff Mrs Heather Hamilton. Dr Adair then invited the Commodore to say a few words and to sign the Visitors’ Book.

Before departing the Club, His Royal Highness met a number of key RUYC staff and expressed his gratitude for all their hard work not only on the day of his visit, but throughout the year.

It was a most enjoyable occasion and we hope that it will not be too long before we have the pleasure of welcoming our Commodore back to his Club.