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Reports

A COLOURFUL fleet of Oppies, dinghies, Squibs and cruiser set sail from Fishbourne bound for Ryde to mark a golden anniversary on Saturday.

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) was blessed with bright sunsh­ine, warm weather and light winds for its celebration marking 50 years since the club re-located from the Prince Consort building in Ryde to Fishbourne.

With the RVYC ensign flying again over the former club house, the fleet set sail from Fishbourne and anchored off Ryde Esplanade or were brought ashore, after the cadets in their Oppies had performed a sail past with pennants spelling out the name Victoria.

Adrian Medley, deputy lord lieutenant of the IW, and Cllr David Knowles , the mayor of Ryde, plus sev­eral past commodores of the RVYC, were among the member and guests who assembled on the Prince Consort lawn to listen to a short speech and presentation by Commodore Nigel Talbot.

Cannon were fired and the ensign ceremoniously lowered and handed by the youngest cadet to the 'flagship' skipper before being taken by the returning boat to Fishbourne, where it was hoisted anew to celebrate 50 years of keeping the ensign flying.

More celebrations followed in Fishbourne with a buffet, cake cutting and cup presentation.

Article by Martin Neville printed in the County Press 27 May 2011

Club flies the flags for 50th anniversary

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club held their 31st annual Open Day for People with Disabilities on Saturday, 2nd July, 2011, continuing the tradition started in 1981.

Glorious sunshine and steady breezes allowed disabled people from across the Island to take part in a variety of sailing and motor boat activities, enjoying a rare experience of independence, freedom and fun on the water.  160 visitors and carers, many of whom had attended in previous years, were made welcome by over 120 RVYC members who once again volunteered their services to help ashore and afloat, supported by a fleet of boats which included a Drascombe Gig, speed boats, large sailing yachts, RIBs and specially adapted boats for wheelchair users.

The visitors, with an age range of 8 to 98 and of varied ability, completed over 60 boat trips, some going out several times, and everyone enjoyed the free refreshments, including a BBQ on the lawn, top quality Minghella ice cream and a selection of delicious cakes from Rich’s Products Ltd. of Fareham.  A well stocked tombola raised over £350.

The event was attended by Deputy Lieutenant David Langford and his wife Sue, who enjoyed an educational trip up Wootton Creek in the Club’s period launch Victoria, and by the High Sheriff, Susie Sheldon, who also found time for a quick spin in a RIB before she chatted to some of the visitors onshore.

The RVYC is deeply indebted to Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries for their continuing financial support of this event, and would also like to thank the DSA for the loan of Verity K, a specially adapted yacht, and Cowes Sailability for the use of Dougal, specifically designed for the disabled.

Open day for people with disabilities

RVYC Open day for people with disabilities, 2nd July. (13 photos)

RVYC 50th Anniversary at Fishbourne celebration, 21st May. (13 photos)