The CLA is delighted to be holding its Isle of Wight Branch summer event and AGM 2022 at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

You are invited to join us on Wednesday, 25 May for a tour, drinks reception and two-course dinner.

Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron bills itself as one of the most prestigious and exclusive yacht clubs in the world. It enjoys a rich history spanning 200 years, having took to organising yacht racing as a principal feature of the annual regatta at Cowes in 1826.

Qualification entitling a gentleman to become a member of the Yacht Club, as the Squadron was first known, was the ownership of a vessel not under 10 tons – today this is interpreted as having an interest in yachting. The castle itself was fitted for ladies in the 1960s, while the award-winning Pavilion, designed by Sir Thomas Croft to resemble an orangery, was opened in 2000 and provides on-shore facilities for yachtsmen and their families while allowing the castle to retain its ‘country house’ ambiance.

Henry VIII had the castle built in 1539 as a deterrent to the French. Its former guns are only once known to have been fired in anger, in 1642 during the Civil War. Now its William IV cannon, which once belonged to the Royal Adelaide, fire at five-minute intervals to start 4,000 yachtsmen in their races. The squadron bought the castle and grounds from the Crown in 1917.

The latest alteration is the RYS Jubilee Haven which, together with the Cowes Harbour Commission pontoon off the Parade, does much to enliven the scene on the water for Cowes visitors.

PROGRAMME
17.00 Arrival for registration and refreshments in the Orangery
17.30 Isle of Wight AGM
17.45 Address by CLA Vice President Gavin Lane
18.15 Welcome and tour of the Royal Yacht Squadron
19.00 Drinks reception on the battlements (or in the Hall if wet)
19.30 Two course dinner served on the platform
21.00 Finish and depart.

Tickets cost £48, including VAT. If you have any issues booking online, please call the CLA South East office on 01264 313434 and the team will be happy to assist.