By Isle of Wight Observer
The Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) celebrated its 180th anniversary with a weekend of sailing and celebration at its Fishbourne base on June 28 and 29.
Founded on May 24, 1845, Queen Victoria’s birthday, the club originally operated from the Prince Consort building on Ryde seafront. It quickly became one of the country’s most prestigious clubs, and even hosted the Olympic yacht races in 1908, with starts and finishes from Ryde Pier.
A decline after the Second World War saw the club merge with Fishbourne and Wootton Creek sailing clubs in 1961. It moved to its current site shortly after, with a new clubhouse opened by the late Prince Philip in 1962.
Today, RVYC is thriving, with a growing membership, an active cadet section, and a busy calendar of events for its MOCRA multi-hulls, Scows and dinghies. In 2021, the club hosted a visit from HRH The Princess Royal to mark its 175th anniversary.
The 180th celebrations began with a regatta, sponsored by Mermaid Gin, followed by a barbecue and live music from club favourites, The Accelerators.
The next day featured a sail-past of decorated craft, from yachts to paddleboards, with salutes taken by past and present commodores. Afternoon tea on the lawn followed, with a toast led by former commodore, Alan Colville.
RVYC Commodore Helen Vrba welcomed guests from neighbouring clubs, including Brading Haven, Sea View and East Cowes.