PRINCESS Anne took to the water to help Draycote Water Sailing Club celebrate its 50th birthday.
The Princess Royal was welcomed to the club near Southam in her capacity as president of sailing’s national body the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), along with RYA chief executive Sarah Treseder.
Despite the wet and windy conditions, the princess was keen to go on the water to watch the different groups out sailing. Jumping aboard the club’s Committee Boat, she watched youngsters training and doing some short course racing, and an RYA beginners course.
And some of the Ancient Mariners, a group of retired sailors who meet weekly, braved the conditions to show what they could do.
The princess was also given a tour of the club and formally opened the Sport England-funded Training Room and revamped changing facilities.
She also met the club’s Women on Water sailing group and presented certificates to the Youth & Junior group.
Before leaving HRH unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and told members she was impressed how the club had made such a success of developing sailing at Draycote.
Visit www.draycotewater.co.uk for further information about the club.
Pictures by Malcolm Lewin.
