From the Archive
A Celebration of Nautical Heritage: The 2015 Fleet Review
Whilst updating my blogs I came across this little nugget of an incredible day in 2015. How can anyone not love a Naval uniform and a Classic boat.
Last weekend, the charming coastal town of Cowes transformed into a vibrant hub of maritime celebration as it hosted the 2015 Fleet Review, marking the bicentenary of the Royal Yacht Squadron. On June 1st, 2015, we commemorated the inaugural meeting at the Thatched Tavern, a historic occasion that laid the foundation for an enduring tradition of yachting excellence.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the tantalizing scents of the sea, as delicious lobster and crab hampers made their way down from the castle to waiting yachts bobbing gently in the water. On board, elegant gentlemen and seasoned sea dogs alike showcased a quintessentially British style, clad in crisp white trousers and blazers, with buttons and yachts polished to perfection. It was a sight that evoked a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of seafaring adventure.
The Royal Yacht Squadron, originally known as the Yacht Club, was founded on June 1, 1815, at the Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London. The qualifications for membership were simple yet exclusive: one must own a vessel of no less than 10 tonnes. Today, this criterion has evolved to embrace a broader interpretation—requiring members to be “actively interested in yachting.” Members proudly flew a plain white burgee at the masthead of their yachts, accompanied by a white ensign adorned with the Union Jack in the canton. However, in 1821, this was updated to a red burgee and ensign, a change that remains to this day.
One of the most revered privileges of membership is the right to fly the white ensign, a distinction held only by members of the Squadron (around 400) and Her Majesty’s Ships. It symbolizes a legacy of nautical tradition that continues to thrive.
During this grand celebration, yachts from across the globe gathered at Cowes, including the Royal Yachts of Denmark and Finland. The largest of the Navy’s ships present, HMS Northumberland, proudly displayed its impressive stature, commanded by a wonderful Lady Captain who added an air of grace to the proceedings.
The highlight of the day was the Royal Procession, where HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, holding the title of ‘Lord High Admiral,’ along with Princess Anne, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Prince Michael of Kent, inspected each yacht. In a delightful show of camaraderie, crews were instructed to give three ‘Hip Hip Hoorays’ while waving their uniforms or white caps in the air. However, the strong winds earlier in the day resulted in some caps finding their way to an early sea grave—rumor has it that in a pinch, some yachts resorted to using plates as substitutes! This light-hearted moment perfectly encapsulated the essence of British yachting culture—an enchanting blend of glamour, humor, and rich history.
As the sun began to set over the Solent, the legacy of the Royal Yacht Squadron was palpable. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of sailors through scholarships and support for aspiring yachters reflects the spirit of camaraderie and tradition that defines this esteemed institution.
In celebrating the past and embracing the future, the Fleet Review serves as a reminder of the profound connection we have to the sea—a bond steeped in history, adventure, and the unwavering spirit of yachting.
Practicing the salute.
Little steam boat.
The 2015 Fleet Review took place last weekend with 1st June 2015 seeing the bicentenary of the Royal Yacht Squadron commemorating the inaugural meeting at the Thatched Tavern.
Cowes was full of activity with delicious lobster and crab hampers carried down from the castle to the waiting yachts. On board, elegant gentlemen and old sea dogs were adorned in white trousers and blazers, their buttons and yachts perfectly polished.
The Yacht Club, as the Squadron was first known, was founded at the Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London, on the 1st of June 1815. The qualification entitling a gentleman to become a member was the ownership of a vessel not under 10 tonnes. Today this is interpreted as a gentleman “actively interested in yachting”. A plain white burgee graced the masthead of members’ yachts; they also wore a plain white ensign with the union in the canton. In 1821 this was changed to a red burgee and ensign.
Only members of the Squadron (some 400) & Her Majesty’s Ships have the privilege of flying the white ensign.
The modern Squadron is doing some remarkable things on the island including providing scholarships to those keen to enter the yachting industry that, without this help, would not be able to.
As part of the celebrations, yachts from all over the world met at Cowes. Included in this were the Royal Yachts of Denmark and Finland. HMS Northumberland, who incidentally has a wonderful Lady Captain, was the largest of the Navy's ships present.
When the Royal Procession inspected each yacht, the crew were to give three ‘Hip Hip Hoorays’ with their uniform or white caps waved in the air. The strong wind earlier in the morning meant that some of the white caps had an early sea grave (and rumor has it that in some yachts plates became substitutes!). This was, to me, a wonderful example of what Britain does best - the glamour, the humor and the history.
Inspecting the fleet was HRH Duke of Edinburgh, who bares the title ‘Lord High Admiral’, with Princess Anne, Albert of Monaco & Prince Michael of Kent. Other Royals were also present including the Ex-King of Spain.
