The Princess Royal reveals a commemorative plaque to celebrate 120th year of Royal Cape Yacht Club

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne reveals a commemorative plaque to celebrate 120th year of Royal Cape Yacht Club © Alec Smith / imagemundi.com

The Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) is delighted to announce that The Princess Royal visited the Club on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, as part of its milestone celebratory year. This historic occasion marks yet another significant chapter in RCYC's illustrious history, which dates back to its founding in 1905.

The Princess Royal is renowned for her tireless dedication to generous work for over 300 charitable affiliations, her lifelong passion for sailing and her accomplished equestrian career, having earned a gold medal in the1976 Montreal Olympics.

A keen sailor herself, she learned to sail as a child alongside her father, Prince Philip, aboard the yacht Bloodhound. Together with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne has spent decades exploring the seas, most recently aboard their 44-foot yacht, Ballochbuie.

Commodore Alan Haefele commented: "RCYC is honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, whose visit underscores the Club's enduring legacy and commitment to sailing excellence. As a lifelong sailor, her connection to the sea is deeply personal, making her visit to RCYC especially meaningful."

RCYC officially celebrates its 120th year on 7 April, with remarkable milestones along the way:

Table Bay Yacht Club was formed 7th April at the Cumberland Hotel on St. George's Street, having originally been housed in Robert Stephens boat shed in Loop Street.

In 1906 the new Clubhouse opened near the electric power station at the foot of Adderley Street on 3rd April with funds donated by Southern Cross Yacht Club.

The title 'Royal Cape Yacht Club' was awarded by His Majesty King George V in 1914. The letter stating his Majesty had granted the title was sent to the Club by Viscount Gladstone, Governor General of South Africa on the 28th of May.

In 1918 the Club vacated premises once more, this time because of extensions in Dock Road to the Graaf Electric Lighting Works and moved to rowing sheds in Rogge Bay on Dock Road in November of that year.

The Admiralty Warrant was only granted in 1920 following a delay due to the First World War.

As WWII escalated, the Defence Department claimed all the swing moorings in the basin and the Port Captain advised that under the abnormal conditions of war, no guarantee of moorings could be given. Then in 1950, post war, the new Royal Cape Yacht Club home opened at the current Duncan Road location.

"Several extension and additions followed to bring the Club to the exceptional standards we see today in the restaurant, bar and function areas," General Manager Toni Mainprize adds. "It is interesting to note that the first female members were only allowed to join the Club in 1978. Since then, the Club has been in the forefront of promoting sailing amongst women, the youth and disadvantaged communities."

The Princess Royal enjoyed a private refreshment break and lunch before embarking on a tour of the Club, escorted by RCYC's General Manager Toni Mainprize, Commodore Alan Haefele and President John Levin.

Her itinerary included a walkthrough of the reception, restaurant, South-East bar, and Lipton Trophy Room. This was followed by a visit to the RCYC Sailing Academy and their boats moored at the front of the Club house. The tour was concluded with the unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque in the Main Hall to mark this momentous occasion.