This July, Plymouth Yacht Haven had the pleasure of welcoming The Princess Royal to our Plymouth marina.
HRH Princess Anne was visiting The Island Trust and their new vessel, SY Johanna Lucretia.
Her Royal Highness was accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE DL, and upon arrival he presented Her Royal Highness to the High Sheriff of Devon Captain Simon Martin; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, Councillor Richard Ball and Mrs Dianne Ball; Mr Leon Ward of the Royal Yachting Association; Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council Mrs Tracey Lee; and Mr Dick Lloyd, founding Trustee of The Island Trust. Dick Lloyd then introduced his fellow Trustees.
Her Royal Highness was escorted by Dick Lloyd to the pontoon to meet operations manager Tom Walker and Ocean Discoverability project manager John Hepburn. Tom invited Her Royal Highness to board each of the boats, all three looking stunning dressed overall, where she met our team of skippers and mates, and the young trainees who had just returned from a week’s sailing. Her Royal Highness spent time talking to the crews, and was interested in everyone and everything.
Afterwards, Her Royal Highness attended a reception at The Bridge bar and restaurant, overlooking the marina, where she met guests and was invited by Simon Dobson, Chairman of the Trustees, to unveil a plaque to welcome Johanna Lucretia to the fleet. Emily from Cann Bridge School presented Her Royal Highness with a posy, and Adrie and Jeremy Burnett gave a book on the yacht designs of their late son, Ed Burnett. The book contains details of the design of Pegasus by him as well as the Gloriana, which Ed helped design as the Queen’s rowbarge for the celebration of the The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Ed was also one of the 18 rowers on board when it led the Jubilee Parade down the Thames. Both Adrie and Jeremy are keen sailors and have owned a chandlery business in Falmouth.
Dick Lloyd, founding Trustee said “In the forty six years since my wife Judy and I started this charity we have introduced thousands of young people to the benefits, enjoyment and adventure of sailing, which is an ideal platform for improving confidence and motivation. Funding our work is always a challenge but we firmly believe that our young sailors are worth the investment and we are grateful for the support of our donors. This visit recognises the importance of our work with the next generation of young sailors and custodians of the sea. It was a truly incredible afternoon and perfect weather for such an occasion”.
The Island Trust provide sail training for young people on their traditionally rigged sailing vessels, as well as encouraging independence, self-worth and teaching other valuable life skills.
Photos © Jim Wileman
