Unique Norfolk club for ‘gentlemen enjoying boats’ celebrates 40 years
Commodore Paul Thomas with founding member Admiral Pat Baron celebrating the squadron's 40th anniversary. Photo: Ranworth Yacht Squadron - Credit: Ranworth Yacht Squadron
An exclusive sailing squadron has marked its 40 year milestone with two celebratory events.
Squadron president Tony Canham presents Admiral Pat Baron with a 40 year token to mark the anniversary. Photo: Ranworth Yacht Squadron - Credit: Ranworth Yacht Squadron
Ranworth Yacht Squadron began in 1977 as 'a small collection of gentlemen enjoying boats, their lovely ladies, and life' and remains true to its roots.
Members enjoyed a formal dinner at the Strangers' Club in Elm Hill, Norwich - a stone's throw from the coffee shop where the first meeting was held - and toasted surviving founder member Pat Baron, known as its Admiral.
Soprano Hayley Moss sang in celebration for the group.
And on Saturday night a more informal gathering was held at the city's George Hotel.
Marina Thomas and Jon Haines update members on their round the world Clipper Race adventures. Photo: Ranworth Yacht Squadron - Credit: Ranworth Yacht Squadron
Commodore Paul Thomas said among the highlights was hearing an account of one of the world's most challenging sailing events, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, involving his daughter Marina and her partner Jon Haines.
Mr Haines crewed two Clipper Race legs on yacht Visit Seattle, travelling more than 12,000 miles and crossing the Atlantic in the last race.
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Marina was press officer for two of the races, each of which lasts for some 11 months.
Norfolk-born Marina said: 'Norfolk people have raced in the past, including Ruth Charles, a circumnavigator from Wymondham who crewed on the last race on board the Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht which came third overall.'
Founder Pat Baron, said: 'Two grand events. Now we look towards the next 40 years.'
