The Royal Yachting Association mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II

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The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) released a statement mourning the loss of its patron, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday (September 8), sharing that it is “deeply saddened” by her passing:

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Princess Royal, the President of RYA and the entire Royal Family.

Known for her sense of duty and dedication to a life of service, Her Majesty The Queen has been an important figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She reigned longer than any other monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the world.

In 1948, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh were listed as new members of the RYA (known then as the Yacht Racing Association). It became the Royal Yachting Association in 1952 when Sir Ralph Gore, then President, referred to ‘His Majesty’s recent order that the name of the Association shall hereafter be the Royal Yachting Association’. He had written to the then Home Secretary, asking him to convey to Her Majesty “our great appreciation of this command”.

The royal family has a long sailing history. Over the centuries, the monarchy has sailed on 83 royal yachts, including the newest, HMY Britannia, which has often hosted RYA Council meetings during Cowes Week.

In addition to her diplomatic duties during royal tours, HMY Britannia was also a ship for family vacations. During the summer months, the Royal Family often set off on what became known as the aptly named Western Isles Tour, sailing around Scotland. The tour often included a stop at Castle Mey to visit the Queen Mother before docking in Aberdeen so that Her Majesty the Queen could visit her favorite summer residence, Balmoral.

With so many fond memories surrounding the yacht, Her Majesty The Queen officially took her leave in 1997 and the ship was placed in the port of Leith in Scotland, where it serves as a floating museum and event venue. All clocks on board remain stopped at 3:01 a.m., the exact time Her Majesty last disembarked.

In 1948 Bluebottle was presented to Her Majesty The Queen (then HRH Princess Elizabeth) and HRH Prince Philip as a wedding present from the Island Sailing Club in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Bluebottle is the only British dragon to win an Olympic medal, winning a bronze medal at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.

Chris Preston, Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association, said today: ‘Like so many around the world, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. His patronage and charitable works have covered a wide range of issues, from opportunities for young people to the preservation of wildlife and the environment. It was an honor for the RYA to host Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on a trip to Cowes in 2012 where they were introduced to a number of young OnBoard sailors who were taking the opportunity to try sailing and windsurfing.

“Having Her Majesty as Royal Patron, alongside the support of her husband, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as former President of the RYA and his daughter the Princess Royal as current President, has undoubtedly helped us raise awareness of our goals to increase participation in recreational boating, promote safety afloat and raise boating standards. Her Majesty will be greatly missed and we offer our deepest condolences to our President, The Princess Royal, and her family. »

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