HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to visit Hamble

Prince Philip in town to mark the opening of the Royal Southern YC's latest renovation work

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is to visit The Royal Southern Yacht Club at Hamble in August, when he will mark the official opening of the rebuilt pier and the restored cottages which form the new club accommodation.

A keen sailor all his life, His Royal Highness has a long association with the Royal Southern Yacht Club, being Admiral of the Club from 1952 to 2002 and now its Patron.

The Royal Southern Yacht Club has a prestigious history. Formed in 1837 in Southampton, the Club moved to Hamble in 1947, first leasing, then purchasing period cottages on the quay. The cottages, which were originally homes for fishermen and coastguards, became the original Royal Southern Club House. More recently the Grade II Listed Cottages have provided 13 traditional style rooms with shared bathroom facilities, offices and support accommodation for the ‘new’ Club premises constructed in 1998.

In 2006 work commenced to renovate and upgrade the cottages to provide 11 well appointed bedrooms, plus a master suite, as well as new reception and administration offices and chart room. The new interior designed bedrooms all have modern facilities and ensuite bathrooms and most have views over the River Hamble.

The work is now complete and the outside of the cottages has also been restored to its former glory, following closely the guidance and requirements of the local Conservation department.

Mrs Annette Newton, Commodore of the Royal Southern Yacht Club said: “ We are absolutely thrilled that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has agreed to visit the Club to mark the restoration of the cottages and the pier. His Royal Highness has been a Club member for over 50 years and we look forward to seeing him again in August.”