The Royal Dee Yacht Club Bicentenary Dinner, the high point in their 200 year celebrations, took place at Eaton Park, Eccleston, Chester, on the 17th September 2015.
Eaton Park is the private residence of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster with whose kind permission this historic occasion took place in that special venue. The pre-dinner reception was held in the Long Room followed by dinner in the adjoining Wolf Room. During the reception, chamber music was provided by a period chamber orchestra.
Members and guests had a rare opportunity to view part of this spectacular estate that included the famous collection of carriages and the “Shell Grotto”. To mark the event, all the Royal Dee Yacht Club’s magnificent trophies, many of whom had been out on loan to yacht racing associations and had been recalled, were on display. Special commemorative silver lapel pins to mark the occasion were presented to all Royal Dee Yacht Club members present and a specially engraved souvenir of the event was presented to all members and their guests.
Dignitaries attending the event included the Commodores of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Alfred Yacht Club, the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club and the Royal Mersey Yacht Club. The Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association, (ISORA) was represented by their Chairman, Peter Ryan, who is also a member of the Royal Dee Yacht Club.
The members and guests were treated to a sumptuous meal prepared by the Chester based Michelin star Chef, Simon Radley. A copy of the menu for the dinner is attached.
The Commodore of the Royal Dee Yacht Club, Derek Matthews, welcomed the members and guests while Vice Commodore, Callum Edge gave the Loyal Toast and the Toast to the Guests. The Reply to the Toast to the Guests was made by Commodore of the Royal Alfred Yacht Club, Barry MacNeaney. He emphasised the support that the Royal Dee Yacht Club has given over the years to offshore yacht racing. He also acknoweldged the historic strong and developing bonds between the Royal Dee Yacht club and yacht clubs on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The evening was a fitting tribute to this historic event and enjoyed by all who were privileged to have attended.
Published in ISORA
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