Brighton Yacht Club received its Royal Warrant 100 years ago this month
Some readers will have noticed a unique wall hanging in the Members’ Lounge commemorating an important time in the club’s history. In April 1924, our application for a Royal Warrant was granted by King George V of England. Our club could wear the Blue Ensign of His Majesty’s fleet. Individual warrants for each of our club’s yachts were issued soon afterward. It is interesting to note that Geelong and St Kilda (now RMYS) were also granted their Royal Warrants at the same time, which brought to four the number of clubs on Port Phillip Bay that had received the royal assent (Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is the other club). Port Phillip is unique in having four ‘Royal’ clubs on the same body of water. The letter from King George V to Government House in Victoria is reprinted below.
Downing Street
9th April 1924
My Lord
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of despatch no. 38 of the 18th December last and to request you to inform your Ministers that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the grant of the title “Royal” to the Brighton Yacht Club.
The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to comply with the request of this Club for permission to wear the Blue Ensign of His Majesty’s Fleet. The Admiralty Warrant for this purpose is enclosed. At the instance of Their Lordships, I have to ask that a list of the yachts belonging to members of the Club, showing precise particulars as to the Registered Net Tonnage, Length, Breadth, Rig, Port of Registry, and full name and style of the owner or owners of each yacht, may be furnished by the Secretary of the Club direct to the Secretary of the Admiralty in order that individual Warrants may be issued.
I have the honour to be My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant.
J H Thomas