Princess Royal visits Royal Navy Sailing Association in Gosport

The visit marked the charity's 90th anniversary, with the Princess Royal recently appointed as its admiral and patron.

The RNSA used the occasion to highlight its efforts in making sailing accessible to the naval community.

The Princess Royal, visited the Royal Navy Sailing Association in Gosport to mark the charity’s 90th Anniversary (Image: LPhot Helayna Birkett) The Princess Royal met with the charity's trustees, key personalities, and supporters, acknowledging the contributions of the RNSA's 5,000-strong community.

The Princess Royal was welcomed by RNSA's chief executive, Commodore (Retired) Philip Warwick, and trustee and offshore sailor, Chief Petty Officer Katrina Daniels.

She engaged with naval personnel, their families, RNSA members, and staff to learn more about the association's impact and achievements.

A highlight of the visit was the Princess Royal's presentation of the Life Flag Officer's Burgee to the RNSA's manager, Wayne Shirley, recognising his exceptional support to the RNSA.

The RNSA used the occasion to highlight its efforts in making sailing accessible to the naval community (Image: LPhot Helayna Birkett) Upon receiving the burgee, Mr Shirley said: "It was an absolute honour to receive my Life Vice Commodore’s burgee from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

"I am hugely passionate about Navy sailing and have enjoyed encouraging participation in our sport over many years."

He continued: "RNSA is an amazing association and on its 90th year it is great to see it delivering so effectively for the naval community."

At the end of the visit, the chief executive highlighted how honoured the association was that the Princess Royal had agreed to be their admiral, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.

As the Princess Royal departed, she was presented with a posy of flowers by Miss Arrielle Deane, one of RNSA’s Youth Crew.

Her Royal Highness engaged with a wide range of naval personnel (Image: LPhot Helayna Birkett) Philip Warwick said: "The Royal Navy Sailing Association is absolutely thrilled and honoured that Her Royal Highness has agreed to be our Patron and Admiral on our 90th anniversary."

"Her endorsement will provide the ideal impetus and energy for the RNSA to further its charitable work and engagement with its members."

The RNSA continues to achieve its mission through three core objectives: making sailing fun, inclusive, and accessible for the naval community to enhance health and wellbeing; developing competitive Royal Navy sailing teams with a winning mentality; and supporting the families of serving personnel by providing opportunities for children to participate in sailing activities.