Nostalgic Moment

It was a day of nostalgia today for the Royal Southampton Club, as more senior members recall the laying of the foundation stone for the club’s premises on the city waterfront 29 years ago today.
 
Up till then the Club occupied at various times, several premises in the city centre, and at the time was moving into a brand new purpose built Clubhouse in a dominating position in the city’s newly developed Ocean Village marina, from a base in a converted hotel.
 
Early in 1987 the decision was made to construct a purpose built headquarters at the new Ocean Village Marina, which was being created around Southampton's old Princess Alexandra Dock, the former cross channel ferry berth, at the head of Southampton Water. As there were two massive reinforced structures which could not easily be demolished at the chosen site, it was decided to make a virtue of necessity by building out over them, resulting in the spectacular commanding position over the marina held by the Clubhouse today.
 
It was on September 18, 1987 that the Admiral, Prince Michael of Kent laid the foundation stone, and the new Clubhouse, with bar, dining rooms, function rooms and offices was opened by him on October 7, 1988.
 
The Club historical notes recall that tThe new location breathed fresh life into the activities of the Club, with many new members with yachts in the marina, Town Quay and other nearby locations attracted to the weekly racing activities as well as the outstanding shore facilities.
 

Today, the Royal Southampton is one of the few UK yacht clubs to have two clubhouses, and the only Royal club to have two on the Solent.