4 | LUXlife Magazine oyal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club is a private yacht club steeped in rich history, dating back to 1882. Following the success of the Fitted Dinghy Races held by the Hamilton School and its headmaster, Charles E. Clay, the Club was formed with Joseph Trimingham as its first Commodore. Originating as a gentleman’s lunch club to include sailing, tennis, snooker, and various social events, it is widely believed that the very first meetings were held in Joseph’s own home. Just one year later, the yacht club was conferred the title ‘Royal’ by H.R.H Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, whilst she was on a winter holiday in Bermuda. In 1883, the Club became the only Royal Dinghy Sailing Club in the world, a title it has proudly maintained in the years since. A change in the rules for governing titles was made in 1890, restricting the authority to grant these to the reigning Monarch. As a result, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club became Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, and membership elected to extend itself into a Social Club and find a Clubhouse. In 1896, ‘Amateur’ was also dropped from the Club’s title, leaving it to operate as the Hamilton Dinghy Club. This remained unchanged for a number of years, until 1946, when it was decided to apply to H. M. Queen Elizabeth II for her confirmation of the grant originally bestowed by H.R.H Princess Louise in 1883. Confirmation was received in 1953 and on June 4th, 1953, mere days after the Queen’s coronation, a ceremony was held at the club’s premises in Hamilton. Here, the Governor, Lt. Gen. Sir Alexander Hood, G.B.E., C.B., K.C.B., C.B., K.C.V.O., officiated the ceremony to reinstate the Club as Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, the only Royal Dinghy Club in the world, once more. Now, more than a century since its establishment and Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’s mission remains true: to encourage and promote sailing and boating activities within the Marina, and the use of its facilities, in a safe and professional manner. The Club strives to provide quality social and recreational amenities to its members and ensure that all activities taking place within its premises are as enjoyable as they are safe. Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club serves the entirety of Bermuda, with its status as a social club allowing it to serve as a hub for many communities across the archipelago. Membership to the Club is based off of recommendations and recruitment from the friends and families of its members, making for a diverse client base that ranges from all ages and stages of ability. Sailing Club of the Year 2024 – Bermuda Known for its mild and humid subtropical climate, calm and clear waters, and a rich marine history dating back to the 1500s, Bermuda is the ideal location sailors looking to drop anchor. With the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club offering its spectacular services for guests of all levels, from beginner to advanced, it has never been easier to join the magnificent marine world. In the wake of the Club receiving its title in the Marine Tourism Awards 2024, we take a closer look at the ways in which it has achieved excellence. R Nov24354 The Club has occupied its Mangroville location since 1964, offering its guests a comprehensive suite of amenities. The Clubhouse is heavily used for functions, hosting both members and outside parties regularly with the aid of an expert event planning team. Whether a guest is planning a birthday party, wedding, corporate function, or special occasion, the hardworking event staff are on hand with a fully stocked bar, a wide range of menu options to select from, and high quality service that will make any event unforgettable. Outside of functions and events, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club also offers its outstanding facilities for daily use, including restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, and a Junior Members’ Lounge for children over ten years of age. Sitting upon a small hill at the Eastern end of Hamilton Harbour, the Clubhouse benefits from an unobstructed view to the West. Its spacious patio is perfect for al fresco dining and drinks whilst watching the sun setting over the marina. Alongside offices, the lower level of the Clubhouse is home to a large Lower Bar, used for informal dining and drinks, complete with sliding glass doors onto the patio for use during the warmer months. Throughout the chillier winter months, however, members can access an additional bar that contains an open fireplace ideal for cosy, warm evenings. Upstairs, the Clubhouse holds a number of rooms that are available for meetings, private dinners, and lunches, meaning that its members can truly make the most of their time spent at the Club. Its top-tier restaurant, the Top of the Harbour Dining Room, enjoys the same commanding, expansive views as the lower bar and patio, and is additionally catered to by a full-service kitchen. Across all of its operations, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club prioritises sustainability, and is committed to ensuring that its Clubhouse contributes towards a cleaner and sustainable environment, one reduced carbon footprint at a time. In alignment with this mission, the Clubhouse has integrated solar panels, eco-friendly takeout supplies, energysaving lights, recycling bins, a herb garden, an Annual Marina Clean-Up Day, a marina waste management system, and the preservation of the woodland reserve area. In addition to guest-hosted events, the yacht club also hosts a selection of its own events each year. June 20th marks the start of the Marion to Bermuda Race, the 27th annual running of this event. The race began in 1977 with two long-term sailing friends who spoke of racing from Marion
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