Jun22596 4 | LUXlife Magazine The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club was formed with Joseph Trimingham as the first Commodore, and it is likely that the club’s early meetings were held in his home. Originally established as a gentlemen’s lunch club, sailing was just one of the events that the group partook in, with the others being tennis, snooker, and social events. When the club garnered its royal title in 1883, a unique white flag was designed in the traditional style of British yachting clubs of the period, with this being curated specifically for Royal Hamilton’s exclusive use. In 1890, a mere seven years after receiving this honour, legislation was changed regarding governing titles, and it was decided that this privilege would be given only to remaining monarchs. As such, the royal moniker was unfortunately dropped. At the same time, however, memberships were extended to include a social club, and the members set about finding a suitable clubhouse. March of that year saw some rooms taken over on the second floor of a house on the corner of Reid and Queen Street in the Hamilton area, thus birthing the first Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club clubhouse. 1896 saw “Amateur” dropped from the title of the club, and the name Hamilton Dinghy Club stuck until 1953. Along with this change, a new logo was curated along with a corresponding burgee, which saw the adoption of the red ensign of the monarch service complete with a gold anchor and the letters HDC etched underneath. In 1946, the decision was made to again reach out to the British royal family, with the purpose of confirmation for the grant that was received by H.R. H. Princess Louise back in 1883. Oct23382 Best Local Yacht & Dinghy Club 2023 - Bermuda Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club’s impressive history dates back to 1882, where it was established following the successes of the Fitted Dinghy races that were held by the Hamilton school and headmaster Charles E. Clay. The only dinghy sailing club in the world to have the title “Royal” bestowed upon in it, this remarkable achievement occurred the following year in 1883, when H. R. H. Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, was holidaying in Bermuda for the winter. Since 1964, the club has occupied “Mangroville”, where it boasts a clubhouse that is used for an array of functions, a beautiful marina which stretches out into the ocean and is home to some magnificent vessels, as well as boat storage and car parking. We catch up with Cassius Fevriere, to find out more about the club’s illustrious history and what membership entails. Confirmation would officially be received in 1953, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, and on June 4th that year, a ceremony was held at the Hamilton clubhouse premises, whereby the Governor, Lt. Gen. Sir Alexander Hood, G.B.E., C.B., K.C.B., C.B., K.C.V.O., officiated and restored the prestigious royal title to the club, once again making it the world’s only royal dinghy club. In 1954, the name was again changed, officially christening it “The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club”, representing things coming full circle for the club, more than 60 years after it first opened its doors. With this prestigious history to boot, the social club today serves members across Bermuda’s communities, and as such, its membership ranges from children to adults, and appeals particularly to sailors of all ages and experience levels. Its membership is based on current members recruiting their family and friends, and taking advantage of the excellent sailing classes that are offered all year round at the club and marina. To this end, the club has made it its mission to encourage and promote Bermuda Fitted Dinghy racing in the area. This mission also extends to the encouragement and promotion of all other sailing and boating activities in a safe and professional manner, with the same going for the use of the wider marina facilities for all berth owners and renters, providing social and recreational amenities for members that are of the highest calibre. All of this starts with the team at the club, who, as Cassius describes, “are the heartbeat of the business.” The sailing programmes offered for children and adults by
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