On Saturday 6th August 2022, HRH The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence visited the Island for the Solent Platinum Jubilee Celebration. A spectacular showcase of more than 400 boats took place in the Solent in recognition of the support the Royal Family has given to the sailing community over the last 70 years.
A motorpast review of all the boats by the Princess, was followed by a Fleet Review from the deck of the Royal Navy’s HMW SEVERN Offshore Patrol Vessel. Among the fleet were historic ships, including four Dunkirk Little Ships – Tahilla, Papillon, Maimonide and Naiad Errant; two historic yachts – Sir Francis Chichester’s Gipsy Moth IV and Suhaili – with owner Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on board.
In addition, there were two sail training vessels – Scaramouche and Challenger 72 – 22m and Bluebottle, a wedding gift to HM The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh from the Island Sailing Club.
This review was accompanied by an air display by a ‘City of Exeter’ Spitfire, courtesy of the Spitfire Academy at Goodwood.
Please contact Mike Dunkason for further information regarding these images: dunkason.photo@btinternet.com