Princess Anne cracked a bottle of champagne over two new boats yesterday (22.04.08) to officially name them.
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Anne – Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter – thrilled the disabled members of the Lymington SailAbility as she christened new safety vessel Pebble Beach and the group’s specially-adapted trimaran Aly Cat.
After performing her ceremonial duties, keen-sailor Anne spent time speaking to some of the people who benefit from the charity’s work the most. She even presented three members with sailing certificates to cap one of the proudest days in the club’s history.
Hampshire County Council chairman Patricia Devereux was part of a large greeting party which assembled as the princess arrived at sailing club.
SailAbility chairman Alison Gunn said: “It went wonderfully. Princess Anne is brilliant and made everybody feel very relaxed. She was very interested in the types of boat we had here and of course named two of them today.
“What was so nice was that she spoke to as many members as she possibly could.
“Hopefully, the visit will raise the awareness of the club and bring some recognition to all the people who work so hard to make the group a success.”
