The Rag Yacht Squadron Dinner
The Rag Yacht Squadron’s inaugural formal dinner, marking the end of the sailing season, was a resounding success and a testament to the growing enthusiasm for nautical pursuits among Club members. Held in the elegant surroundings of the Club, the evening was a perfect blend of tradition, camaraderie, and maritime spirit.
Members enjoyed a sumptuous dinner accompanied by lively conversation, before being treated to an engaging and entertaining after-dinner talk by Lieutenant Colonel Will Naylor, the Army’s Rear Commodore Offshore Racing. With a wealth of experience spanning 21 years in the REME and over 50,000 nautical miles sailed, Lieutenant Colonel Naylor offered an insightful and often humorous account of “Soldiers at Sea.” From his operational deployments to Iraq and Somalia, to his passion for adventurous training and his impressive racing pedigree—including six Rolex Fastnet Races and the Sydney-Hobart Race—his stories captivated the room, drawing admiration and laughter in equal measure.
The evening served as a fitting conclusion to the Rag Yacht Squadron’s first season, uniting seasoned sailors and those simply drawn to the romance of the sea. As the conversations carried on well into the night, it was clear that this new chapter in the Club’s history has set sail with a strong and vibrant crew.
