Duke of Edinburgh to visit Minima
Minima is delighted to confirm that HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will be visiting the River Cultures Festival on the 6th September, as part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations commemorating the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan in 925 in Kingston. As part of the visit he will be spending time at Minima Yacht Club to meet guests and to view the Flotilla’s procession on the Thames.
The details of the visit are still being worked on. The latest information suggests that members will have continued access to the downstairs area of the Club, but not the Balcony and Clubroom, for the duration of the visit. This means that Members will not be able to watch the Flotilla from the balcony. However, a major hub for spectators will be Eagle Brewery Wharf, just a few yards downstream from Minima.
The Flotilla will begin at 12.00 noon from Ravens Ait and parade past Minima and on to Canbury Gardens. Powered vessels will lead the way and be followed by man-powered craft. I can report that 14 of our paddlers have signed up to take part in the Flotilla and I’m sure they will all appreciate being cheered on by Minima supporters.
The sailing event, organised jointly by Minima, Thames SC and Tamesis will run from 14.30-17.30, centred on Minima and Eagle Brewery Wharf. It will start with a class pursuit race (14.30-15.30), followed by a sail-past and demonstration of the different classes (15.45-16.30). Lastly, there will be a race for Juniors, starting around 16.45.
The Festival will conclude with a Twilight Parade at around 19.30, when the Flotilla craft will process once again from Ravens Ait to Canbury Gardens, this time decorated with coloured lights. Minima members will be able to view the spectacle from the balcony and wave to the Minima Paddlers; and the bar will be open.
Watch out for further updates, as more details become available.
