Royal Patron for The Royal Maritime Club - November 2007-

The newly refurbished Royal Maritime Club, formerly known to generations of seafarers as The Royal Sailors Home Club, also has a new royal Patron, whose strong association with The Royal Navy and its traditions is particularly relevant:  HRH The Prince of Wales.

Taking The Royal Maritime Club forward for the next generation of membership, His Royal Highness succeeds Her Majesty The Queen as Patron at a time of renaissance for the Club. 

A comprehensive restyling of the Club facilities has returned many of the principal rooms to their elegant art deco origins, but with a deft modern touch.  And the leisure facilities themselves have all been significantly updated – making The Royal Maritime Club an even more attractive venue for its growing membership, which now includes many connected with the uniformed public services as well as the Royal Naval and Merchant Marine seafarers for whom the Club was first established back in 1851.

Marking this new move forward, The Royal Maritime Club was formally reopened on 21st September 2007 by Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB, CINCFLEET Royal Navy – reflecting the high regard in which the Club is held, both here in Portsmouth and throughout the maritime world. 

Its strong reputation is founded on some of the finest hotel and leisure facilities in Portsmouth:  well-appointed accommodation; comfortable bars; an excellent restaurant; a fully-equipped gymnasium; a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and solarium suite; snooker, billiards and pool; and even a satellite TV cinema.  A busy programme of live entertainment includes cabaret, variety performances and dancing to live music from pop groups and big bands too.

“We’re always looking ahead to ensure that we offer the very best service, in keeping with our established traditions here in the heart of the City”, says The Royal Maritime Club Manager David Watts.  “And we are naturally delighted that His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales is gracing the Club with his esteemed patronage.  Everyone at the Club is very proud". 

A message from the General Manager - November 2007-

Since my last report in March a large number of improvements have taken place here that leave no doubt that your club is heading in the right direction.  After a summer of disruption to allow us to effect the changes the facade, foyer and in particular Horatio's restaurant are now providing a new image that meets with warm praise from all who have visited here.  Particular attention has been paid to the external lighting, such that those arriving during the evening cannot fail to be impressed.  Other work completed includes refurbishment of the Nelson Lounge and improvements to some of the single bedrooms.  For those with computer skills, you can now book your accommodation on-line.  More is planned, as I mentioned in my last letter.

For those of a more nostalgic nature I regret to say that the name 'Home Club' passed into history after more that 150 years on Friday 21 September.  On that day the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB ADC, formally declared the Royal Maritime Club open and a new era in the club's magnificent story was begun.  Those present included the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr Peter Madden together with most of the Board and a healthy selection of RN personnel in uniform from naval establishments in the Portsmouth area.  In addition the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the entrace accompanied by a fanfare performed by students of the RM School of Music from HMS Nelson.  I am sure that those present enjoyed the occasion and the First Sea Lord made mention of the need to keep abreast of events in this ever-changing corner of our naval heritage and in particular confirmed that the steps we have taken are necessary to sustain the club into the future.

Meanwhile business in the club remains brisk.  The Army came and went and are so pleased with the service they received that they are coming back again next year.  The judges and coaches for the European Boxing Championships held in HMS Nelson in September, although half the number expected, also arrived and helped to swell the coffers.  And meanwhile a host of former naval members were reunited with their old shipmates on a regular basis.  I am confident that we managed to please most of them to the extent that they will be returning next year.  Weddings also featured high on the list of function activities and  am pleased to say the popular dates are filled with new and re-bookings throughout the whole of next year and a good number into 2009.

The entertainment programme continued as usual and from those who attended the Trafalgar Night dinner in particular I have received many excellent reports.  My thanks to all those involved in the planning and execution of such a splendid evening.  Meanwhile the Chas 'n' Dave show on 16 November was a resounding success.  Check out details of our continuing entertainment on our website and in particular Christmas lunch arrangements and our very special New Year's Eve party night.

May I take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff to wish you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

David Watts

General Manager