POOLE Harbour shone bright for a Royal visit yesterday (May 14).

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, president of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), took in the vista during a visit to the East Dorset Sailing Club (EDSC) to help the club celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The Princess was able to watch a flotilla of EDSC Club boats out sailing, skippered and crewed by the club’s Pirates youth section, and greet crews when they returned to shore, before observing non-sailing youngsters crabbing from the pier.

Escorted by club president Linsday Court, the Princess Royal met dignitaries and club officials, hearing about club activities from Commodore Ian Clayton.

Club historian Jim Hoare explained the group’s origins and history, while Her Royal Highness signed the visitor books and was given Honorary membership and a club burgee.

Before departing, she unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit and the club’s anniversary, receiving a bouquet from Pirate sailor Tabitha Wheeler, granddaughter of Pirates founder, Alison Wheeler.

HRH congratulated the club on its longevity and wished it all success for the next 150 years.

EDSC’s 150th anniversary celebration was attended by Mr Michael Dooley, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Cllr Pete Miles and Katie Cousins, Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, Cllr Mark Howell, Sheriff of Poole, Cllr Leslie Dedman, Chair of BCP Council, Adam Richens, Deputy CEO of BCP Council, Harry Gregory, Poole Harbourmaster, Viki Slade MP and RYA and EDSC officials.

The Princess Royal receives a bouquet from Pirate sailor, Tabitha Wheeler