During their years of service, successive 'Worcester's' flew a special distinctive Ensign - in official parlance 'the Blue Ensign of Her Majesties' Fleet defaced in yellow in the fly with a Naval Crown superior to a capital 'W'!
The 'Worcester' Ensign.
When the College closed it looked if as the design would disappear forever but, with the blessings of the Council, an approach was made to the Ministry of Defence (who, as successors to the Admiralty, control such matters) to see if OWs could use the design on yachts. We were delighted to receive approval subject to an 'in-house' Yacht Club being formed, membership of which is restricted to OWs. A Warrant to the Club was granted in 1974. On foundation there were 29 members. There are currently nearly 200 members of whom approximately a third hold permits to fly the former College ensign - most of their yachts are based in the U. K. but we are also represented by vessels based in the U.S.A., Australia,, Antigua, Canada, Spain, Greece, Gibraltar and France...an unusual twilight for an unique ensign formally only ever seen at Greenhithe!
Every year the Club appoints a new Commodore - for 2010 Peter Gormley who chooses the location for his weekend 'Rendezvous'. This annual meeting has now covered most suitable locations on the coast between Lowestoft & Milford Haven (with slight diversions to Guernsey and Jersey one year). Typically 100 members and guests manning 25 odd yachts attend with a programme that has included such diversions as a dinner on HMS 'Warrior', a visit to Harwich Port Control, lunch at Osborne House, a tour of the R.N.L.I. headquarters at Poole, a trip through the Channel Tunnel and a tour of the Northshore Shipyard.
Needless to say the name "Worcester" frequently crops up in the name of member's yachts- they include "Lady Worcester", Worcester Sauce", "Spirit of Worcester" and of course "Worcester".
You do not have to own a boat to join and berths can normally be found at the annual 'Rendezvous', which in 2010 will be held during June on the Isle of Wight..
Details of membership are available from the Honorary Secretary:-
Mr Peter.R.L. Gormley
69 Theberton Street
ISLINGTON
London. N1 0QY
U.K.
Home Tel. +44(0)20 7226 4613
