Royal Southern Yacht Club has first lady commodore in a decade

Karen Henderson-Williams has become the first lady commodore of the Royal Southern Yacht Club in 10 years.

Robert Vose, Karen Henderson-Williams, Graham Nixon & John Rutherford. Photo: Phil Riley

For the first time in a decade, the Royal Southern Yacht Club has elected a female commodore.

Karen Henderson-Williams will take over the helm of the Hamble-based club from Chris Mansfield.

She was nominated by the club’s first ever lady commodore, Annette Newton.

Henderson-Williams was appointed following the club’s AGM, which took place on 26 November 2016.

Other flag officers were also elected.

Graham Nixon has become vice commodore, Robert Vose is the rear commodore sailing and John Rutherford was voted in as the rear commodore house.

Speaking following her appointment, Henderson-Williams said it was a “great honour and privilege” to have been voted into the role.

“I am following Annette as the club’s second female commodore, ten years on from Annette’s tenure. It is a milestone for yacht clubs to have female flag officers even in the present day and I am pleased to have been chosen to take on that role,” she said.

The new commodore said she intended to be “open and transparent” and stressed the importance of volunteers at the club.

“Sometimes it is hard work and volunteers will only do this if we bring back the fun side of the role,” she noted.

“The sailing programme for next year is very full and exciting and I am sure will offer members and guests a full year of activities that will promote our club on the water and ashore and give enjoyment for all of us,” continued Henderson-Williams.

She highlighted the need to ensure the Royal Southern Yacht Club “continues to thrive and build its reputation for the future generation.”

“I will do my utmost to help that happen. I strongly believe in our club and I wish it to be a happy club that runs events for all sections and is inclusive for all members, whatever interests you have,” continued Henderson-Williams.

She also pledged to support all areas of the club, and gave a special mention to the ladies committee “for all their hard work raising money for their chosen charities and for the funds they have raised for the club.”