IYBA Executive Director, Paul Flannery recently attended the National Coastwatch Institution’s (NCI) 25^th anniversary gala at the Trinity House in London, England. NCI stations are operated by over 2,600 volunteers that watch around the British Isles. The watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in areas of poor visibility.

The celebration honored the NCI’s 25 years of service and was brought to a close with the presence of NCI supporter, HRH The Princess Royal, Anne. Paul was fortunate enough to briefly meet with Her Royal Highness. She was introduced to the trustees following a brief greeting by Chairman Lesley Suddes, Deputy Chair Ian Whalley, and Deputy Master of Trinity House, Captain Ian MacNaught.

Other guests in attendance included British Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Assoc CEO Jane Gentry and representatives from The Yacht Market, The Baltic Exchange, Lloyds Register, Seawork International, Sunsail and many others.

*Photography by Mark Dalton.