A LONG and distinguished list of commodores of the world famous Royal Temple Yacht Club at Ramsgate has a woman at the helm for the first time in its 150 year history.

Davena Green has "accepted the role as a challenge and will serve with dedication and enthusiasm".

Speaking from the clubhouse overlooking the Royal Harbour she said: "It is a great honour and I will do my best to maintain the proud tradition that is the cornerstone of the club while at the same time helping it develop.

"The club is keen to encourage young people to become involved with sailing and to help crew the boats. This is one of my main tasks.

"We are also working on next summer’s sailing week which is one of the highspots of the sailing calendar - it is the third largest regatta after Cowes and Cork."

Davena has been a club member for 10 years and was the first woman on the committee although membership has now changed to include hon secretary Jean beale and house officer Ann Peers.

She was house officer for four years, entertainments officer for four years, vice commodore for two years, and then was voted ahead of rear commodore cruising Stuart Mackenzie to take over from retiring commodore John Barrett.

She loves being on board her husband Roger’s cruiser, while their son Matt continues the family’s maritime love affair racing yachts.

The club was founded in 1857 by a group of yachtsmen sailing from the Temple Steps on the River Thames. The Ramsgate clubhouse was opened in 1896.

The title Royal was confirmed in 1897 and the admiralty warrant issued to wear the undefaced Blue Ensign was issued in 1898.

The club took over the organisation of The Ramsgate Yacht Races in 1897 and in the 1970s the Isle of Thanet’s Yacht and Sailing Clubs put on a week’s racing known as Thanet Week.

With the increase of the offshore fleet the club reintroduced Ramsgate Week in 1986.

Having hosted national, World and European class championships since 2000, the club is open to class associations looking for venues with all facilities.