"Fair winds and a following sea, Sir": Cornwall's maritime tribute to Prince Philip
Surf life saving clubs and the RNLI have paid their respects, following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh
Last updated 10th Apr 2021
Surf life saving clubs and the RNLI in Cornwall have been paying tribute following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip, who passed away on Friday (9th April) at the age of 99, helped to get Surf Life Saving going in the UK.
The British movement, started by Australian Alan Kennedy, was in its infancy when, on a Commonwealth tour of Australia, the Royal first saw it in action.
He agreed to bring back a reel and line to help whilst on board the Royal Yacht Gothic in 1954.
Both still sit in Bude Surf Life Saving Club today.
The Duke of Edinburgh was Chief Patron of The Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain, Surf Life Saving GB.
Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club shared the story, saying they are "eternally grateful for his unstinting support".
"Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club are greatly saddened at the news today of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family.
"As Chief Patron of The Surf Lifesaving Association of Great Britain Surf Life Saving GB, Prince Philip has always supported the surf life saving family on these shores since its inception in 1955.
"Whilst on a Commonwealth tour of Australia in 1954 on the Royal Yacht Gothic, he first saw surf life saving in action and agreed to bring back a reel and line to aid the endeavours of the fledgling movement started by Australian Alan Kennedy in Great Britain.
"The 'Gothic' reel still resides at Bude Surf Life Saving Club.
"We are eternally grateful for his unstinting support of our cause and furthering the experiences of young people far and wide.
"A life well lived.
"Fair winds and a following sea, Sir".
Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club
The Duke of Edinburgh was also patron of the RNLI and met crews from St Ives' lifeboat during a visit to the town in 2013.
Groups from across the Duchy have shared tributes on social media, including Looe.
They have praised his "longstanding commitment to maritime services".
The Lizard RNLI has also paid tribute and shared this photo from when the Duke opened the lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove in 1961...
"@LizardRNLI and everyone involved in the RNLI sends heartfelt condolences to Our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
"He had accompanied Her Majesty on many RNLI occasions and we thank him for his longstanding commitment to maritime services".
Lizard RNLI
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