The Team Behind The Scenes
The Royal Dorset Yacht Club has been at the heart of Weymouth’s maritime community since 1875. While members and visitors enjoy the Club’s sailing, hospitality and social activities, much of what makes the Club special happens behind the scenes.
With the exception of our Events Co-ordinator, the Club is run entirely by volunteers. Committee members and volunteers contribute countless hours each year maintaining the clubhouse, supporting sailing activities, organising events, welcoming new members and helping to ensure the Club remains a thriving and enjoyable place for everyone.
The people featured below bring a wide range of professional skills, experience and enthusiasm to the Club. Together they help preserve the Club’s heritage while ensuring it continues to evolve and prosper for future generations.
Meet the Committee
Henry Merewether
Commodore
As Commodore, Henry provides leadership and strategic direction for the Club, helping to preserve its proud heritage while guiding its future development. Henry is also a familiar face behind the bar, regularly volunteering his time to support members and visitors.
Lisa Hargreaves
Vice Commodore
Lisa supports the Commodore and plays a leading role in shaping the social life of the Club. Widely regarded as the driving force behind the Club’s ever-expanding calendar of events, she is constantly seeking new ideas and opportunities to broaden the range of activities available to members.
From live entertainment and social evenings to themed events and special occasions, Lisa’s enthusiasm and creativity help ensure there is always something to look forward to at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club. She is also the organiser and Quizmistress of the Club’s popular monthly quiz nights.
Conrad Carruthers
Rear Commodore & House Officer
As Rear Commodore and House Officer, Conrad oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the Club’s historic premises, helping ensure that members and visitors enjoy a safe, welcoming and well-presented environment. He is also a familiar face behind the bar and plays an active role in the day-to-day running of the Club.
Lydia West
Rear Commodore & Volunteer Co-ordinator
Lydia plays a vital role in the day-to-day operation of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club as both Rear Commodore and Volunteer Co-ordinator. She is responsible for organising and supporting the dedicated team of volunteers whose efforts help keep the Club running smoothly.
From coordinating staffing behind the bar to ensuring members and visitors receive a warm welcome, Lydia’s organisational skills and commitment help maintain the friendly atmosphere for which the Club is known. She is also a regular member of the volunteer bar team, leading by example and contributing countless hours to Club life.
Her dedication to supporting both volunteers and members makes her an invaluable part of the team and helps ensure the Club remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.
Keith Meiris
Hospitality Secretary
Keith oversees all aspects of hospitality at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, with responsibility for social activities, bar operations and catering services. Working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, he is committed to ensuring members and visitors enjoy a welcoming and memorable experience whenever they visit the Club.
A strong advocate for developing the Club’s social offering, Keith has helped introduce new events, promotions and hospitality initiatives designed to broaden the appeal of the Club and enhance the member experience. He is also responsible for creating the Club’s current wine list and cocktail menu, including two exclusive Royal Dorset Yacht Club creations: the “RDYC 150” and the popular “Hold That Thought” cocktail.
Whether organising events, developing new ideas or occasionally serving behind the bar, Keith’s focus is on making the Royal Dorset Yacht Club a vibrant, welcoming and enjoyable destination for members, guests and visitors alike.
Neil Salter
Honorary Secretary
As Honorary Secretary, Neil plays a key role in the administration and governance of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club. He is responsible for ensuring that Committee meetings, records and official communications are managed efficiently and professionally.
Working closely with fellow Committee members, Neil helps maintain the smooth operation of the Club and supports the effective management of its affairs. His attention to detail and commitment to good governance help ensure the Club remains well organised and continues to serve its members effectively.
Graeme Percy
Honorary Treasurer & Powerboat Secretary
As Honorary Treasurer, Graeme is responsible for overseeing the Club’s finances and helping to ensure its long-term financial stability. A fully qualified and highly experienced Chartered Accountant, he brings a wealth of professional expertise to the role, making him ideally placed to keep a careful eye on the Club’s finances.
In addition to his Treasurer duties, Graeme serves as the Club’s Powerboat Secretary, supporting and promoting powerboating activities within the Royal Dorset Yacht Club.
While Graeme is known for his financial expertise and attention to detail, members will be pleased to know that he is equally capable of appreciating the importance of balancing the books with enjoying a well-earned pint in the clubhouse.
Abigail Hargreaves
Membership Secretary & Function and Events Co-ordinator
As Membership Secretary, Abigail is often one of the first points of contact for prospective new members, helping to ensure they receive a warm welcome and quickly become part of Club life. She also serves as the Club’s Events Co-ordinator and is the Royal Dorset Yacht Club’s only paid member of staff.
Abigail holds a First Class Honours Degree in Tourism and Destination Management, bringing professional knowledge and expertise to her role. She plays a key part in organising the Club’s growing programme of social events and activities, helping to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
A talented communicator, Abigail manages much of the Club’s social media presence and helps keep members informed about upcoming events, news and activities. Her enthusiasm, organisational skills and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the team and an important part of the Club’s continued growth and success.
Simon Burgess
Sailing Secretary & Moorings Officer
As Sailing Secretary, Simon is responsible for supporting and promoting the Club’s sailing activities, helping to ensure members can enjoy a varied and active programme both on and off the water.
Simon brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong connection to maritime activities through both his military background and his involvement with the Sea Cadets. His knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm help support the Club’s sailing community and encourage participation across all levels of experience.
In addition to his sailing responsibilities, Simon oversees the Club’s moorings and is the person to contact for information about availability and suitability. The Royal Dorset Yacht Club offers some of the best value moorings on the South Coast, providing members with an affordable and convenient way to enjoy boating from Weymouth.
Working closely with fellow Committee members and volunteers, Simon plays an important role in maintaining the Club’s proud sailing traditions while helping to support current and future generations of sailors.
Behind The Scenes
The Royal Dorset Yacht Club is much more than a clubhouse, a marina or a sailing club. It is a community built on the dedication of volunteers who generously give their time, skills and enthusiasm throughout the year.
With the exception of our Events Co-ordinator, the Club is run entirely by volunteers. From maintaining the clubhouse and serving behind the bar to organising sailing activities, social events and member services, countless hours are contributed behind the scenes to ensure the Club continues to thrive.
Many of the Committee members can regularly be found volunteering in the clubhouse, helping at events, supporting sailing activities or simply lending a hand wherever it is needed. Their commitment helps create the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community that has been at the heart of the Royal Dorset Yacht Club since 1875.
Whether you are a long-standing member, a newcomer or a visitor, the team is always pleased to hear your ideas, answer your questions and help you make the most of everything the Club has to offer.