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 Royal Dorset special happens behind the scenes.
With the exception of our Events Co-ordinator, the Club is entirely volunteer run. Committee members and volunteers contribute countless hours throughout the 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.
Many of the Committee members can regularly be found volunteering in the clubhouse, helping at events, supporting member services or simply lending a hand wherever it is needed. Their dedication and enthusiasm help create the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community that have been at the heart of the Royal Dorset for more than 150 years.
The people featured below bring a wide range of professional skills, experience and enthusiasm to the Club. Together, they help preserve the Club’s proud heritage while ensuring it continues to evolve and prosper for future generations.
Whether you are a long-standing member, a newcomer or a visitor, the team is always pleased to answer questions, listen to ideas and help you make the most of everything the Royal Dorset Yacht Club has to offer.
Meet the Committee
Henry Merewether
Commodore
Henry served for 34 years as a commissioned officer in the Royal Navy, spending much of his career with the Fleet Air Arm. His extensive maritime experience, combined with a lifelong passion for sailing, makes him a natural ambassador for the Royal Dorset.
As Commodore, Henry is dedicated to maintaining the traditions and values that have shaped the Club since 1875, while embracing new opportunities to strengthen both its sailing and social activities. He takes great pride in ensuring that members and visitors alike receive a warm welcome and enjoy everything the Club has to offer.
His leadership, enthusiasm and commitment help ensure that the Royal Dorset continues to thrive as one of the country’s most historic and welcoming yacht clubs.
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. 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 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, 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 creations: the “RDYC 150” and the popular “Hold That Thought” cocktail.
Whether organising events, developing new ideas or running the bar, Keith’s focus is on making the Royal Dorset 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. 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.
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’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. Over the next year we are hoping to reinvigorate the Club’s sailing offering. He welcomes feedback from members on how we can increase what we offer to our sailing members.
Simon brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong connection to maritime activities. He served for many years as an Army officer. He is a qualified Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster (Offshore) and Cruising Instructor and Shorebased Navigation Instructor. He regularly works at a number of sailing schools in the local area teaching RYA courses. Simon also volunteers with Weymouth RNLI as a Deputy Launching Officer.
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 offers some of the best value moorings on the South Coast, providing members with an affordable and convenient way to enjoy boating from Weymouth. Simon is also responsible for issuing permits to Club members to fly the Club’s prestigious blue ensign on their yachts.
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.
