Sailing
The first Yachts were speedy craft derived for chasing pirates
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The Twickenham Yacht Club, still flourishing, was founded in Richmond in 1897. In fact, boating and sailing for leisure purposes only became possible between Richmond and Teddington in 1894 when Richmond Half Tide Lock was built. This provided navigable water at all hours of the day. The Club was formed as the Swan Sailing Club, its first meeting being held at the White Swan Inn, Old Palace Lane, Richmond.
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Later, many stalwarts of the Club marched out of the old club into The Phoenix in Orleans Road, Twickenham. Meanwhile another club, The Twickenham Sailing Club, had met for some time at the White Swan, Riverside, Twickenham. In 1916 The Phoenix was closed under the Compensation Act and the Swan Sailing Club had to give up its clubhouse and move to the White Swan in Twickenham.
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It was natural for the two clubs meeting in the same premises to merge, and this is what happened. Following the First World War, with gradually increasing membership, the need for a proper clubhouse was felt. Then, in 1924, Twickenham Council purchased York House, which included a boathouse that was empty. In December 1924 the Club moved in and changed its name to the Twickenham Yacht Club.
Although groups of sailing enthusiasts have got together throughout the 20th century in Hampton the present Hampton Sailing Club only dates from 1944 when a group of founder members started the club and competitive sailing races.