Plymouth yachtswoman Valerie Bolton has been named the first female Commodore in the 130-year history of Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club. Valerie (pictured) takes over the reins from her husband Mike, Commodore since 2004. The retired business couple live in Manor Park and enjoy sailing their 27-foot Sabre cruiser ‘Erini’, although the club takes up a good deal of their time.

The Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club, based below the Royal Citadel on Plymouth Hoe, has 500 members whose 90 yachts are scattered around local moorings and marinas. One of its boats, ‘Rumpleteaser’, will be taking part in this year’s Fastnet Race, and it can claim several former junior world champions.

It founded a new traditional-style weekend regatta two years ago, with sailing and social events, and a year ago began a major regeneration programme.