Magnificently illustrated and exhaustively researched, Mark Laity’s book celebrating 150 years of the Thames Sailing Club in Portsmouth Road (opposite the junction with Grove Road) is a triumph. Princess Anne was guest of honour at the launch (above), her late father Prince Philip having penned a foreword shortly before his death. He had been the

Magnificently illustrated and exhaustively researched, Mark Laity’s book celebrating 150 years of the Thames Sailing Club in Portsmouth Road (opposite the junction with Grove Road) is a triumph.

Princess Anne was guest of honour at the launch (above), her late father Prince Philip having penned a foreword shortly before his death. He had been the club’s patron since 1959.

Formed in 1870, the club is Britain’s oldest river sailing club.

But although it has a rich past, it also has a healthy future. To mark the Princess Royal’s visit, youngsters in Topper and Optimist dinghies staged several races. The princess also heard about a redevelopment project involving new boatsheds and changing rooms.

The history of the club (which also welcomes paddleboarders) mirrors the history of sailing on the upper Thames, with analysis of boats used by past generations; meticulously documented in the 208-page volume, available in both hardback (£29.95) and softback (£19.95).

Club historian, former BBC defence correspondent and ex-Surbitonian Mark Laity has unearthed evocative photos in his research, lingering on the elegant Thames A Raters, which date from the 19th century and now call the Thames Sailing Club their main home. You can order copies of A Very Happy Little World via

www.thamessailingclub.co.uk