Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the East Anglian Sailing Trust to launch a National Squib keelboat and to open the new EAST training room and workshop. The visit on Tuesday 27th February 2001 to the headquarters of EAST at Suffolk Yacht Harbour, near Levington in Suffolk, commenced with HRH arriving by car escorted by Captain Sheepshanks the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Captain Sheepshanks presented to HRH some of the Trustees of EAST and representatives of the supporting organisations. He also presented to HRH Mr Mike Spear the President of the Haven Ports Yacht Club, MD of the Suffolk Yacht Harbour, the Chairman of EAST Trustees, and Mr Bill Smith a Trustee of EAST. Mr Spear and Mr Smith acted as escorts to HRH for the visit.

Mr Spear and Mr Smith escorted HRH on a tour of the EAST Workshop and Training room. HRH saw a group of Disabled Sailors and Volunteers working on a National Squib keelboat, preparing it for the coming seasons sailing. HRH then saw a demonstration by Blind Sailors of an Audio Compass, which allows them to steer a yacht unaided. EAST members then demonstrated use of the recently installed computer facilities to produce a news sheet about the Royal visit.

The Princess Royal then addressed the assembled gathering and unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit.

HRH was then escorted to the nearby slipway where disabled sailors and volunteers were assembled. Mr Spear presented to HRH some of the EAST Sailing Committee members and representatives of supporting organisations

The Reverend John Waller, Rector of Waldringfield, Hemley and Newbourne, said a prayer. HRH then launched a new a National Squib keelboat, naming it 'Royal Spirit'. HRH then observed a demonstration of the EAST disabled hoist to assist a disabled sailor to board the Royal Spirit.

Finally The Princess Royal visited the Lightship clubhouse of the Haven Ports Yacht Club to meet club officers and members who support EAST, and pupils of the Royal Hospital School who regularly give service to EAST.