Breaking News: Gender barrier broken

(August 9, 2013) – You know a club is exclusive when they won’t even let the Queen in.

For almost 200 years Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron has had a strict men-only policy, meaning even its patron, Queen Elizabeth II, was denied entry.

But it seems the tide has finally turned for the world’s most prestigious sailing club, after it voted in favor of allowing women to become members for the first time in its history.

The elite club, based in the dramatic 16th century Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in southern Britain, unanimously voted for the new rules this week. Of its 475 members, 150 attended the meeting – all agreeing to introduce the rules from Spring next year. The membership changes require no further vote, but still need to be ratified by all members.

Founded in 1815, the yacht club has an illustrious place in British history, launching the first ever America’s Cup – so named after the New York Yacht Club beat their English rivals in their boat “America.” – CNN, read on

Comment: I am old enough to remember when a certain prominent club on San Francisco Bay did not permit women in the bar. Progress, right? – Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt