Michael Campbell’s early career afloat was entirely power-driven, with both his father and grandfather (Commander Colin Campbell RNVR, Member 1968-74) mainly owning motor yachts.
He competed in the first Cowes-Torquay Race in 1961 and continued powerboat racing until he bought his first sailing yacht (Allamanda, a Swan 36) in 1970. He continued a languid sailing career, only disturbed by the 1979 Fastnet, until returning to a motor yacht (Farragon, a Fleming 55) for his Commodoreship, but still occasionally sailing his part-owned Daring Damsel.
As Vice Commodore (1998-2003) he instigated a master plan by Peter Inskip to refurbish the Castle, and saw the bulk of this work completed during his Commodoreship.
He inherited from his predecessor, Lord Iliffe and Ian Laing (Vice Commodore 2007-2011) the plan to acquire The Old Vicarage and saw it through.
He led the recommendation that Ladies should be elected to the Squadron and the encouragement of younger candidates to come forward for election.
The J80 fleet of six boats was acquired via Members’ donations during his term.
He set up the Bi-Centenary Committee and chaired it during all the principle planning for 2015.