The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was founded when nineteen yachtsmen met in the office of William Walker MLC on 8 July 1862, to found a yacht club to be designated 'the Australian Yacht Club'. An application was made for a Royal Warrant and the Patronage of the Prince of Wales. On 27 June 1863 the Commodore, the William Walker MLC, received a letter from the Colonial Secretary's Office notifying him of the Prince of Wales' willingness to become Patron of the 'Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron'. This letter also issued an Admiralty Warrant authorising the use of the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty's Fleet. The present patron is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.