Today, 1 June 2026, marks 35 years since the China Fleet Country Club first opened its doors in Saltash, Cornwall—an important milestone in the organisation’s history, passing with characteristic modesty rather than fanfare.

The story of China Fleet in Saltash is one of continuity, legacy and purpose. Its origins lie far from Cornwall, in Hong Kong, where the Royal Navy’s China Station was established in 1899. Recognising the need for rest and recuperation for sailors and marines serving far from home, the first dedicated facility opened in 1903. This concept evolved over time, culminating in the opening of the first China Fleet Club in 1934, with further iterations developed over the decades, including Fleet House in 1985.

As the United Kingdom prepared to hand back Hong Kong to China in 1997, the Trustees of the time took a forward-looking and strategic decision: to preserve the legacy of the China Fleet Club by establishing a permanent home in the UK. They identified Skinham Farm in Saltash as an ideal location and acquired the 165-acre site, developing what would become the China Fleet Country Club and Golf Course.

The Club officially opened on 1 June 1991, with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales formally opening the facility later that year on 5 December 1991. For a brief period, the legacy spanned continents, with both the Hong Kong and UK Clubs operating simultaneously until the final closure of the Hong Kong Club in November 1992.

Since those early days, China Fleet has grown into a cornerstone of support for the Royal Navy community. Today, the Club welcomes around 60,000 beneficiaries each year, providing not only leisure facilities but also a trusted environment for wellbeing, recovery and connection.

The significance of the Club’s charitable mission has only strengthened over time. Under the stewardship of the China Fleet Trust, the organisation continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the Naval family—expanding access, investing in facilities, and ensuring long-term sustainability whilst maintaining its core purpose.

The Club’s enduring relationship with the Royal Family has also remained a proud feature of its journey, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal helping to mark the 25th anniversary in Saltash in 2016.

As China Fleet reflects on 35 years in Cornwall, it does so with a strong sense of heritage and achievement—while remaining firmly focused on the future. The mission remains unchanged: to support those who serve, those who have served, and their families, by providing a place that feels like their own.

Here’s to the next 35 years.