Published: Monday, 24 August 2026
LPC Pilot Phillip Sweetman represented New Zealand at the centenary of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM) in London, joining maritime leaders from around the world for the milestone celebration.
Phillip travelled to London in June to attend the celebrations in his role as Master of the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners, accompanied by his partner Scott.
The celebrations marked 100 years of the HCMM and brought together Master Mariners and maritime representatives from across the UK and internationally.
Phillip and Scott attended the Centenary Dinner at the historic Guildhall and were included in the Royal Party, where they had an opportunity to meet and speak with Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and The Princess Royal Princess Anne.
Prince Edward and Princess Anne remarked on the distance Phillip and Scott had travelled from New Zealand, with their journey receiving special mention during the speeches.
Phillip says the dinner began with Prince Edward, Master of the HCMM, ordering the traditional maritime ceremony of ‘splicing the main brace’, with everyone sharing a double tot of 100-year-old rum to mark the centenary.
Phillip says the trip was a great opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the HCMM, strengthen international maritime relationships and showcase New Zealand’s maritime sector on the world stage.