yacht clubs england

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5 of the Best UK Yacht Clubs

Posted by: GJW Direct   |   Sep 2, 2020

When it comes to finding the right yacht club, there is no one-size-fits all. Whether you’re looking to socialise with other boaters, or participate in the sport of yacht racing, sailing and cruising, there’s a club out there for you. We’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 favourite yacht clubs in the UK.

Royal Thames Yacht Club

Dating back to 1775, the Royal Thames Yacht Club is the UK’s oldest operating yacht club with its headquarters overlooking Hyde Park in London. The club is renowned for its participation in numerous racing and cruising events in the UK and worldwide. Past cruises have taken place from many countries including New Zealand and the Caribbean.

As a member, you will also have access to The Knightsbridge Clubhouse . Whether for business or social events, the clubhouse encompasses two bars, a first-rate restaurant, as well as meeting and reading rooms. A haven for those looking for a relaxing spot.

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Brighton marina yacht club.

Founded in 1978, Brighton Marina Yacht Club is a not-for-profit organisation that rests within the marina itself and is part of the Premier Marinas community.

When you become a member here, you’ll have the benefit of a well-stocked bar with a bright and spacious gallery for relaxation. Let’s not forget its magnificent waterside terrace overlooking the Brighton horizon, a show stopping sight for any occasion.

The club can be used for social and business events and often takes part in several events throughout the year. This yacht club has built a reputation for its participation in competitive yacht racing across the English Channel year round.

Whether you’re just visiting the area or are looking to become a regular member, this yacht club extends a warm welcome to all who are interested in celebrating the art of yachting.

Royal Southern Yacht Club

First known as the Royal Southampton Yacht Club from its establishment in 1837, it was later renamed as the Royal Southern Yacht Club . Located on the fringes of Hamble River in Southampton, this yacht club comes highly recommended, with a dedicated team to ensure all members get the best experience possible, all the while running high-profile events throughout the year.

Becoming a member means you’ll have access to the club’s facilities on and off the water. Not only can you get involved with racing events, the club allows you to have the advantage of its societies including golf, bridge and clay pigeon shooting.

Inside, you’ll experience the yacht club boardroom (Yeoman Room) and the Chart Room, ideal for meetings. It wouldn’t be a yacht club without a fantastic clubhouse bar sporting a sun terrace and balcony which overlooks Hamble scenery. Not to mention the River Room restaurant serving a succulent À La Carte menu, also available for private hire.

Royal Cornwall Yacht Club

Launched in 1871, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club is known as the 15th oldest “Royal” yacht club in England. Overlooking Falmouth Harbour, you’ll find a Grade II listed clubhouse dating back to the 17th century.

The club is well-known for its active involvement in the racing community, often hosting their own racing competitions and taking part in external sailing events.

There’s always something to enjoy as a member at this club, with annual charity fundraising events, social gatherings and informative lectures. Make the most of your membership by dining at its exclusive Oak Room and bar where you can sample fine Cornish delicacies, freshly sourced.

Orwell Yacht Club

Are you looking for a hidden gem? Orwell Yacht Club was founded in 1918 and is exclusively run by its members. Working parties are often run during the spring and autumn so new and long-standing members can have the opportunity to socialise.

Perched in Ostrich Creek, this two-storey club is equipped with a sociable lounge bar and dance floor which you don’t find at many other prestigious UK yacht clubs. The facilities include a quiet lounge if you’re looking for a relaxation space, as well as meeting rooms for any business occasions.

With approximately 500 members, you’ll be introduced to a community just as passionate about yacht sailing as you and will be willing to lend a hand when needed.

Want to test your boating knowledge and see how much boating history you know? Take our general boating knowledge quiz and see where you rank.

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Welcome to the Royal London Yacht Club

The Club is one of the most historic and prestigious Yacht Clubs in Great Britain. The elegant Regency Clubhouse with eleven beautiful bedrooms and several function rooms has recently been refurbished and upgraded. The Club is situated on The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight with a unique waterfront position and enviable balcony overlooking the Solent. The Club, which is a private Members Club, organises sailing and social events for both Members and Visitors, has amazing service and the highest standard of catering. It has gained an enviable reputation for organising top quality Sailing Regattas, including Cowes Classic Week, the World’s Biggest Classic Yacht Regatta.

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Drawing Room Menu April 2024

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Champagne Breakfast

Cowes Week Ball 2024 - Save the Date

Gentlemen's Lunch 26th April 2024

Ladies' Lunch

Please join us for the April Ladies' Lunch. Bookings can be made by clicking here Royal London Yacht Club (rlyc.org.uk) More »

26 Mar 2024

Infinity of Yar March update

25 Mar 2024

Fitting Out Dinner

Please join us for the traditional start to the sailing season, the Fitting Out Dinner bookings can be made by clicking here Royal London Yacht Club (rlyc.org.uk) More »

22 Mar 2024

Thursday evening supper

Please join us for a Thursday evening supper. Bookings can be made online by clicking on the following link https://www.rlyc.org.uk//event/989285 More »

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Club location, weather for cowes.

• Yacht Clubs In The Uk

Yacht Clubs in the UK

Yacht Clubs

A Yacht Club, or Sailing Club, is a sports club exclusively related to sailing and yachting. Traditionally, a Yacht Club is focused on membership of yacht owners, while a Sailing Club would be membership for smaller boat owners - such as dinghies. Some clubs also include owners of powerboats.

A Members Club is a club run by the membership to promote sailboat racing and cruising, as well as providing a meeting place for the sailing community.

A Sailing Club is different from a Yacht Club in that the members mostly sail other people's boats, at a much lower cost than owning a boat.

Membership is a combination of people who sail as crew, and boat owners. Members decide the objectives to satisfy the membership and to attract other members.

Most clubs will have racing program and may host regattas, ranging from informal local events to larger events on a national level. Often clubs have a weekly evening racing schedule and weekend racing. Many yacht clubs have teams competing against other clubs in team racing.

There are also some specific boat models and lengths which have their own club. These boat ownership clubs often hold single design races for their members.

Clubs with adult sailing programs will often offer junior sailing programs as well, for children from ages 8 to 16. These junior sailing programs often also teach children rowing, kayaking, general seamanship and navigation.

A Commercial Club is owned by individuals or an organisation to provide a service and generate profit. Often they are associated with a particular marina or port.

Yacht Clubs in the UK

Hamble river sailing club.

Hamble River Sailing Club is located on the west bank of the River Hamble, upstream of Hamble Point Marina and downstream of the public jetty. The club has changing rooms, catering facilities, a bar and a history of regional, national and Olympic successes.

The Royal Burnham Yacht Club

Founded 1895 and receiving Royal Patronage in December 1927, The Royal Burnham Yacht Club is at the heart of sailing and related activities on the River Crouch.

Lough Neagh Antrim Boat Club

Located on the sheltered north east shore of Lough Neagh Antrim Boat Club sits in woodland just a short walk along the beach from Shanes Castle. Most of its events take place in Antrim Bay giving a safe area of about six square miles while at any time never being out of sight of land.

Avon Sailing Club

Founder and current members are proud and passionate of the Avon Sailing Club which was founded over half a century ago, such was there enthusiasm that the club retained it name when it moved from the River Avon to The River Severn in the 1960’s.

Tynemouth Sailing Club

Since 1880, members have sailed and raced many different types of boat on the Tyne estuary and North Sea, continually developing to the present day. They have a proud heritage, having produced world champion sailors, staged national and world championships, and also won the WLYC 24-hour race in 1981.

Tynemouth Sailing Club is located on the North side of the entrance to the River Tyne, in the shadow of Tynemouth Priory.

Perth Sailing Club

Perth Sailing Club offers a friendly club environment some 10 minutes drive from the Queens Bridge in Perth. From April to October, tides permitting, they sail at weekends and some evenings. From office/home to on the water in under 40 minutes is quite feasible.

Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club

We are a very friendly dinghy sailing club with one of the most beautiful settings in the whole of the UK, based on the large Pontsticill Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. With this location even non-sailing members of your family can enjoy a lovely day out, with a gentle stroll around the reservoir or up into the hills, simply enjoying the views.

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Welcome to WYC

Whitstable Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sailing clubs in England. The Club is situated on the north coast of Kent where the Thames Estuary meets the North Sea. WYC offers sailing in sheltered waters at all times of the tide for catamarans, dinghies, and windsurfers with yachts in nearby creeks which dry out.

Whitstable Yacht Club, 3-4 Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX Tel: +44 (0)1227 272942 [email protected]

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Upcoming WYC Social clubs, Events and Meetings

Click here for the WYC bar opening times, and click here to book social event tickets.

WYC Gamecock Oyster Yawl talk at WYC

Meeting of Sailors

Date: Sun 13/10/2024

Annual Prize Giving

Date: Sun 20/10/2024

Winter Series Prize Giving

Date: Sun 08/12/2024

Tuesday Nights - Games Evening

Every Tuesday from 7pm, Mexican train dominoes, cribbage or bring your own - come and join us! Bit of luck, bit of skill, bit of a laugh, bit of wine!! Or bring your own game.

Wednesday Nights - Pool League Games

From 8pm - Pool league games played by WYC pool teams. Feel free to come and support, or enquire at the bar to join a team!

2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month - WYC Book Club

We currently have two groups that meet on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, If you’re interested in joining the WYC Book club get in touch with Kellie Gray on 079 6604 6693, it’s a lovely way meet new members whether you’re a sailor or social member.

Thursday Night - Open Pool Nights

From 7pm - open pool night. All over 16’s welcome. Free table, winner stays on unless players present want to change.

1st and 3rd Monday of the month - Art club

Starting on the 5th December - Its a fun get together and learn new skills with others, you will need to supply your own equipment. Meet in the sea room between 10:30 and 1:30pm for more details contact Tizzie on 079 2026 2673.

1st & 3rd Thursday of the month - Music Club

Meet 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month 7:30 to 10pm. We pick some songs to rehearse beforehand and get to play together as several bands. Welcome guitarists, singers, keyboards, drums, percussion, flutes, fiddles… anything with a tune! We put on a gig at the club every quarter, aim to showcase 24 songs. Contact: Andrew Provan 07899662412

Coffee Club - Every morning

Coffee club - meet every morning from 10.30 in the sea room, this is open to all WYC members

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Upcoming WYC Sailing events

Topper south east open.

Event start: 28/04/2024

RNLI Pursuit Race

RNLI Pursuit Race 2023, 11am Monday 6th May. For this race, the slowest boat starts first and the fastest boat starts lasts. The race time is 90 mins from the first start at 11.00 hrs. If all boats sail to their PY handicap rating and all helms are equal, all boats should finish at the same time!

Club Championships

2024 WYC Club Championships - 6 races starting at 2pm over the three day late May Bank Holiday weekend.

Tasar & Merlin Rocket Open Meeting

22nd and 23rd June 2024

Wanderer Open

LaserFest 2024

6th & 7th July 2024

Dawes Trophy

The warm up to Whitstable Week!

• Whitstable Week

See wyc.org.uk/on-the-water/Whitstable_Week for all the info!

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Whitstable Yacht Club news

Wyc member chris marsh - ilca7 winner at the rya youth national championships.

WYC Gamecock Oyster Yawl talk at WYC - 19th April

Updated race officer guide and links to note for race duties.

The Race Officer guide has been updated for the new season. There's lots of information on the website at wyc.org.uk/members/Club_Rules#RaceDuties for anyone with a scheduled Race Officer, Assistant Race Officer or Safety Boat Crew duty. As we're approaching the start of the new season, now's a great time to check when your duty is! Search on the 2024 sailing schedule for your name: wyc.org.uk/on-the-water/schedule . Share›

Well done WYC Youth Sailor Ralph!

WYC 2024 Handbook now available to download. 6 weeks until the start of the season!

Whitstable Yacht Club and HolidayCottages.co.uk partnership 2024

2024 sailing schedule now available on the website, epic new year’s celebration at the club.

2023 season roundup

2024 WYC CLUB PROGRAMME: ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

The 2024 WYC Club Programme is currently being compiled. If you or anyone you know would like to advertise their business within the programme, please contact Sally for more details: [email protected]. Share›

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RYA members can take advantage of an exclusive FREE ticket worth £29.99 to this year’s boat show.

About the RYA

The Royal Yachting Association is the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft, and is a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising in the UK.

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Member Clubs

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 The ATYC represents over 30 Thames based boat clubs. Below is the list of the Association's current member clubs. Each listing provides a brief outline of each club and contact details.   

Albany Motor Yacht Club

Albany Motor Yacht Club (AMYC) is a very social, friendly, fun loving club based on the River Thames.  We run a varied calendar of events both non-tidal, tidal and purely social. 

Benfleet Yacht Club

The Benfleet Yacht Club is a large and friendly club situated along the shore of Benfleet Creek, on the northern coast of Canvey Island, Essex. 

Brentford Cruising Club

Brentford Cruising Club (BCC) is a friendly, active and well established yacht club based at Brentford Dock Marina, offering river cruising, social events, courses & training.

Broom Owners Club

City livery yacht club.

Do you own a motor cruiser built by C J Brooms or Broom Boats of Brundall, Norfolk, UK? If so then this is the club for you; irrespective of size, age or build material. 

All are welcome to join and access our wealth of Broom information & knowledge

 The City Livery Yacht Club offers sailing, boating and socialising opportunities to its members, even those who are just interested in ‘messing about in boats’ or who just like to meet and chat about their boating experiences. 

Dockland Scout Project

 Based in the West India Dock Complex to the east side of London, we offer the perfect location for Water Activities, Open Days and formal training courses to youth groups and adults involved in organisations such as Scouts, Guides, Cadets. 

Hurlingham Yacht Club

International yachting fellowship of rotarians.

 For nearly 100 years the Hurlingham Yacht Club has been a small, friendly club for both boating enthusiasts and locals alike, located near Putney Bridge, London SW15

 The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians began in England in 1947 and is the oldest and largest of the Rotary Fellowships. There are 11 UK fleets 126 fleets World Wide. 

Island Yacht Club

 The Island Yacht Club in Essex is a superb sailing environment less than an hour from London, boasting some of the finest sailing waters in the UK.

Little Ship Club

Oxford ditch cruising club, middle thames yacht club.

The Little Ship Club is a yacht club for sailors, motor boaters and non-sailors alike. Our beautiful clubhouse is right by Southwark Bridge on the Thames in London where our members enjoy good company, excellent food and a great social calendar.

The Middle Thames Yacht Club enjoys a fantastic location on Sunbury Lock Island on the River Thames. Our location offers which allows for some terrific cruises both up- and down- river, and further afield. Visitors are always welcome, please contact us.

We are a group of boaters who value our reputation as one of the friendliest clubs on the river. Our water-borne events include rallies and sociable activities held on the river bank. We stage events at various locations for socializing and eating. 

Richmond Yacht Club

St. pancras cruising club.

One of the oldest motor cruising clubs on the tidal Thames, based on Eel Pie Island in Twickenham since 1962. With a waterside location and a brilliant clubhouse with bar for parties the RYC is the place to be on a nice summers day to watch the boats go by

Star Craft Owners Club

 The Star Craft Owners’ Club, started by a group of devoted owners in 1993, is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these classic wooden motor cruisers, built between 1946 and 1975 by William Bates & Son in Chertsey, Surrey. 

St Pancras Cruising Club (SPCC) is based near Kings Cross on the Regent's Canal. We organise regular cruises on the Thames Tideway between Brentford, Limehouse and Bow Creek.  The Club also welcomes anyone interested in boating and inland waterways. 

Thames Motor Yacht Club

Upper thames motor yacht club, thames vintage boat club.

 The TMYC is one of the best located boating clubs on the River Thames, situated amongst picturesque grounds in Hampton Court with its own club-house, a riverside bar and galley and moorings for member boats. 

The Club was founded in 1983 and now has a membership of around 230. It provides a forum for owners and users of traditionally built craft and seeks to encourage their restoration, maintenance and use. We hold social gatherings and rallies in the Middle Thames area and organise excursions. Our magazine The Boater appears three times a year. 

 We are a friendly boating club on the Thames with about 200 members. Between us we own some 80 boats of all ages and sizes up to about 40 feet. We have a spacious clubhouse with a bar and moorings. 

Windsor Yacht Club

 The Club was founded in 1976 and our club house enjoys a riverside location at MDL Marina (between Windsor and Bray). 

Whatever the size of your boat, whether you are working or retired, a family or single you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Copyright © 2024 Association of Thames Yacht Clubs - All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome to Maldon Yacht Club

Check out the photos from the presentation evening which took place saturday by clicking here..

Good luck to everyone competing this season. No racing weekend commencing 6th April due to high winds

Letter from the Commodore in our anniversary year

Dear Member,

Welcome to 2024 and the 75th Anniversary year here at MYC ! By the time you read this 2023 will be long gone, and many of us, as is tradition, will be contemplating the new year diet plans that we will “Definitely” stick to this time !

Its not only Christmas and new year celebrations of course, there is also the inevitable, comforting delve into the biscuit barrel ,as we wonder how to cope with those dark, cold and wet days before we can get our water based passion, in whatever form, ignited once again, only to discover that all of the previous seasons sailing gear has mysteriously shrunk !

Having completed my first year as Commodore many things have changed that affect the role.With the onset of more readily accessible technology, social media and all those things that were not such an influence my first time around some 22 years ago! Many things whether good bad or indifferent are still there at our committee meetings bringing the same discussions ,debates and hurdles to clear, plus all the new things that go with them !

There was a lot to consider and discuss in 2023, and 2024 promises to be equally as challenging for the committee and its officers ,therefore the non- programmed part of our season is still quite a busy time, and we have lots to do if we are going to be ready.

I would like to take this opportunity and extend thanks to all of the committee members ,Officers and Trustees, who take the time and responsibility to keep our club running, of course there would be no point without our clubs members, so i would urge everyone please to support the club ,the committee ,and our activities both on and off the water whenever you can, and hopefully we will all have a bumper year to look forward to in 2024 ! There will be regular updates through the season to keep an eye out for.

Like many other clubs, we have ,and will need to continue changing with the trends of the twenty first century, and above all ,hold on to our most wonderful and unique position on the River Blackwater, no other club has an aspect quite like it !

I wonder if our founding members and pioneers of MYC ever imagined the Club would still be here 75 years later ! Thanks to the very first Commodore Mr Ron Werhli followed by Mr John ‘Mac”McKinlay (the man who introduced the Snipe Class Sailing dinghy into the Club) which had many successful seasons both at home and away representing MYC. 1956 was Mr Eric J Kempton and also my birth year! I was a cadet member by the time Mr Douglas W Catt took on the role in 1964, and not to forget my Grandfather Mr Lesley Eric Lancaster 1960 -1964, the first of four occasions that he held the role and still the only person to achieve this thus far, but then he, along with my Grandmother, Louisa “lou” Lancaster ,did live and breath MYC for fifty five years until old age finally had the last say . Mr Eddie Wetherell has three visits to the office and always provided top class leadership.

Whether MYC can last another 75 years remains to be seen, but for now let us say a big thank you to those founder members in the best possible way and reward them with a great season on and off the water at MYC !

Hope to see you all there for good sailing and happy times

Ian R Varney Commodore

You can expect a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere at Maldon Yacht Club. Established in 1949 the MYC is a small but thriving sailing club situated at the end of the promenade opposite Byrhtnoth. The Clubhouse is a converted barge which provides a galley, bar, changing rooms and a clubroom.

Despite the rather grandiose name of Maldon 'Yacht' Club, the club is actually a small dinghy sailing club. We have a racing fleet that takes part in organised races throughout the year & plenty of 'potterers' who sail for fun whenever they can, tides & weather permitting.

Access to the river is via the club's own slipway affording approximately two hours sailng on a reasonable size tide. A comprehensive weekend racing schedule ensures that there is plenty of sailing for those with a competitive spirit. However, sailing at MYC doesn't just take place at the weekends.

There are a growing number of 'midweeker' members who simply enjoy 'messing about on the river' A variety of dinghies, kayaks, canoes and rowing boats can be seen on the river at high water. MYC own four different sailing dinghies that are available for members to use free of charge. More details will shortly be available on our 'join us' page.

The History of Maldon Yacht Club

Lets form a club was first heard as early as 1948 but it wasn't until March 1949 when 18 like-minded people gathered at the Jolly Sailor Public House on Hythe Quay, Maldon for the first General Meeting. During these early meetings the Club was born and named Maldon Yacht Club. The design and colours for the burgee were decided; green for the river, white for the crest of a wave and black for the mud!

In November 1950 plans were in place to build the first club house on the Hythe Quay at an estimated cost of £200 raised from membership loans. The new clubhouse was opened in July 1951 and was later extended in 1952.

An acre of reclaimed land (site of the current dinghy park) suitable for a new clubhouse was investigated and by 1963 the Club was entering into lease negotiations. By the early 1970's the new dinghy park had proved to be a great success and had attracted new members. The possibility of a new clubhouse on the site started to be considered.

Planning permission for a barge to be moored adjacent to the Dinghy Park was given in November 1979. The Jim Main barge was purchased for £1,750. A further £300 was paid to tow it from Greenhithe to the Hythe Quay where conversion work began in January 1980. It was all hands on deck on the weekend of 26th and 27th April to ensure that the newly converted Jim Main could be towed from the Hythe Quay to its present mooring adjacent to the Dinghy Park on the 10th May 1980.

The 1980's was a successful period in terms of winning awards for the club sailors. The Cock of the River open was won by Paul and Annette Springett in 1980 (first won by MYC in 1965). Nigel Musto attended the 470 Junior World Championships in Sweden and gained an excellent 5th place. He later became the 470 National Champion (the first National Champion in the Club's history). 1982 saw a clean sweep by MYC at the Blackwater and Colne Dinghy Championships (Cock of the River for the second time in three years). The Stone Challenge Cup and the Coronation Cup were also won by Club members. In 1984 Kay Hedgecock and Annette Springett were the ladies 420 National Champions. They also achieved a marvellous 4th place in the 470 National Championships. As part of the British Team, Kay and Annette went on to 12th place in the 470 World Championships held in Scotland. Another lady member, Christine Brooks, took part in the selection trials for the World Laser Championships in this year.

For the remainder of the 80's and into the new millenium the Club has has continued to thrive and promote the sport of sailing. The emphasis on racing has been matched by a raised enthusiasm for potterin about on the river by midweek sailors. These intrepid sailors brave most conditions in their selection of classic and modern boats just soaking up the beautiful location at the head of the Estuary.

The image below is inspired by the one above

This picture features many of our current committee members gathered around the MYC seat situated on Hythe Quay by the Jolly Sailor Public House.

A plaque on the seat reads...

"The Maldon Yacht Club, founded in 1949 and now situated at the eastern end of the promenade occupied this site from 1951 to 1980"

This later picture was taken on Sunday 9th October 2016 & shows the retiring commodore (Pat White) shaking hands with the newly appointed commodore (Pauline Marshall)

Members from left to right, seated; Keith Gower, Pat White, Pauline Marshall, John Green.

Standing; Jack Snow, Hazel Green, Ian Barratt, Sarah Graves, Clive Marshall, Ian Varney, Bob Rowbotham, Kevin Green, Roberto Maranca, Len Minter. It was decided to reproduce the picture here in grayscale in order to compliment the 1980's version. A full colour version of the same picture can be seen elsewhere on the website.

The club has remained healthy throughout the 1990's & right up to the present day with a good number of new & old members. Competitive racing takes place at weekends when the tide allows & these are still fiercely contended. Cups & trophies are awarded yearly to participants & winners. As reported on our home page, weekday sailing continues to grow steadily. If the tide is in & the conditions are favourable you'll find a number of MYC boats & Kayaks enjoying the river.

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Sailing / Yacht Clubs in United Kingdom

• United Kingdom
• Sailing / Yacht Clubs

Whitefriars Sailing Club

Wraysbury Lake Sailing Club

London Corinthian Sailing Club

Cowes corinthian yacht club.

Weir Quay Sailing Club

Attenborough sailing club.

Royal Southampton Yacht Club

Abbey sailing club.

Aberaeron Yacht And Watersports Club

Aberdeen and stonehaven yacht club, aldeburgh yacht club.

Aldenham Sailing Club

Aldridge Sailing Club

Alexandra yacht club, allhallows yacht club ltd.

Amble Boat Club

Annandale Sailing Club

Anstruther Sailing Club

Antrim Boat Club

Aquarius sailing club.

London Model Yacht Club  The Round Pond, Kensington Gardens Patrons Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE Dr Charles Clarke

...the oldest Model Yacht Club in the UK incorporating The Model Yacht Sailing Association

& mysa  .

The home of model yacht sailing in central London since 1876

The Round Pond in Kensington Gardens, overlooked by Kensington Palace, is the home of the oldest model yacht club in the country – the Model Yacht Sailing Association (Est. 1876) and the London Model Yacht Club (Est. 1884).

There is a long and rich history of model boat sailing in London Royal Parks, which our past Commodore David Keay  researched and summarised below. The London Model Yacht Club is proud to continue this tradition and to entrance visitors to Kensington Gardens .

Today, the club focuses on the racing of radio controlled 10-Rater, International One Metres, DF95s and Vintage yachts. We have one of the largest 10-Rater fleets in the world.

Model yacht clubs in the London Royal Parks

David Keay, Commodore MYSA 2003.

As an island race, interest in boats & their models is an integral part of our heritage. Regattas were being held on the Serpentine from the 18th century. Yacht Clubs were also being formed (the Royal Cork was founded in 1720) & model boats were sailed on the ponds in the Royal Parks soon after they were opened.

During the 1820’s a group of enthusiasts – including Cooper the Gunsmith, shoemakers & other mechanics – met on Sundays to sail small boats, up to 2’6”, on the Green Park Pond; finishing in time for a glass of ale at the White Horse Cellar in Piccadilly before public houses closed for Church Time at 11 a.m. {they could stay inside until reopening at 1 p.m.}. Cooper is credited with introducing external lead ballast; it is tempting to picture him discussing his designs in the cellar.

When the Green Park Pond was altered & surrounded by railings in 1834, sailing moved to the Serpentine where they had to stop for bathing time at 10a.m. A monthly sweepstake was introduced on Monday afternoons, organised by the ‘Serpentine Sailing Society’.

The Serpentine was used for other events, such as blowing up of a fleet of model warships in 1814 to rival a similar French spectacle at Versailles. There was a defined area for bathing with a pavilion for changing. Rowing boats were available for hire which were a considerable hazard for free sailing yachts. Wealthy yachtsmen occasionally sailed models of their yachts out of season, during the winter.

Rules were necessary for the sweepstake & to avoid conflict between other activities. These were drawn up by Tom Davis in 1838 & accepted at a Meeting of the Serpentine Sailing Society, later adapted by the Yacht Racing Association  in 1881.

It must be appreciated that at this time class distinction was paramount

Sailors were considered ‘artisans’. Further the Royal Parks had carefully regulated access (one had to be respectably dressed) & Kensington Gardens was closed until around 1840.

In 1845 W. Gilbert promoted a formal club, with one class  -  big boats, 6 feet long, weighing over 50lb and requiring at least 2 boys to carry!

This first London Model Yacht Club was founded in 1846, with Flag Officers, trophies & ambitions for a Clubhouse. Membership soon rose to nearly 80 with new members who were definitely not ‘artisans’. These were the full sized yachtsmen who introduced new classes – 1/12 scale models or prototypes, also a 12 foot experimental class.

The actual sailing was undertaken by professionals, of whom W.J.Daniels was to later become the most successful, who had to accept getting wet.

These newcomers effectively hijacked the club with elaborate rules designed to exclude any element of trade, & specified uniforms, both for dress & for sailing. They also rigged elections & invited Commodores from clubs with a Royal Warrant.

Unsurprisingly dissensions arose. Model sailing declined, newcomers returned to their River Clubs, & the London Model Yacht Club faded away in spite of a ‘reconstruction’ in 1871.

The Serpentine Model Yacht Club was founded in 1872 with Dixon Kemp as Commodore (he was Editor of The Field). The Committee included a couple of baronets & some senior army officers, plus Rob Roy McGregor. The Serpentine was a big boat club, sailing model 20 & 40 Tonners, weighing 60 lb or more, to the 1720 Rule.

Applications to erect a clubhouse had been refused but permission to store boats under the bandstand, where there was room for about 20 boats (limiting membership), had been obtained. However, in 1884 the bandstand was demolished so a direct appeal to the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) resulted (1886) in a site being granted by the Serpentine for a peppercorn rent of one shilling per annum.

The club raised £100 to erect a boathouse (putting the boys out of work!). Membership was limited to 30 (boathouse capacity) & racing commenced in difficult conditions due to the rowing boats. Sailing became impossible when the Office of Works closed the path at the eastern end.

The boathouse was pulled down in 1930 & the Club removed to the Rick Pond, adopting the A & 6M classes, to enjoy the excellent clubhouse (about 40 x 30 ft) provided by T. B. Davis (owner of the J-Class Westward) & designed by W.J.Daniels.

Incidentally the secretary of the 6M class was J.G.Feltwell whose daughter in 1928 designed the charming logo for Model Yachtsman, later adopted by the Vintage Group. Feltwell died in 1949.

The MYSA had been founded in 1876 when meetings were held in a room over the local Turkish Baths. The founder members were Tyrell Biddle, his 2 brothers, W.O. Hastings & Mr Sanderson (ex London MYC). Hastings & the Biddle brothers had earlier founded the Victoria Club in Hackney (1862) before moving to Kensington.  Initially they sailed small, 1st & 2nd Class boats but soon adopted larger classes.

By 1881 monthly meetings were being held at the Clubhouse, Thurloe Square; actually the home of the secretary, W.O.Hastings. Regular sweepstakes races were organised & continued until after 1945 at which time the entrance fee was sixpence; prizes of half a crown were awarded for a 1st & a shilling for 2nd.

Sailing in Hackney was abandoned when the pond was opened for rowing boats & bathing; the Club there being wound up in 1892.

The ‘new’ London was formed at the Crown Hotel, courtesy of Mr Burgess, on September 8th, 1884. The Commodore was T. F. Drinian & Secretary H.D.Pring.

Sir Thomas Brassey, owner of Sunbeam, was invited to be President. He was an MP, a Member of the Royal Yacht Squadron & Warden of the Cinque Ports and later elevated as Viscount Hythe.

The George was founded in 1886, also based on the Round Pond, actively racing, & a Kensington appeared in February that year with a secretary in Lambeth but with no record of any activities. This could be a result of the Pond being drained in June 1886 until March 1887.

The London defined 2 Classes that year:

A: LWL * beam < 240 B: 1/12 scale to the YRA 10 ton rule of 1883 (sometimes called the 1730 rule)

Thanks to the influence of Lord Brassey, in 1887 Col Wheatley was appointed by the Dept of Works to oversee the building of a boathouse of about 30 feet by 20 feet adjacent to the Orangery in Kensington Gardens. This was a timber framed shed with small windows, clad in corrugated iron, completed during 1888.

The Initial Licence demanded a rental of £9 p.a. for an undefined term, subject to 3 months notice of termination. The Solicitors cost for this was 2 guineas.

Capt Methven & E. R. Tatchell headed a Committee of Management to transform this shed into a congenial Clubhouse. They arranged panelling the inside at a cost of £15, installing lockers with standing for boats above (£10), & erecting a coal store for the heating stove (£10). The interior was completed in time for the AGM of January,1890.

They also arranged subletting to the M.Y.S.A & George Clubs. By 1900 the rental of the boathouse was £16 p.a. The sub-letting rental was £4 to MYSA & £2 to the George. The income from lockers was £6 & the Steward (Doolan) was paid £9.

Racing Classes were redefined: 1st: 15 rater (first measurement of sail area) 2nd: 10 Ton (former B Class) 3rd: Former 240 Class

Prince Batthyany Strathman, a Hungarian Noble, Count of the Holy Roman Empire (the first Catholic foreigner to be admitted to Eton) became Honorary President of the London in 1889. He was later encouraged by Dixon Kemp to found the YRA. Sir Algernon Borthwick, M.P. for Kensington, was elected Vice President in March 1890.

It was noted in the Minutes that in 1889 sailing on the Round Pond was difficult on account of weed, which is still an on-going problem.

The boathouse was extended for the George in 1892. When this Club was disbanded the clubhouse was taken over by the London to form the ‘Junior London’ in April, 1902, popularly known as the Boys Club based in the Boys Clubhouse. The members were sons of London Members between ages 10 – 18 all attending Public Schools such as Rugby & Repton. They were expelled, hopefully joining the senior club, at age 21. A large majority voted not to admit girls!

Percy Tatchell supervised the junior racing for the single class of 24inches, later extended in 1905 to include the IYRU 30in. linear rated class designed by John Odgers. The boys were encouraged to become serious racers & were given formal tuition.

By 1912 most Members had transferred to senior membership & the section declined. The boy’s clubhouse was then used to store old boats. (The inventory of 1947 listed 47 boats, only 5 of which were registered).

The boathouse was considered to be utilitarian by the Establishment, detracting from Wren’s Orangery alongside, so during 1908 the Dept of Works moved the boathouse 50 yards to the NW, extending by 15 feet the area occupied by MYSA, & improving the flooring. The rent rose to £20 p.a.

Post 1918 the London found itself very short of members & a subscription income of only £11. Nevertheless the Flag officers funded refurbishing the boathouse, later installing gas for heating. They further planned to adopt classes defined by the YRA

Also post-war interest in power boats had developed with the establishment of specialist clubs who attracted large numbers of spectators & in the 1930’s a further extension was added to the boathouse for the West London Model Power Boat Club.

The Marquess of Ailsa was elected President of the London in 1919. Major Heckstall-Smith, later Editor of Yachting Monthly, was an active Member during this period & he further persuaded the Marquess to be president of the embryo MYA. W.J.Daniels was elected an Associate Member of the London in 1920.

The Marquess was also President of the MYSA with whom he sailed 10 raters. Sir William Burton was elected President in 1926, later succeeded by Sir Harold Kenyon. Sir William, with Sir Charles Allom & C. E. Nicholson continued as Vice Presidents of the MYSA until the 1950’s.

The London League was established in 1908 for inter-Club Racing but had to address the problem that each club favoured its own designs, highlighted by a complaint from Forest Gate, after which the MYA Rules were adopted, with a reservation over protest procedure.

In 1923 the Round Pond was emptied for cleaning & Major Heckstall-Smith started refining the London Club classes in line with the YRA & IRYU. This process continued during the 1930’s, alongside that for full-size.

In 1927 the Steward, Doolan, suffered a stroke & had to stand down after 39 years.

A new threat to model sailing arose in 1937 when the Office of Works railed off the NE corner of the Round Pond as a paddling pool for children. A fierce editorial in the September issue of Marine Models inspired widespread protests & the railings were removed the following year. The area remains shallow with a pipe to trap the unwary.

There were fewer leisure activity restrictions at this time. In addition to sailing, the pond was used for large model steam warships & high speed power boats.

During a Television recording in 1939 a petrol-engine seaplane even took off from the water; while Control Line model aircraft were being flown in Hyde Park. There was a further TV broadcast from Alexandra Palace in 1947.

The Archery Club was formed in 1938, but since the emphasis by then was on serious shooting, did not become active until after the war. In 1947 an agreement was reached for them to store their targets & other gear in the Boys Clubhouse.

During the war years the membership of MYSA at £1 p.a. increased to the limit imposed by Locker Space & a Waiting List for both Senior & Junior (up to age 17) Membership was introduced. Boats owned by Members had to be approved by the Committee. Reserves in investments grew from £90 to £200, whilst fortunes of the London declined.

By 1948 within the London League MYSA were the top Club in Marblehead Racing, with Robin Redhead & Babbie to the fore, but bottom in 10R (both Vane steered). Fixtures for 36inch & 18 footers were discontinued.

Registrations of 10R started to increase, encouraged by Robin’s success with Daddy Longlegs, & soon equalled that for all other classes, but even so racing activity was declining. An inventory of boats stored in the clubhouse during 1954 showed 30 10Raters, 28 Marbleheads & 2 18 footers.

In 1955 the Minister of Works demanded an annual rent increase from £10 to £86, plus another expensive lease, & this forced an amalgamation of the Clubs in December 1972, together with a subscription increase to survive.

In 1987 notice to quit was served so the Clubhouse could be demolished to make space for more palace car parking. A new building was offered but since security was paramount it had to be ‘armour plated’ & the rental would be £4500. The income of the combined club was £300 so this was clearly unaffordable. As an alternative the totally unsuitable space under the bandstand was again offered, or an equally unsuitable parks hut near the Albert Memorial, both at a rental of £400. (The counter inflation Rent Restriction Act had been passed in 1972 but did not apply to the Crown, Parliament or Local Authorities).

A site at the top of Perks Field, which did not require enhanced security was suggested & the Club offered to buy the existing shed to be re-erected on this site (the Club owned all the interior fixtures & fittings). The boathouse had previously been moved in 1908 but this reasonable proposal was also refused.

Protests by the Commodore, Tony Gurr, pointing out that the Clubs & the clubhouses had been in existence for 100 years were ignored, as was a direct appeal to the MYA Patron, Prince Philip, by Architect Rodney Tatchell.

Reluctantly, after further negotiation, the present small shed adjacent to the Royal Household Football Club, was accepted at a rent of £400 p.a. This shed, originally housing equipment for monitoring activities at the nearby Russian Embassy during the cold war; was far from ideal & had to be shared with the Archery Club. There was no space for the contents of the former Clubhouse & perhaps 20 boats could be accommodated, compared with the 60 or more formerly.

A further threat arose after the death of Princess Diana, when Gordon Brown supported a proposal to install a fountain, with a jet to 300 feet, rivalling that of Chatsworth. Common sense prevailed after all Kensington rose in revolt at a memorable public meeting. Subsequent debacles lost around £20 million that had been collected.

The edging of the Pond had subsided & required extensive repairs as spectators had fallen in on account of the slippery edging so the proposal in 2003 was to lower the water level. The pond would then be inaccessible & too shallow for deep keel boats, ending 10R racing, by far the most popular large class, which is the backbone of the Kensington Club. The proposal was reconsidered 2 years later when it was realised that injuries could arise from the greater drop if spectators fell in.

It is interesting to observe that in 1874 the American MYC was given a splendid Boat House with space for 50 boats by the Park Commissioners in Central Park, NY, Eastbourne, Gosport, Hove, Southwold , Fleetwood & other coastal waters have had clubhouses erected by the Local Council. Clapham have a purpose built Clubhouse as does the Rick Pond at Hampton.

References: Russell Potts ‘Sporting Hobbies & Social Class’ ‘Model Yachtsman’ Ed. Tom Bruce, & successive publications. Surviving Minutes of the London & MYSA Clubs Reminiscences of Robin Redhead, Gareth Morgan & others.

London  Model  Yacht  Club -  LMYC

Oceanic Racing

Oceanic racing at plymouth rwyc, oceanic races.

Centenary Race

10/8/2025 Centenary race

Plymouth Fastnet 500

A Rich Heritage

Plymouth has for centuries been inseparable from every kind of maritime adventure and it would have been even more surprising if the city had not given birth to one of the world’s first yacht clubs.

Founded as the Port of Plymouth Royal Clarence Regatta Club in 1827, it became the Royal Western Yacht Club in 1833. Its original aims were to hold an annual regatta, to organise an active social programme and to stimulate improvements in naval architecture through yacht racing, and the Club still holds to the principles of those original aims today.

In those early years the Club’s principal strength proved to be in long distance cruising. Its members’ yachts, wearing the undefaced Blue Ensign, a privilege given to them in a Warrant granted by Queen Victoria, were to be seen in the farthest corners of the globe, from France and St Petersburg to Cape Town, Ceylon, South America and the USA.

At the same time the Club’s active involvement in racing grew consistently. As well as running an annual regatta the Club was soon organising an annual series of races for J Class Yachts, an event which continued until 1934.

Yachts competing in such races rarely ventured too far and while offshore events were held these were typically cruises or special event races and none were repeated on a regular basis. But Plymouth had been the traditional starting point for the voyages of Anson, Drake, Cook and many other great seafarers so it was, perhaps, only natural that the Club should turn to ocean racing.

The change occurred when the Club’s Rear Commodore, George Martin, read an article by Weston Martin on the Bermuda Race (which had been run regularly since 1906) in which he had competed. Martin resolved to create a similar race on this side of the Atlantic. The Club Chronicles entry for 1925 records what happened – ” . . . However, another sailing event was yet to come, and on 15th August a race, under the Club Burgee, started from Ryde (Royal Victoria Yacht Club) to round the Fastnet and finish in Plymouth Sound.

A veteran English yachtsman, Weston Martyr, had been offshore racing in America for some years, and on return home in 1924 had been surprised to find no offshore racing this side of the Atlantic. He wrote enthusiastic articles to the yachting magazines which caught the eye of the Rear-Commodore, E. G. Martin. A Committee of three (initially), George Martin, Weston Martyr and Malden Heckstall-Smith (editor of Yachting Monthly) was duly formed and the Fastnet Race was born.

Yachts of international classes were barred, and a rule stated: ‘No restrictions will be made on the number of amateurs carried, but no more paid hands will be permitted than can normally be accommodated in the fo’c’sle.’

Seven yachts started: Jolie Brise (Martin) 44-ton ex-pilot cutter, Fulmar (R.E.Y.C.) 38 foot, Bamba IV (Ray Barrett) 20-ton aux. ketch, Saladin (Ingo Simons) 34-ton ex-­pilot cutter, Gull (H. P. F. Donegan) 18-ton cutter, Jessie L (C. J. Hussey) 27-ton cutter, and North Star (M. Tennant) 36-ton ketch. All seven completed the course, though the last two named had officially retired. Jolie Brise won in 6 days 1¾ hours

At a dinner at the Club after the race, Martin proposed the formation of an Ocean Racing Club and it was formed then and there. Martin was later elected Commodore and presented a Challenge Cup. In a letter to the Chairman of the Committee he writes: ‘I have given a Challenge Cup to be sailed for yearly over the Fastnet Course which we chose this year and proved to be most satisfactory. It so happens that I am the holder of the Cup for the year, and it would give me great pleasure if the Committee of the Royal Western Yacht Club would consent to keep it with the other silver in the dining room … Under the conditions of the deed of the gift, should the Ocean Racing Club cease to exist or no race be held over the course during three successive years the Cup passes to the Royal Western Yacht Club at my death.’  ”

The ‘Ocean Race’ became the Fastnet race and continues to this day with the RWYC providing support for the finish (albeit much reduced since the introduction of better communications and trackers).

The next oceanic race that the Club introduced had a major impact on the sailing world.

Firstly it was truly oceanic – westward across the North Atlantic into the prevailing wind and current, and secondly it was for a single crew – no professional hands, no race ‘heavies’.

‘Blondie’ Hasler’s concept was simple; one man, one boat against the ocean. A test of seamanship with the objective of encouraging the “development of suitable boats, gear, supplies and technique for single-handed ocean crossings under sail”.

Predictably the yachting establishment was shocked by such an outrageous idea. Hasler had difficulty in getting sponsorship and a yacht club to organise the race. Eventually he and Francis Chichester approached the Royal Western who agreed to provide the necessary support and created a Singlehanded Transatlantic Race (STAR) committee under the chairmanship of Jack Odling-Smee.

So, thirty five years after the first Fastnet Race, at 10 o’clock on 11 th June 1960, Blondie Hasler, Francis Chichester, David Lewis and Val Howells set sail from Plymouth; “cross the starting line from west to east, leaving the Melampus buoy to starboard then to New York by any route”. Five days later Jean Lacombe followed them out of Plymouth. So began The Observer Single Handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR). Every four years, the now renamed Original Single Handed Transatlantic Race, starting in Plymouth and finishing at Newport, continues to be one of the principle blue water races of the world for corinthian and professional sailors.

Blondie Hasler then suggested a twohanded race around Britain and Ireland. First raced in 1966 and on a four year cycle since, today’s Round Britain and Ireland Race follows an almost identical route. The race starts and finishes in Plymouth, with compulsory forty eight hour stops now in Kinsale, Barra, Lerwick and Lowestoft.

A third shorthanded race was introduced, in 1981, in response to the overwhelming demand for places in the 1980 OSTAR. Making the race twohanded allowed the Club to accept larger boats than were permitted under the restrictions that had been placed on the singlehanded race.

The new race, which obviously became known as the TWOSTAR, also ran on a four year cycle fitting in between the OSTAR and the Round Britain.

In the late 1990s the race was discontinued when the overloaded commercial shorthanded race calendar gave skippers little opportunity to enter it. However, the reduction in ‘Grand Prix’ classes in the early 2000s and the successful move by the OSTAR back to its Corinthian roots spurred a revival in the TWOSTAR.

The Club continued fully crewed oceanic racing over the years including such notable events as the ‘reverse’ transatlantic from Manchester, Massachusetts, to Plymouth celebrating the Club’s sesquicentennial; the Parmelia Race, a pursuit race from Plymouth to Western Australia, celebrating the voyage of the barque Parmelia to the Swan River; a series of ‘Armada Cup’ races to Spain, several twohanded ‘UK Fastnet’ races for Mini 650s, and single races to Iceland and other destinations.

The Royal Western Yacht Club continues its commitment to shorthanded racing. The OSTAR, the TWOSTAR, and the Round Britain and Ireland  are held every four years ensuring that the Club remains at the forefront of shorthanded ocean racing.

Half Crown Club

The memorable 1960 first OSTAR had five competitors (Blondie Hasler, Francis Chichester, Valentine Howells, David Lewis, and Jean Lacombe) and the Duke of Edinburgh presented the prizes at the Arts Club.  The upcoming 2020 Reunion will be 336years after creation of the Half Crown Club through the stimulation of Tim Hubbard, Alan Wynne Thomas, and Lloyd Hircock “… one evening in a country pub tucked away in Cornwall while escaping the pressures of the build up before the 1984 OSTAR”;  the trio produced Go for broke with the Half Crown Club  T-shirts.  Hubbard’s 1986 book  THE RACE  [ISBN 0-393-03313-9] devoted a chapter to the Club and recorded that Mike Richey was one of many who sported the new shirt; the sole survivor of these founders is Lloyd Hircock (now Lloyd Elliott) now living in Ontario, Canada.

Although Hubbard’s book (p. 42) stated: “In that contest [first OSTAR in 1960], Chichester bet Hasler half a crown (about fifty cents) that he would get to America first”, Mike Richey and many others associated with the first OSTAR have been energetic over the years in assuring everyone that, although suggested before the first race, an actual half-crown wager did not occur;  recently, Michael Ellison (’64) wrote confirming this matches his recollection of events before the first race. Despite vigorous widespread debate about whether there was a wager or not, archival documents establish the reality of a proposed half-crown wager if a race sponsor was not identified, the proposal died when the RWYC agreed to sponsor first OSTAR. The proposed wager continues to provide a memorable name for the Half Crown Club.

In 2007, Alan Wynne Thomas noted “… the Club was founded to celebrate the camaraderie and spirit of the skippers just getting to the starting line … [and that it] would be unique and have no rules.”  Each of the over 550 skippers who crossed one or more of the OSTAR start lines is automatically a member, whether they got to other side or not;  unhappily, several skippers have since died and contact has been lost with many others.  If you know any OSTAR skipper who is not currently receiving Half Crown Club News Letters by e-mail, please let the Club know at [email protected] .

The RWYC has an Oceanic Membership (a special category of full membership available only to skippers who completed one or more OSTAR).  Sign up with the RWYC Secretariat to take advantage of this special membership, created in recognition of the contribution single-handed OSTAR competitors have made to the yacht-racing world.

Best of Lists

New england yacht clubs - the eight most notable, discover a variety of new england's best yacht clubs.

Clubs have been around for as long as mankind has shared common interests. In New England Yacht Clubs, the advent of yachting for pleasure rather than boating as a profession, plus the familiarity of famed yacht clubs in the United Kingdom and Europe, set the stage for these nautical groups.

Today, hundreds of yacht clubs from Connecticut to Maine operate from May to October. Some are known for racing, others are more social, several welcome both power and sail, many have junior programs, and just about all have full-service waterfront clubhouses. Most are private clubs rather than public recreational facilities.

That said, members of clubs either affiliated with U.S. Sailing or the National Association of Yacht Clubs can enjoy reciprocity. A letter of introduction prior to arrival paves the way. Beyond this, anyone can cruise by and admire the stately clubhouses as well as watch regattas underway. Here are eight notable New England yacht clubs.

Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club

‍ Boothbay Harbor, ME

‍ Called the Boating Capital of New England for the array of craft on its waters, Boothbay Harbor is a beacon for local and visiting yachtsmen who come to experience the fabled Down East cruising grounds and picturesque bay. Incorporated by the Maine Legislature in 1895, the club outgrew its original inner harbor location decades ago with its clubhouse, sailing center, tennis courts and docks now in West Boothbay Harbor. The signature fleet of locally designed 21-foot Boothbay Harbor One Designs launched in 1938 still sail. This year, the club added a vintage boat class to its annual regatta in July, a move that brings together its renowned racing tradition with the region's shipbuilding history. bhyc.net

Portland Yacht Club

‍ Falmouth, ME

‍ Founded in 1869 after several Portland area yachtsmen cruised to Boothbay Harbor and back, the club is one of the oldest continually operated in America and has counted U.S. presidents as members, including George and Barbara Bush. A key attraction is its location on the shores of Casco Bay, where the 365-some calendar islands make for excellent cruising and natural marks for racing. The club started its first one-design fleet with a Starling Burgess sloop in 1903. The tradition continues with J/24s and Etchells. There's also Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHF)-scored races for cruisers. portlandyachtclub.com

Boston Yacht Club

Marblehead, MA

‍ Located 17 miles north of Boston, this 1866-founded club counts famous naval architect Nathanael G. Herreshoff, then still a teenager, as one of its original members. The club operated in six different venues through the years, but all operations are now in Marblehead. The membership is keenly sailing oriented, so much so that the start line of many races was reconfigured to be spectator-friendly, having the fleet sail toward shore before heading seaward. Hundreds of land-lubbing onlookers and often 400-plus spectator boats watch as yachts depart on the world's longest-running offshore ocean race, the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, which starts July 11, 2021. bostonyc.org

Corinthian Yacht Club

‍ The who's who founders and members of this 1885-founded club on Marblehead Neck include past and present boat builders and sailmakers such as John Rhodes, John Alden, George O'day, Ted Hood and Robbie Doyle. Today, the club is a hot spot all summer long, from junior sailing programs to major regattas hosted almost weekly from June to August. The signature event is the century-plus-old Marblehead Race Week, where 200+ boats compete in classes such as International One Designs, J/70s, Rhodes 19s and Viper 640s. Members, guests and friends of regatta competitors enjoy a front-row view from the porch of the 19th century clubhouse. corinthianyc.org

Edgartown Yacht Club

‍ Edgartown, MA

‍ Located on Martha's Vineyard, what was once the main whaling wharf in Edgartown is now home to this club's facilities over the water. The first members in 1905 raced catboats, knockabouts and sloops followed by clambakes and ice cream socials. Nowadays, while dock space is limited, the town-run mooring field in the harbor is the best vantage point. The prevailing southwest breeze in the summer is extremely reliable, making for superb racing until winds lie back down in the evening. The club's major races, like its nearly century-old annual regatta, often maintain a crew board or listing of yachts looking for race crew. The quaint town, with its historic houses, restaurants and shops, is within walking distance. edgartownyc.org

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

Newport, RI

‍ Namesake of the famous 19th century keeper of the Lime Rock Light in Newport Harbor, the 1928-incorporated club is now rooted on this rock. The club's burgee gives a nod to Lewis, with the 18 white stars circling the blue lighthouse representing the number of lives she saved. Today, a small light on top of the clubhouse remains with a few artifacts on display, although the bulk of Ida Lewis memorabilia is displayed at the Newport Historical Society Museum. The club has an active summer-long racing and cruising calendar, with cruises to neighboring islands. ilyc.org

New York Yacht Club, Harbour Court

‍ Rules are strict on who gets into the prestigious New York Yacht Club in Newport, a century-old residence modeled after a French chateau that the club purchased in 1988. Even from the outside, cruising by on Brenton Cove or from Sail Newport across the water, this piece of architectural eye candy is equally impressive when its fleet is docked and characterizes quintessential New England yachting. Those lucky to be invited on the grounds by a member can see the first clubhouse, an 1845-built Gothic Revival building, which was moved to Harbour Court in 1999 and is still used for meetings. nyyc.org/harbour-court

Essex Yacht Club

‍ Essex, CT

‍ The Connecticut River and its beautiful view is the focal point for activities at this nearly 90-year-old club. Yacht racing happens most weekends in the summer. Regattas range from community-oriented events such as the Special Olympics Invitational Regatta in June on the club-owned fleet of Ideal 18's to highly competitive one-design, double-handed and distance races. Onshore sunsets are spectacular to see from the riverfront benches, grassy lawn or gazebo. The club is set in an easily walked nautical hub with the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club next door, the town dock next to that, followed by the Connecticut River Museum. essexyc.com

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