Royal London Yacht Club

History
The Royal London Yacht Club was founded in London in 1838. Its first meeting place was the Coal Hole Tavern in Fountain Court on the Strand . Racing commenced on the Thames . It obtained its Royal Warrant from the dowager Queen Adelaide in 1849. Now the Royal London Yacht Club has its House located in the centre of Cowes waterfront, on a site that it has occupied since 1882. The club has a long history in British yachting. Its members have ranked among the most colourful personalities in the yachting scene. It was the first popular yacht club to bring the sport to Cowes . In its early days it fostered racing innovations and was instrumental in establishing a universal set of rules and system of measurement. Concern with the past is now balanced by an active and progressive membership with interests in all forms of yachting and a very active social calendar. Membership is limited to 500 members.

Sailing Activities
Many Club Members own or part-own yachts and motor yachts and are active racing or cruising sailors. Sailing matters are controlled by a Sailing Committee whose members include International and National Yacht Racing Judges. A team of experienced and enthusiastic Race Officers organise and control racing fixtures at weekends during the season. The Club hosts many regattas for different classes and events large and small. Many Members race in the dayboat SCRA series, whilst the cruising members can take part in Club rallies run throughout the season. Together with the Royal Southampton and Royal Thames, the Club provides the Race Officers for the first three days of Cowes Week. The Club has its own launch and pontoon. One event enjoyed equally by racing, cruising, the motor yacht section and the social members is the Cowes-Deauville Race which has been held each year in late May since 1962. The Race now includes pure sail under the auspices of JOG and white sail/sail and power classes. A new predicted log event for Motor Yachts has also been held in conjunction with the Race. The fleet congregates in Deauville where once all are safely arrived its delights are enjoyed. Those remaining in Cowes celebrate the consequent peace with the 'TGTG' Dinner. The Club launch, call sign 'London Launch' on Channel 37 operates at weekends throughout the season and at other times as required.

Social Life
Originally two houses in a fine Georgian Terrace owned by Dr Hofmeister, Physician to Queen Victoria, the House has gradually been developed to provide a full range of accommodation including the lovely Drawing Room and Bar with the stunning balcony overlooking the Solent. The public rooms are graced with fine pictures, there is a wonderful trophy cabinet and the Club is proud to have one of Nelson’s cannon. There are function bars, a Dining room, the "London Room" that caters for the larger functions and in season this is extended by a tented Quarter Deck for many outside events and by a Marquee for the Ball. There are bedrooms (some ensuite) and new Crewrooms with bunks. There are drying facilities, showers and a locker room. Social events held in the House include about 6 formal dinners held throughout the year culminating in the vigorous programme of Cowes Week with its famous Royal London Ball. Informal dinners, sometimes with themes and speciality wines, are a regular feature. Other summer events include barbecues, picnics and rallies. Catering by our independent contractors, RLYC Caterers, is acknowledged to be to a truly high standard and is available on most days of the week throughout the year. Members particularly enjoy the Friday suppers, Saturday dinners and Sunday lunches as well as the excellent light snack menu. Monthly Ladies and Gentlemen’s Lunches are extremely popular. The Wine List is regularly changed. Winter social events include frequent informal dinners, lecture and discussion evenings and bridge afternoons as well as Parties with music and dancing. The floral arrangements that grace the House throughout the year are all put in place by Lady Members.

Management
The Club is managed by a General Committee elected at the annual general meeting consisting of the flag officers, honorary treasurer and seven elected members. This committee is responsible for the general affairs of the club with power to enforce rules and to make house rules and byelaws for the general conduct of members and the clubhouse. This committee also coordinates subcommittees which manage specific aspects of club life.

Officers of the Club

Commodore
J B Clark Esq

Vice Commodore
P P Shears QC

General Committee
J A P Montyn Esq, Chairman
C J Dawson Esq
D N Gower Esq
D M Hodd Esq FCIS
A J Mclrvine Esq FRCS
R Sutton Esq
Mrs Y Wright

Rear Commodore
F M Fear Esq
E S Fort Esq OBE

Hon. Treasurer
D K Walters Esq

Trustees
R L Bradbeer Esq
D B Cheverton Esq
W J W Courtney Esq CBE

Sailing Committee
D M Hodd Esq, Chairman
R J C Barton Esq
D Bridge Esq
M B Carver Esq
J B Clark Esq, Commodore
C J Dawson Esq
Ms A Gill, Cruising & Motor Boat Coordinator
Miss L G Hodd
R Milner Esq., Racing Manager
R Sutton Esq., Quarter Master
R Westover Esq

Secretary: Lt Col A J N Collis

Director of Catering: David Rogers Esq

Accountants: Messrs. Harrison Black

Office Facilities
Broadband is available for the use of members. The E-mail facilities of the Secretary’s office are available when it is manned and it is not too busy. The Club fax terminal and photocopier may also be used by members if not required by the Secretariat.

Rules and House Rules
A series of Rules and House Rules exists to provide the necessary structure and discipline to Club life. Their relevance is kept under constant review. The use of mobile phones in the public rooms is not allowed.

Reservations
Members and Members of Reciprocal Clubs as well as visiting yachtsmen may make reservations for bedrooms or for meals through the House Manager or duty Steward on 01983 293153 or by e-mail to info@allaboutcatering.co.uk . This number may also be used for the booking of functions. Members wishing to attend formal or informal events may also use the reservation proforma provided with the regular newsletters. Menus are set for all meals and vegetarian options are always available. Alternative dishes for those with special dietary requirements can be ordered.

Club Regalia and Sales
The Club maintains a range of clothing and regalia that may be purchased/ordered from the Secretary. Mess Kits and other bespoke clothing may be ordered from local recommended tailors. The Secretary acts as an intermediary for the sales of pre-owned Club items.

Accounts
All purchases may be paid for by cash, cheque or credit card. RLYC Caterers operate a Mess Bill system for Members only with discounts from the published prices and these are payable to it monthly by cheque or credit card. Subscriptions are paid annually by Direct Debit.

Staff Working Hours
The Secretary's Office is manned between about 0930 and 1630 during weekdays. The Steward on duty is available outside these hours. The hours and days when the House is open for Hotel services and catering alter depending on the season and vary from 7 day opening to Thursday to Monday out of season. The House is always open at weekends and on Bank Holidays except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Royal London Yacht Club, The Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QS
Telephone: Secretary (01983) 299727
E-mail: secretary@rlyc.org.uk