Join RLYC

Behind the traditional façade of our club house in Cowes lies a warm welcome to new members. The spirit of our founding members, who established the Club in order to enjoy yacht racing on the River Thames and, at the end of the day, 'the evening spent in a truly convivial manner', lives on. Today our members share their passion for yachting and a common bond through a love and respect of the sea, as well as the enjoyment of a full social programme of formal and informal events.

Membership numbers are limited to 500, which ensures a friendly atmosphere and brings members together on the water, at social events throughout the year; or by becoming volunteers helping with the race management of the highly successful Cowes Classics Week and other regattas, including national and international championships for keelboat classes.

Throughout the season the Club organises a series of rallies for members and their guests to various ports on The Solent, and further afield, to which yachtsmen, power boat and RIB owners, as well as those who decide to come by land are welcome. The Young Members regularly arrange their own gatherings in London and are the leading lights when it comes to the Club's Trafalgar Night and Burns Night celebrations in Cowes. Every year the RLYC actively supports the Etchells Youth Academy which introduces new keen young sailors to competitive racing and helps identify this country's talented yachtsmen of the future.

We have reciprocity with 28 clubs, three in Central London, others are an ideal destination for those who enjoy cruising and offshore sailing. Across the world we have reciprocity with yacht clubs in Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Netherlands, India, Greece and Italy, where our members can expect a warm welcome when travelling abroad.

HOW TO JOIN please contact the Club Secretary for an application form, or speak to an existing member. Each application should have a proposer and seconder who has been a member for at least three years and is not a member of your family.

If you don't know a member, just contact the Club Office and they will put you in touch with a Flag Officer or member of the General Committee who can guide you through the process. If you need help, contact the Club Secretary on 01983 299 727 or email rlycclubsecretary@rlyc.org.uk we look forward to receiving your application form.

Last updated 10:43 on 6 February 2024