HISTORY
The Royal Southampton Yacht Club is one of the oldest established in the country, receiving its Royal Charter in 1875. In 1885 a new and imposing Clubhouse was developed in Above Bar, Southampton, which stood until 1957 when the Club was relocated to Northlands Road, opposite the County Cricket ground. In 1964 Gins Clubhouse, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, was built as a most welcome adjunct to the main Club building.
In 1988 the Club moved from Northlands Road to the current purpose-built premises overlooking the marina in Ocean Village. This modern clubhouse still maintains links with the past. The mahogany entrance doors came from the Northlands Road premises whilst the carved armchair now standing in the foyer was presented to the Club in 1866 having been made from 600 year old timbers taken from the old Southampton Guild Hall. Other traditional links in the high standard of quality, service and professionalism, remain.
Racing
All our events are open with competitors welcomed from any yacht or sailing club. We mount an all-year-round programme, with inshore events using the Solent and more sheltered environment of Southampton Water, plus coastal and offshore races. Classes are included for rated and non-rated boats, so you don't have to be an experienced racer to join in. As well as the popular fully crewed Sunday morning and Thursday evening series, the Club has a well-established two-handed series culminating in the Island Double, round the Isle of Wight. The Club provides experienced race management teams and enjoys an involvement with Skandia Cowes Week and other national and international events such as the Volvo Ocean Race.
Further information is available on Racing
Cruising
The Royal Southampton has an active cruising section, where rallies (locally and cross Channel) and social events are organised throughout the summer months. Typically these might involve a rally to Chichester rounded off with a theatre trip or a get together on the Medina with added fun in borrowed dinghies. Sailors and motor cruisers are represented equally on the Cruising Committee and more often than not share the same rally destination, demonstrating the friendly co-operation that personifies the Club.
Further information is available on Cruising
Social Activities
Throughout the year at Ocean Village and whenever Gins is open, there is a full calendar of varied social events. Weekly carvery and bistro evenings offer excellent food with added entertainment - perhaps a speaker, quiz or live jazz band. We also run our own version of a debating society known as the Steak and Kidney Pudding Club and enjoy to the most our superb clubhouse on the Beaulieu with its special annual Gins Regatta when there is something for everyone. More formal occasions include the Commodore's Dinner and New Year's Eve Ball.
Many members have joined us to take advantage of the happy atmosphere of the social life and are made as welcome as the most avid sailors.
Further information is available on Social Activities
Training
The Club runs a range of recognised RYA courses. These include practical training such as RYA Powerboat Level 2 and testing for the International Certificate of Competence. Theory courses cover RYA Day Skipper and Yacht Master together with Sea Survival; First Aid; radar/VHF operation and race management events. Dinghy instruction is also arranged for cadet members.
Further information is available on Training
