COWES CLUBS
Choose your club
Paul Wyeth
There are many benefits to being a yacht club member and Cowes certainly has a wide variety of welcoming clubs to suit all ages and sailing interests. Whether you are looking to get into sailing, or are a seasoned sailor wanting to meet like-minded people for social events, get in touch with the clubs below to find out what they can offer. R OYA L YA C H T S Q U A D R O N Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the world.
The clubhouse is set in the iconic Cowes Castle, a familiar local landmark which was built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences. These days, the cannon in front of the Castle signal the start of races, rather than approaching invaders. In front of the Castle, at the western end of The Parade near The Green, provides a spectacular spot to watch the starts during Cowes Week and other major events. The RYS has an active racing and cruising programme which can be found on their website. rys.org.uk R OYA L LO N D O N YA C H T C L U B The Royal London Yacht Club (RLYC) has a full programme of both racing and social events, including an active Younger Members’ division. Originally founded in London in 1838, membership is exclusive, limited to just 500. The Club’s home since 1868 is an elegant Regency house on The Parade in Cowes, with some of the finest views 44
COWES HARBOUR HANDBOOK
across the Solent. RLYC organises and hosts Cowes Classics Week, the largest regatta of its type in the world. In 2020, the Club will host a number of other regattas including Propsail, the Bank of England Sailing Club and the Arrow Trophy. The Club offers full facilities, excellent accommodation and catering including fine dining. rlyc.org.uk C O W E S C O R I N T H I A N YA C H T C L U B With a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club (CCYC) prides itself on welcoming all local and visiting sailors. Established in 1952 by the late Tiny Mitchell, the club is based in the heart of Cowes – on Birmingham Road by land and opposite the red No. 6 harbour buoy by sea. It is the only yacht club in Cowes that can provide marina berths, and shoreside boat storage and facilities to its members. CCYC offers short-stay berthing for visitors and bar opening hours can be found on the website along with all points of contact. The club encourages new members of all ages and holds sailing, racing and social events throughout the year.
ccyc.org.uk
