14 of the best UK sailing clubs
Yacht club or sailing club? Inland or coastal? Big or small? We run through the main types of club in the UK, which are as varied as the sailors who frequent them.
UK sailors are spoiled for choice in the quality and quantity of yacht and sailing clubs in the UK. The coastline is dotted with clubs, with almost always two or more in any recognised port. Plus, there are ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers to sail on, as well as marina-based clubs.
Offering almost as much variation as their locations, you can also find sailing clubs for any type of boating you’re interested in, from dinghies to cruising and everything in between. You name it, you can find it.
When choosing a sailing club, there’s no right choice; just the right choice for you. Clubs vary enormously when it comes to atmosphere, facilities, and cost (also see Yacht club or sailing club: choose the right one). In this article, we will look at some of our favourite yacht and sailing clubs in the UK that our team has visited over the years, aiming to highlight the diversity and variety available. But this is far from a definitive list - there are plenty of other equally worthy alternatives around the country, and we’re still trying to visit as many as we can!
You can also take a look at the RYA’s website for a full list of sailing clubs to find one near you!
The prestigious yacht club
There are a number of yacht clubs with the word “Royal” in their title, but it's not always a reliable indicator as to what the club is really like. While some will hold more “brag” status, others are actually very down to earth, and you’ll find that you are more than welcome in your sailing kit.
1. Royal Yacht Squadron
The Royal Yacht Squadron is probably the most prestigious and exclusive yacht club of them all. Situated in the sailing Mecca of Cowes on the Isle of Wight (which has many clubs to suit all interests). I’ve never been here in anything other than heels and a dress (read blazer and long trousers if you’re the male of the species). This isn’t a club you expect to simply turn up at; you need an invitation. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that only men were allowed in the main clubhouse. A visit feels like a privilege, and you know many of sailing’s greats have been here over the years.
The Royal Yacht Squadron is probably the most exclusive sailing clubs in the UK. Memberships are invitation only, and some of the greatest sailors throughout history have ties to this club. Image: Royal Yacht Squadron
2. Royal Southern Yacht Club
The river Hamble is undoubtedly one of the UK’s sailing hotspots, packed with boats, marinas, floating pontoons, and yachting pubs that make it a must-visit. The Royal Southern YC sits in an enviable position, with fabulous views down the river from its stunning upstairs bar. Although there is a youth section, this is more of a yacht club than a dinghy club. (Surprisingly, perhaps, for such a grand-looking club) dogs are welcome, and the dress code is relatively relaxed (although you will need to leave your wellies and waterproofs downstairs).
The Royal Southern Yacht Club sits in an enviable position on the River Hamble and claims to be “one of the world’s finest and friendliest yacht clubs. Image: Royal Southern Yacht Club
3. Royal Cornwall Yacht Club
The Royal Cornwall is a very sailor-friendly club, running a number of dinghy races and bigger boat events and is famed for its great food. The clubhouse is set very much in the centre of Falmouth, which provides a great venue for events, especially in the summer, with plenty to do and lots of accommodation. With a rich history spanning over 200 years, the historic clubhouse is open to everyone. It organises plenty of activities, including yoga, wine clubs, book clubs, Bridge, and other games, in addition to its boating events.
The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth is a must-visit thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and regular events. Image: Royal Cornwall Yacht Club
The small local sailing club
Pretty much every town and village on the coast, as well as many reservoirs and lakes, has its own sailing club or yacht club. These can be tiny, are often completely run by volunteers, and are usually very cheap to join.
4. Orwell Yacht Club
This was the club of my youth. A small club based on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk, where members take their turn at the bar duty. The club has a strong tradition of small cruising yacht ownership, where owners often do the work on their boats themselves. There is limited dinghy sailing at the club, which tends to vary depending on how active the dinghy members are at a given time.
Orwell Yacht Club – just a mile and a half from Ipswich on the East Coast of the UK.
5. Tollesbury Sailing Club
This tiny village in the heart of Essex is home to a small sailing club that promises to be the “friendliest club on the East Coast.” Members regularly help out with the club’s operation and the bar is a popular drinking venue for the locals, with many villagers belonging to the club themselves - even if they don’t sail often! The sailing club runs multiple events and socials throughout the year and boasts of being local to some of the best cruising spots on the East Coast.
The Friendliest Club on the East Coast, Tollesbury SC runs lots of social and sailing events throughout the year. Image: Tollesbury Sailing Club
6. Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club
The Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club is one of two clubs in the small village of Emsworth, located on the Hampshire/Sussex border. It frequently runs races and events jointly with its neighbour, Emsworth Sailing Club, and hosts a small but fairly strong dinghy section with fleet and mixed handicap racing. As an RYA training establishment, the Emsworth Slipper emphasises junior and youth sailing and is also home to a thriving Model Yacht Racing section. Due to its tidal location, racing times vary here, but the Millpond next door offers a worthy substitute for smaller events and models.
Surrounded by swans, the Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club welcomes anyone who wants to get out on the water. Image: Emsworth Sailing Club
The large “dinghy” club
There are a number of “super-clubs” that fit into this category. These clubs are usually more expensive to join but have the facilities to match. They usually have a number of full-time staff running the catering, bar, and administration.
7. Hayling Island Sailing Club
Surrounded by sandy beaches on the appropriately named “Sandy Point”, Hayling Island Sailing Club has a spectacular location at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. The facilities for dinghy sailing are fantastic, and the club regularly hosts dinghy and keelboat national, European, and world events. Hayling Island is also the main home for Federation Week – the annual regatta week run by a group of the Chichester Harbour sailing clubs (which include Emsworth Slipper listed above). As one of only four RYA Coastal Centres of Excellence, Hayling Island SC plays a leading role in British sailing and actively welcomes new members of all ages, sailing abilities, and classes of cruiser or dinghy.
Hayling Island Sailing Club is situated on Sandy Point at the entrance to Chichester Harbour and is popular with locals and visitors.
8. Grafham Water Sailing Club
An inland club with a strong history of running open meetings and championships, Grafham Water SC is set on a large reservoir in Cambridgeshire. It is particularly known for some of the big events it runs in the winter months, as well as adult and youth training, open meetings, and club racing. The club offers taster sessions in addition to full RYA courses in windsurfing, sailing, and powerboating, as well as social activities such as quizzes and seminars throughout the year.
Grafham Water Sailing Club is an RYA training centre that runs some huge boating events during the summer months. Image: Grafham Water Sailing Club
9. Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy
One of the venues for the 2012 Olympic Games, this “superclub” must run more championships than any other. Based in Portland, it offers access to various sailing waters, with racing available both in the harbour and outside Weymouth Bay. In addition to racing, this sailing academy offers RYA squad training, other sporting events - such as cycling, triathlons, and running - meeting facilities, and dry storage. It can even be booked as a venue for weddings and other events.
This sailing academy is a huge venue that even hosted some of the 2012 Olympic Games.
The inland “all weather” sailing club
Along with coastal clubs, there are many sailing clubs of all sizes based on the country’s numerous reservoirs and lakes. Many of them offer special winter memberships for members of coastal clubs that shut down for the winter months (typically October-April, although a small number of coastal clubs do operate all year round).
10. Budworth Sailing Club
This Cheshire-based club is one of the most popular clubs in the north-west of England. It runs handicap and fleet racing on Sundays and fleet racing on Saturdays and Wednesdays on Budworth Mere, a 100-acre stretch of water set in partially wooded countryside. It’s also an RYA training centre and won the “RYA Sailing Club of the Year” in 2022.
Budworth Sailing Club in Cheshire is a good example of an active inland club.
11. Rutland Sailing Club
Set on the picturesque Rutland Water in Cambridgeshire, Rutland Sailing Club boasts of “the best inland sailing in the UK” with 3,000 acres of “safe, non-tidal water.” It welcomes members of all ages and sailing abilities and even offers temporary memberships for visitors or those who just want to ‘dip their toes.’ With a friendly atmosphere, good food, and stunning views from the Clubhouse balcony, there’s plenty to enjoy ashore as well as on the water at Rutland.
Many inland sailing clubs, like Rutland SC, remain open year-round. Image: Rutland Sailing Club
12. Queen Mary Sailing Club
Based on one of the massive reservoirs that supply London’s water, this isn’t the prettiest place to sail, but very convenient if you live in the country’s capital. It is also famous for running the iconic annual handicap pursuit race, the Bloody Mary, every January. The event is very popular and attracts entries from across the country, from Olympic sailors to club racers. For beginners, there are a variety of RYA courses available here, from taster sessions right up to instructor training and everything in between.
The Queen Mary Sailing Club in London is famed for its races, including the Bloody Mary race, and is also an RYA training centre. Image: Queen Mary SC
The “cruising” club
Some clubs are specifically run for bigger boats to support leisure sailing.
13. Clyde Cruising Club
The Clyde Cruising Club in Scotland is a great example of a large cruising club that’s not so much about its clubhouse but about the events it organises, including the annual Scottish Series and a range of races, cruises in company, and “musters” that see its members sailing and racing in both Scottish waters and further afield.
At the heart of Scottish sailing, Clyde Cruising Club is famed for its plethora of events and races for boats of all shapes and sizes.
The beach club
There are a number of clubs based on lovely sandy beaches that attract visitors or have members with holiday homes in the area.
14. South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club
Abersoch Dinghy Week, run by South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club in north Wales, attracts entries from across the country who enjoy combining a week of racing with a family beach holiday. The club also runs a range of dinghy and keelboat championships, classes, sailing courses, and other events throughout the year. Off the water, the clubhouse enjoys picturesque views of Cardigan Bay, St Tudwals Islands and Snowdonia.
Scenes from Abersoch Dinghy Week at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club.
The marina club...
Some clubs are based in marinas and cater for berthholders and visitors. They don’t usually run racing, but there are some exceptions to this. Examples include Fox's Marina Yacht Club, based in Ipswich, and Brighton Marina Yacht Club, which we also look at in our Brighton Marina review.
UK waters have so much to offer the adventurous boat owner. For inspiration, see: 8 of the best UK estuaries for cruising or Spice up your season: best boating events of 2015. You might also want to check out our Marina Review series for other must-visit spots around the UK.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2015 by Gael Pawson and was last updated in September 2024 by Pippa Shaw.
