About – The Royal Motor Yacht Club

Who We Are

About Us

The RMYC was founded in 1905 by the Royal Automobile Club and was originally known as ‘The Motor Yacht Club’. It was viewed as the marine section of motoring and was established to ‘encourage and foster the sport and industry of motor boating and yachting’.

The Admiralty Warrant to wear the blue ensign was granted to the club the following year, and in 1910 the ‘Royal’ prefix was bestowed on the Club by HM King George V.

The RMYC led something of a nomadic existence in its formative years, but in 1936 it finally settled on Sandbanks and opened the doors to its new clubhouse. Today it has around 1600 members, which are evenly split between those with an interest in motorboats and those who enjoy sailing.

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On The Water

Tradition

The RMYC has been outstanding in promoting the sports of sailing and powerboat racing and has hosted some of the most prestigious national and international races. In addition to its on-water activities the club also has a very active social calendar with around 100 events each year.

Whilst the RMYC is proud of its long tradition, it is also keen to move with the times. In recent years its facilities have been boosted considerably by the addition of a 112-berth yacht haven and club house improvements. The club is also the home of the famous World Water Speed Trophy once held by Donald Campbell, and the British International Harmsworth Trophy, often described as the America’s Cup of Powerboat Racing, both of which are on display at the club.

The club is always keen to welcome new members who have an active involvement in boating. There are a range of membership options available to suit families and individuals of all ages.