Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
Founded in 1853 as the Port Phillip Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected sailing institutions. Located on the Williamstown waterfront, the Club offers a direct view of the Melbourne skyline and access to steady breezes that make Port Phillip an ideal venue for both local sailing and major regattas. With more than 1,000 members and over 200 boats on its register, the Club supports sailors across a wide range of experience levels—from juniors learning the basics to seasoned competitors.
RYCV is known for strong race management, a committed volunteer base, and modern facilities that include an expansive hardstand, marina, and dedicated training centre. Courses are available for children and adults, covering dinghy sailing, keelboats, powerboats and VHF radio certification. The Club’s calendar remains active throughout the year, combining racing, training and social events.
Learn to Sail Program
The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria offers a structured Learn to Sail program designed to introduce new sailors to the water in a safe and supportive setting. The Tackers Junior Sailing Program, aimed at children aged 7–12, is one of the Club’s most popular entry points. It requires no previous experience, and all equipment—including boats—is provided. Sessions are run by accredited instructors who focus on building confidence, basic boat handling and an understanding of sailing conditions.
The program is open to non-members and runs on weekends and during school holidays. Children learn in supervised groups, giving them the chance to gain skills while meeting others of a similar age. As participants progress, they can move into higher-level courses or join the Club’s junior racing pathway, which encourages steady development for those wishing to stay involved in the sport.
Royal Melbourne Yacht Club Williamstown
One of its flagship events is the Nautilus Marine Lipton Cup Regatta, held each November. The regatta brings together off-the-beach dinghies and keelboats for a full weekend of racing. The event is supported by volunteers, race officials and members who help deliver efficient on-water operations. Recent years have seen increased participation from youth sailors, continuing the Club’s objective of encouraging wider involvement in the sport.
Beyond racing, RYCV maintains a robust social program. Annual fixtures include New Year’s Eve celebrations, music nights, Wednesday dining specials and family-oriented seasonal events. “Santa by the Sea,” for example, remains a popular date on the Club’s calendar, offering activities for kids and an opportunity for members to gather on the waterfront.
Yacht Club Williamstown
As a yacht club in Williamstown, RYCV forms part of the area’s maritime identity. Williamstown’s heritage waterfront provides a setting for the Club’s operations and historic character with modern amenities. The clubhouse, rebuilt in 1972 following a fire, includes a dining room, members’ bar, library, committee room and an outdoor deck that connects to the lawn and BBQ area. These spaces accommodate a range of activities—from casual dining to corporate functions and community events.
The clubhouse dining room features seasonal menus and an open log fire during the colder months, while the bar offers a selection of wines, beers and spirits. On weekends, the lawn and deck area become popular gathering spots, especially during warmer weather.
