Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton

Overview

Royal Brighton Yacht Club was founded in 1875 on the beach at Middle Brighton, on the eastern shore of Port Phillip, and received its Royal Warrant in 1924. It is best known for its one-design keelboat racing — more than 30 Etchells race off the hardstand, with strong Dragon and 2.4 Metre fleets and sportboats alongside — plus cruising and keelboat series on the bay. Juniors and youth from 5 to 18 train in Tackers, Green Fleet, 29er and development squads, and the club runs adult learn-to-sail and powerboat courses. The marina behind the breakwater takes boats up to about 60 ft, with casual berths for visitors.

Founded: 1875
Federation: Australian Sailing
Email: reception@rbyc.org.au
Phone: +61 3 9592 3092
Registry code: ABN 24 768 210 467

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Racing

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Sailing school and courses

Boat classes

EtchellsDragon2.4 Metre29erRS QuestOptimist

History and achievements

1875A race challenge between two boat owners on the beach at Middle Brighton leads to the Brighton Sailing Club, founded with fifteen members
1877First club building on the site
1878Second inter-club regatta draws 34 entries from four clubs
1898New clubhouse opens
1903A branch opens at Black Rock, later the Black Rock Yacht Club
1907Slipway built (pier extended in 1904)
1924Royal Warrant granted
1933A storm destroys the pier and three-quarters of the fleet, hastening the move to one-design racing
1979The marina, completed in the late 1960s, is extended
1987Hardstand added for the one-design keelboat fleet
2025The club marks 150 years

Home harbour & location

Royal Brighton Yacht Club MarinaMarina page: prices, services, map →

Position: 37°54.55′ S 144°59.17′ E
-37.90911, 144.98623
Address: 253 Esplanade

Frequently asked

Can I learn to sail here?

Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior and youth term training (Tackers, Green Fleet, 29er, development squads), Little Tackers, OutThere (teens), School holiday programs and Foiling at RBYC.

Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?

Sea rescue: Triple Zero (000) · Australia 000. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.

When was Royal Brighton Yacht Club founded?

In 1875.

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