Overview
The Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron sits at the root of St Kilda Pier on Port Phillip, a tram ride from the Melbourne CBD. It began as the St Kilda Sailing Club in 1876, opened one of Australia's first on-site yacht clubhouses in 1905, became the Royal St Kilda Yacht Club in 1924 and took its present name in 1961 after merging with the St Kilda 14ft Sailing Club. The Squadron was the control centre for the 1956 Olympic yachting events and the 1999 Laser World Championship. Today it runs keelboat racing within sight of the club — short easy-course races, competitive weekend racing and the casual monthly Squadron Sundays — plus cruising, dinghy and off-the-beach sailing, sail training and a 250-berth marina behind the St Kilda breakwater.
- Founded
- 1876
- Federation
- Australian Sailing
- members@rmys.com.au
- Phone
- +61 3 9534 0227
- Registry code
- ABN 64 006 124 867
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere Triple Zero (000) · Australia – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Keelboat club racingcompetitive club racing on Port Phillip on set and laid courses
- Squadron Sundayscasual monthly race with sail restrictions, aimed at newcomers and families
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
History and achievements
- 1876A group of St Kilda beach sailors forms the St Kilda Sailing Club, about 20 members
- 1884Renamed the St Kilda Yacht Club
- 1885Granted a free site on West Beach for a club shed
- 1890200 members and 25 yachts — the strongest club on Port Phillip
- 1905Two-storey clubhouse with slipway opens, one of the first on-site yacht clubhouses in Australia
- 1924The 'Royal' prefix is granted: Royal St Kilda Yacht Club
- 1926The present clubhouse opens for the Golden Jubilee
- 1956Control centre for the Melbourne Olympic yachting; the St Kilda breakwater is built for the Games
- 1961Merger with the St Kilda 14ft Sailing Club and new name: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
- 1999Hosts the Laser World Championship
- 2014New 250-berth marina and extended breakwaters completed with Parks Victoria
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 37°51.81′ S 144°58.28′ E
-37.86346, 144.97141 - Address
- Pier Road, St Kilda West
- Radio
- VHF 72
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Dinghy courses – learn to sail for adults and youth, Keelboat coaching, Kids coaching, Holiday program and After-school programs.
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 Melbourne Yacht Squadron founded?
In 1876.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Keelboat club racing and Squadron Sundays.