Overview
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is Queensland's oldest yacht club, founded in 1884 as the Brisbane Amateur Sailing Club and granted its 'Royal' title in 1902. Since 1964 it has been based at Manly on Brisbane's bayside, with direct access to Moreton Bay, and it also keeps a private 'down-the-bay' retreat for members at Canaipa Point on Russell Island. The club runs dinghy, keelboat and powerboat racing and cruising, hosts state and national championships — Etchells, 470, ILCA — and Queensland's largest high-school sailing program, and in 2026 added the 250 nm Brisbane to Bundaberg offshore race. Its sailing school, set up in 1994 and now an Australian Sailing Discover Sailing Centre, teaches dinghy, keelboat, windsurfing and powerboat courses, and the Squadron runs its own 597-berth marina.
- Founded
- 1884
- Federation
- Australian Sailing
- Phone
- +61 7 3396 8666
- Registry code
- ABN 25 053 989 272
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.
- RQYS Brisbane to Bundaberg Yacht Race250 nm Category 3+ offshore race up the Queensland coast; first sailed June 2026
- Etchells Queensland State Championship
- Beneteau Cup & French Yacht Challenge
- 470 Class Legends vs Rookies Regatta
- Seawind & Corsair Moreton Bay Rallymultihull rally through southern Moreton Bay from Manly to the club's Canaipa base
- ILCA Queensland Metropolitan Championship
- Queensland Youth Week
- High schools teams and fleet racingthe largest host of high-school sailing in Queensland
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
- Dinghy: Sail and Play, Tackers, Start Sailing 1 & 2 ↗
- Keelboat: Start Crewing and Helming, Start Skippering ↗
- Windsurfing: Start Windsurfing, Club Windsurfing ↗
- Powerboat Handling, Safety Boat Operator ↗
- Performance coaching ↗
- Cruising & navigation program ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1884Founded as the Brisbane Amateur Sailing Club; inter-colonial 22-footer racing against Sydney follows within a few years
- 1894Renamed Queensland Yacht Club; Admiralty warrant to fly the Blue Ensign
- 1902The 'Royal' title is granted
- 1961Renamed the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
- 1964Clubhouse and sailing move to Manly; the first building on the site is completed
- 1991Incorporated as Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Limited
- 1994RQYS Sailing School established; Manly site freeholded
- 2009Marina 2 completed (Marina 1 dates from the early 1980s)
- 2014The former Port of Brisbane Visitors Centre is moved to Manly and rebuilt as the clubhouse
- 2026First Brisbane to Bundaberg offshore race
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 27°27.63′ S 153°11.44′ E
-27.46046, 153.19063 - Address
- 578 Royal Esplanade
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Dinghy: Sail and Play, Tackers, Start Sailing 1 & 2, Keelboat: Start Crewing and Helming, Start Skippering, Windsurfing: Start Windsurfing, Club Windsurfing, Powerboat Handling, Safety Boat Operator and Performance coaching.
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 Queensland Yacht Squadron founded?
In 1884.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: RQYS Brisbane to Bundaberg Yacht Race, Etchells Queensland State Championship, Beneteau Cup & French Yacht Challenge and 470 Class Legends vs Rookies Regatta.