Overview
The Royal Belgian Sailing Club was founded in Ghent in 1863 by a group of sailors with five boats on the Leie, making it one of the oldest sailing clubs on the European mainland. Since 1951 it has run Zeebrugge marina in the Prince Albert Dock; it also sails from its beach clubs at Duinbergen and Het Zoute (catamarans, Lasers, windsurf and kite), on its own Damslootmeer lake at Heusden and from Langerbrugge marina on the Ghent–Terneuzen canal. The RBSC was the first club on the mainland to adopt the Cadet youth dinghy and in 1953 ran Belgium's first big offshore race, the Light Vessel Race. It offers sailing lessons, catamaran rental and an activity calendar for sailing and motor yachts.
- Founded
- 1863
- Federation
- Wind- en Watersport Vlaanderen
- info@rbsc.be
- Phone
- +32 50 54 49 03
- Registry code
- 0410.592.090
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 MRCC Oostende – 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.
Racing
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
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1863Founded in Ghent; club life starts on the Leie with five sailing boats
- 1893The fleet numbers 41 boats
- 1906The club opens to motor boats
- 1921Move to the Ghent–Terneuzen canal; clubhouse at Langerbrugge in 1926
- 1947Helps found Terneuzen marina on open water
- 1951The club takes over the management of Zeebrugge marina
- 1953First Light Vessel Race, Belgium's first big offshore race
- 1963Centenary with a fleet review in Zeebrugge
- 1980Boat shed and clubhouse at the Damslootmeer, Heusden
- 1995–1996Expansion of Zeebrugge marina begins
- 1999The club buys the Damslootmeer lake
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 51°20.02′ N 3°12.22′ E
51.33360, 3.20361 - Address
- Rederskaai 1
- Radio
- VHF 31
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Catamaran rental and lessons and Become a sailing instructor.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRCC Oostende +32 59 70 10 00. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal Belgian Sailing Club founded?
In 1863.