Overview
The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron was founded as the Halifax Yacht Club on 27 July 1837 and describes itself as the oldest yacht club in the Americas. After clubhouses on the Narrows, by Point Pleasant Park and at the Ocean Terminals breakwater, it has sailed since 1968 from its present base on the Northwest Arm, on Purcell's Cove Road in Halifax. The club runs the Prince of Wales Regatta, sailed almost every year since 1861, and with the Boston Yacht Club the biennial Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, first sailed in 1905; it was also club of record for Canada's America's Cup challenges in 1984 and 1987. With close to 900 members, it has what it calls the largest learn-to-sail program in Atlantic Canada, support for sailors with disabilities, J/22 keelboat and dinghy racing, foiling and windsurfing, and summer club cruises along the South Shore and Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
- Founded
- 1837
- Members
- about 900 (club figure)
- Federation
- Sail Canada
- rnsys@rnsys.com
- Phone
- +1 902 477 5653
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 JRCC Halifax – 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.
- Prince of Wales Regattarun since 1861 (war years excepted) for the Prince of Wales Cup
- Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Racebiennial ocean race from Marblehead, Massachusetts, with the Boston Yacht Club; first sailed 1905
- 2026 Optimist North American Championship
- Club race schedule
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
- 1826Halifax's first formal regatta, organised by the Royal Navy
- 1837The Halifax Yacht Club is founded on 27 July
- 1860A regatta for the visiting Prince of Wales; he becomes the club's patron
- 1861First Prince of Wales Regatta
- 1870First clubhouse opens near the Narrows (later destroyed in the 1917 Halifax Explosion)
- 1880The Royal Halifax Yacht Club becomes the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
- 1890Clubhouse between South Street and Point Pleasant Park
- 1905First Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
- 1922New clubhouse at the Ocean Terminals breakwater
- 1963Six acres on the Northwest Arm acquired, first for junior sailing
- 1968Present clubhouse on the Northwest Arm opens
- 1984Club of record for the True North America's Cup challenge (and Canada II in 1987)
- 2005The neighbouring Saraguay Club joins the Squadron; its clubhouse becomes Saraguay House
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 44°37.29′ N 63°34.93′ W
44.62143, -63.58219 - Address
- 2372 Purcell's Cove Road
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Youth programs, Adult sailing programs, Racing programs, Foiling and Windsurfing.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: JRCC Halifax +1 902-427-8200. Or call 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron founded?
In 1837.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Prince of Wales Regatta, Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, 2026 Optimist North American Championship and Club race schedule.