Overview
The Royal Dart Yacht Club was formed as the Dart Yacht Club on 8 June 1866 and became 'Royal' in time for the 1873 regatta; its clubhouse and terrace sit right on the east bank of the Dart at Kingswear, looking across to Dartmouth, the castle and the estuary mouth. From April to September the club runs river and Start Bay racing – evening series, pursuit races for IRC and Corinthian classes, coastal races and a growing Squib fleet – plus dinghy sailing on the river and a cruising and motorboat group that ranges from the West Country to the Channel Islands, Brittany and beyond. As an RYA Recognised Training Centre it teaches sail and power, and its Junior Sailing Week has run every summer since 1959. Members can use trot moorings for boats of 7–14 m from April to October, with changing rooms, showers and wifi ashore.
- Founded
- 1866
- Federation
- Royal Yachting Association
- Phone
- +44 1803 752496
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 centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, 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.
- RDYC pursuit racing in Start Baypursuit races for IRC and Corinthian classes through the season
- RDYC club seriesfive evening series of 24 races, April–September, in Start Bay and on the river
- Week of Sailthe cruising group's annual week of passages in company
- Junior Sailing Weekevery August since 1959
- Falling Leaves Mini Regattaseason-ending junior regatta
- Light airs river race
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
- RYA sail and power courses (RYA Recognised Training Centre), open to non-members ↗
- Junior Sailing (RYA Stages 1–4, ages 9–16) ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1866On 8 June a meeting at the Castle Hotel, Dartmouth, forms the Dart Yacht Club; its first rooms are in the railway hotel at Kingswear
- 1873With Queen Victoria's permission the club becomes the Royal Dart Yacht Club in time for that year's regatta; the burgee turns red
- 1937The Coronation Regatta draws 313 entries in 17 classes, including seven yachts over 100 tons
- 1940Three club members on Admiralty patrol aboard the motor yacht Campeador V are killed when she strikes a mine on 22 June
- 1959Junior Sailing Week starts with six children
- 2026The Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust launches its boat SEAQUESTER in May
Location
- Position
- 50°20.88′ N 3°34.40′ W
50.34801, -3.57339 - Address
- Priory Street, Kingswear
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: RYA sail and power courses (RYA Recognised Training Centre), open to non-members and Junior Sailing (RYA Stages 1–4, ages 9–16).
When was Royal Dart Yacht Club founded?
In 1866.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: RDYC pursuit racing in Start Bay, RDYC club series, Week of Sail and Junior Sailing Week.