Overview
The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club sails from seafront premises at Cultra, near Holywood, on the south shore of Belfast Lough, with swinging moorings off the clubhouse, its own boatyards and slipways. With around 1,000 members it is one of Northern Ireland's largest sailing clubs and runs a full racing programme from dinghies to keelboats – including a long-running RS400 (and RS200) winter series, cadet racing series and the club regatta in August – and is an RYA accredited training centre.
- Founded
- 1899
- Members
- about 1,000 (club figure)
- Federation
- Royal Yachting Association
- manager@rniyc.org
- Phone
- +44 28 9042 8041
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 Belfast Coastguard – 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.
- RNIYC Regatta21–23 August 2026
- RS400 Winter SeriesSunday winter series, 20th edition, now including RS200s
- Cadet Autumn Racing Seriessix coached Sunday races, 20 September – 25 October 2026
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 RacingBoat classes
Location
- Position
- 54°39.20′ N 5°48.95′ W
54.65337, -5.81585 - Address
- 7 Seafront Road, Cultra
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Belfast Coastguard 999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club founded?
In 1899.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: RNIYC Regatta, RS400 Winter Series and Cadet Autumn Racing Series.