Overview
The Royal Ulster Yacht Club was founded as the Ulster Yacht Club in 1866 and received its Royal Warrant in 1869; its Edwardian clubhouse of 1899 stands on high ground above Bangor Bay on the southern shore of Belfast Lough, looking across to the Antrim coast and on a clear day to Kintyre, Arran and Ailsa Craig. In 1870 the Admiralty authorised its blue ensign, defaced with the Red Hand of Ulster under a crown, and the five 'Shamrock' challenges for the America's Cup were sailed under its burgee. The club runs keelboat racing in Belfast Lough from Easter to October – spring and autumn series, the club points series, the Copeland Islands race series, its Regatta Day and the Northern Ireland Offshore Points Series – and every second year Bangor Regatta, Northern Ireland's leading keelboat regatta. Visiting crews moored in Bangor Marina are welcome in the club.
- Founded
- 1866
- Clubhouse
- listed building HB23/03/009, built 1899
- info@ruyc.uk
- Phone
- +44 28 9127 0568
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.
- Bangor Regattafour-day keelboat regatta on Belfast Lough; 25–28 June 2026, next edition 22–25 June 2028
- Copeland Islands Race Seriescoastal race series round the Copeland Islands
- Northern Ireland Offshore Points Series
- RUYC Regatta Daythe club's annual regatta
- Spring Series
- Women's Regattakeelboat regatta for women helms and crews (sponsored)
- Under 21 Helm 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 RacingHistory and achievements
- 1866Founded as the Ulster Yacht Club
- 1869Royal Warrant: the club becomes the Royal Ulster Yacht Club
- 1870The Admiralty authorises the blue ensign with the club's mark – the Red Hand of Ulster on a white shield under a crown
- 1899The Edwardian-style clubhouse on Clifton Road is built (listed building HB23/03/009)
- 2016The club marks its 150th anniversary
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 54°40.13′ N 5°39.49′ W
54.66880, -5.65809 - Address
- 101 Clifton Road
- Radio
- VHF 80
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
When was Royal Ulster Yacht Club founded?
In 1866.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Bangor Regatta, Copeland Islands Race Series, Northern Ireland Offshore Points Series and RUYC Regatta Day.