Overview
The Royal Windermere Yacht Club, founded in 1860 and Royal since 1887, races on England's largest natural lake from its clubhouse on Fallbarrow Road in Bowness-on-Windermere. Its signature fleet is the Windermere 17ft class of classic lake yachts, raced alongside Flying Fifteens, a cruiser fleet and a mixed dinghy fleet; the club runs open meetings for Phantoms, GP14s and Solos, lake races such as the Belle Isle Races, and is an RYA Training Centre.
- Founded
- 1860
- Federation
- Royal Yachting Association
- Phone
- +44 15394 43106
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.
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
- 1860The club is founded
- 1887The club is granted the 'Royal' title
- 1948The Firefly class is introduced
- 1952The GP14 class is introduced
- 1963The Flying Fifteen class is introduced
- 1970–1979The Soling class races at the club
- 1978The Laser class arrives; it still races in the handicap fleet
- 2005The RS400 is chosen as the club's asymmetric sportsboat
Location
- Position
- 54°21.88′ N 2°55.35′ W
54.36468, -2.92250 - Address
- Fallbarrow Road
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: RYA Training Centre courses.
When was Royal Windermere Yacht Club founded?
In 1860.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Belle Isle Races, Phantom & Solo Open Event 2026, GP14 Open and Dinghy Open.