Overview
Founded in 1720 as the Water Club of the Harbour of Cork, the Royal Cork is regarded as the oldest yacht club in the world; since 1966 it has been based at Crosshaven on the Owenabue estuary, a short sail from the mouth of Cork Harbour. The club runs racing from harbour leagues and winter frostbites to national and world championships, and hosts the biennial Cork Week regatta. Its dinghy fleets range from Optimists and RS Fevas to ILCAs, 420s and the historic National 18s, while the keelboat fleet races 1720 sportsboats and cruiser classes in and outside the harbour. Members' marinas, a dinghy park, crane pontoon, bars and restaurant make it a busy base for visiting yachts too.
- Founded
- 1720
- Members
- about 1,800 (club figure)
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- office@royalcork.com
- Phone
- +353 21 483 1023
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 MRSC Valentia – 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.
- Cork Weekbiennial international keelboat regatta hosted by the club in Cork Harbour (2026 edition held)
- RCYC At Home Regattatwo-day club regatta for dinghies and keelboats (22–23 August 2026)
- Royal Cork Yacht Club Autumn Leagueautumn keelboat league in Cork Harbour
- RCYC Dinghy Frostbite Leaguewinter dinghy racing series
- RCYC 1720 Super Leagueleague for the 1720 sportsboat fleet
- Royal Cork Feva At HomeRS Feva open event (1 November 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 RacingSailing school and courses
- Youth sailing pathway, junior courses following the Irish Sailing syllabus ↗
- Adult Sailing Programme ↗
- Try Sailing days for non-members and families ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1720Six friends formalise sailing in Cork Harbour as 'The Water Club of the Harbour of Cork', based in a castle on Haulbowline Island and governed by 'The Old Rules'
- 1806By now the club has moved to the town of Cove (Cobh), after the Admiralty took over Haulbowline, and calls itself the Cork Harbour Water Club
- 1831After renaming itself the Cork Harbour Yacht Club and then the Cork Yacht Club in the 1820s, the club is granted the 'Royal' prefix and becomes the Royal Cork Yacht Club
- 1854The club moves into its own new waterfront clubhouse in Cove
- 1966Merger with the Royal Munster Yacht Club and move to the present premises in Crosshaven
- 2020The club marks the 300th anniversary of its foundation
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 51°48.26′ N 8°18.22′ W
51.80436, -8.30374 - Address
- Crosshaven, Co. Cork
- Radio
- VHF 37
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Youth sailing pathway, junior courses following the Irish Sailing syllabus, Adult Sailing Programme and Try Sailing days for non-members and families.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRSC Valentia 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal Cork Yacht Club founded?
In 1720.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Cork Week, RCYC At Home Regatta, Royal Cork Yacht Club Autumn League and RCYC Dinghy Frostbite League.