Overview
The Royal St George grew out of the Kingstown Boat Club, founded in 1838 by Dublin boaters who left the Liffey for the new harbour at Dún Laoghaire; it became a royal club in 1845 and 'the George' in 1847. Its Palladian-style clubhouse on the harbour front, finished in 1843, was the first purpose-built clubhouse in the town. Today the club races dinghies and keelboats in Dublin Bay, keeps its own fleet of 1720s, J/80s, Optimists, coastal rowing boats and SUPs for members, and runs one of Ireland's largest junior summer programmes, from Sea Squirts to Irish Sailing youth courses and powerboat training. It has hosted world championships such as the 2012 ISAF Youth Worlds and is a co-host of the biennial Dún Laoghaire Regatta.
- Founded
- 1838
- Members
- about 1,900 (club figure)
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- reception@rsgyc.ie
- Phone
- +353 1 280 1811
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 MRCC Dublin – 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.
Racing
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
- Junior summer courses, from Sea Squirts (5–8) to the Irish Sailing youth scheme (8–18) ↗
- Adult sail training ↗
- Irish Sailing National Powerboat Course ↗
- Irish Sailing Dinghy Instructor Course ↗
- Rowing classes ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1838The Kingstown Boat Club is founded by boaters who leave the River Liffey for Dún Laoghaire; rowing is the first main interest
- 1843The Palladian-style clubhouse on the harbour is completed, the first purpose-built clubhouse in the town
- 1845The privileges of a Royal Yacht Club are conferred; the clubhouse façade is extended with a second portico
- 1847The club becomes the Royal St George's Yacht Club, later the Royal St George Yacht Club
- 1963Major restoration of the club facilities, followed by a new club room, dinghy and keelboat forecourt and dock
- 2008A new sailing wing opens with a junior room, race office and changing facilities
- 2012Host of the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships, followed by the Laser Masters Worlds (2016) and Laser Youth Worlds (2020)
Location
- Position
- 53°17.67′ N 6°7.94′ W
53.29444, -6.13232
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior summer courses, from Sea Squirts (5–8) to the Irish Sailing youth scheme (8–18), Adult sail training, Irish Sailing National Powerboat Course, Irish Sailing Dinghy Instructor Course and Rowing classes.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRCC Dublin 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal St George Yacht Club founded?
In 1838.