Established in 1875, alongside Brighton Pier on picturesque Port Phillip, is the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC). RBYC joins other clubs around the Bay in promoting the sport of sailing with active programs in racing, cruising, women’s, youth and junior sailing. Whether you are a complete beginner, experienced sailor, or if you merely wish to enjoy the club’s hospitality and facilities on a social basis, you will receive a warm welcome at RBYC.

Since 1875, members at RBYC have enjoyed spirited club racing. Early inter-club regattas were a great success, attracting spectators from all parts of the city. This established the club’s reputation of excellence in racing and race management. Since then, the club’s facilities have continually been expanded, upgraded, rebuilt, and refurbished to ensure they met members’ needs while also keeping RBYC at the forefront of sailing in Victoria. 

RBYC at dusk

Club Membership

The club will soon celebrate its 150th Anniversary, growing from a small lean-to shed on the beach in Brighton in 1875 to a large modern facility with over 1700 members and counting.

Membership has now become more diverse and inclusive and the club welcomes people with varied backgrounds and sailing experience. At the same time, the club appreciates its non-sailing members who bring additional life to the club. Swimmers, gym members and social members make good use of the facilities and the wonderful waterfront location. The Icebergers have run some excellent events that have been enjoyed by sailing members as well.

RBYC has produced many great sailors, including multiple National Champion, Jock Sturrock, twice challenged for the America’s Cup in the 1960s and skipper of Australia’s first challenge in 1962. Sturrock represented Australia in four successive Olympic Games and was elected one of the five inaugural “Legends of Australian Sports” in the Sports Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. 

Other legendary members include John Bertrand AO, the skipper of Australia II - the yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983, who is still an active sailor at the Club, and 470 Class Olympic Champion Mark Turnbull OAM who was inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame in 2022. 

RBYC very much appreciates the talents and successes of a broad range of members.

RBYC Aerial View

Classes Supported and Types of Sailing

Over the Summer, the club is busy with regular sailing including keelboat racing on Saturdays, Wednesday afternoons and Wednesday Twilights, and off-the-beach (OTB) racing on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

The keelboat divisions sail in several aggregate and non-aggregate series, a mixture of passage and windward leeward courses and a number of races run in conjunction with neighbouring clubs. Several RBYC keelboats compete in the offshore events, including the ORCV races, the Sydney to Hobart and the winter regattas up north. The Cruising Group at RBYC organise regular Bass Strait Cruising.

RBYC has several one design fleets, with VX Ones, 2.4mR, Dragons and Etchells racing on the Centre Course every Saturday afternoon throughout the sailing season. RBYC has hosted one design regattas for these classes, State titles, Nationals and World Championships.

On Sunday, the Junior and Youth sailors take part in RBYC instructed training sessions followed by OTB racing where several different classes of dinghies participate in short course racing. Adult OTB fleets also race on Sundays, and a fleet of Lasers and Foils get out through the week, with Thursdays offering regular sprint racing. 

All of this racing would not be possible without a dedicated team of Race Management volunteers. The team welcomes newcomers and provides training in relevant skills.

RBYC - lasers on the beach

Programs Offered

As an accredited Australian Sailing Discover Sailing Centre, the club offer opportunities and experiences to suit all abilities. Their team of qualified instructors and coaches are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport of sailing. RBYC has one of the most active sailing calendars in Victoria, with learn to sail courses, powerboat courses, social sailing, racing and volunteer opportunities, there are several ways to get on the water. As well as Junior and Youth Training, RBYC offers a number of options for adults interested in sailing, including on dinghies and keelboats. 

RBYC’s annual BLiSS regatta offers racing for female sailors, as part of the annual Port Phillip Women’s Championship series, with training options ahead of the regatta. 

No matter your ability or sailing preferences, RBYC will find the right program for you.

Key Club Events

RBYC is proud of its Race Management Team and regularly hosts major regattas. Events hosted include the likes of the iconic Sail Melbourne International, the Finn Gold Cup, the Dragon, Etchells and RS 100 World Championships. 

The club hosts the very popular George Mac regatta in March, and in January 2024 RBYC will be hosting the Stonehaven Cup, the Cadet Centenary Regatta, the VX Nationals and the 2.4 Nationals, with the Etchells World Championships coming in January 2025.

Several members have enjoyed using their boats through support of the “Sailing Lifts your Spirits” program, a marvellous initiative that gives first time sailing experiences to the community of healthcare workers and first responders, promoting sailing for wellbeing. This year’s Oaks Day Lunch raised funds to enable the program to expand even further this coming season.

RBYC - Regular Etchells racing

Challenges & Successes 

The club is conscious of honouring its rich sailing history while welcoming a broader range of members. As RBYC approaches its 150th anniversary, it will offer opportunities for newer members, as well as the broader community, to become involved in the commemorations and ‘celebrate in style’. 

The club is pleased with its growth in membership and the continuing interest in sailing from both younger and adult members. RBYC believe that strong community links and friendships with other clubs are key to creating a club where anyone feels welcome. It is safe to say, from casual sailing to large scale regattas, RBYC has something for everyone.
 

Commodore 
Niesje Hees