Royal Cornwall Yacht Club

About

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC) is a waterfront yacht and sailing club located in Falmouth. It offers yacht sailing and motorboat activities, organized club racing, cruising (including the AZAB ocean race), junior dinghy sailing, slipway and launch access, as well as year-round clubhouse social facilities. More information can be found on their website here.

History

Founded in 1871, RCYC has a long history of organizing local, national, and international regattas. The club has historic links to royal patronage and has hosted events such as J-Class regattas and the Finn Gold Cup. It is also the organizing club for the AZAB (Azores and Back) ocean race series. A detailed timeline and history are available on their website here.

Boatyard Facilities

On-site on-the-water facilities include a private slipway for launching and retrieving dinghies, tenders, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). The club also features a dinghy park and secure tender storage area, limited SUP and kayak storage, and a member Club Launch service to boats in Falmouth Harbour. More details can be found here.

Moorings and Anchorage

Members may use moorings in Falmouth Harbour, and the Club Launch will serve harbour moorings within its territorial operating limits. Visitors may tie up to the club quay or slipway depending on the tide and may pick up a visitor mooring or row in from anchor as directed on arrival. Further information is available here.

Clubhouse Features

The clubhouse is located waterside and includes a bar and catering services, with food service and discounted rates for members. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the harbour, private beach access, and venue hire for private functions, accommodating up to approximately 150 guests. On-site parking is available for members with permits, as well as event and meeting rooms. More details can be found here.

Training

RCYC runs a volunteer-led Junior Sailing programme that includes sessions on Feva, Pico, and Hartley 10 dinghies. The programme aims to build confidence and skills among young sailors, and the club publishes safeguarding guidance for young people. Membership benefits include access to free and discounted RYA training courses, and the club provides guidance and manuals for race and RIB duties. Additional information is available here.

Racing

RCYC hosts regular club racing, including a notably popular Friday evening series, and maintains a seasonal race calendar. The club is active in PoFSA and Falmouth Sailing Week, organizes and hosts major events such as the quadrennial AZAB, and provides race documents and results. Helpful guides for race management and RIB operation are also available. More information can be found here.

Cruising

The club organizes cruising activities, including weekly and periodic 'Meandering' day sails and multi-day RCYC cruises with published dates and objectives. RCYC supports cruising rallies and provides launch and slipway access to facilitate cruising departures and returns. Further details can be found here.

Social Activities

RCYC offers a year-round social programme with an events calendar that includes quiz nights, book groups, guest talks, themed dinners, monthly walks, family and children’s events, tasting evenings, and race-night suppers. The club also hosts community talks and seminars, and offers venue hire for both private and club events. More information is available here.

Seasonal Operation

The Club Launch operates daily from April 1 to October 31, with published daily hours and extended service on race nights. The slipway is maintained for year-round access, and social and clubhouse activities run throughout the year, with seasonal race series and junior sailing scheduled according to tides and the sailing season. More details can be found here.