Royal Windermere Yacht Club

About

The Royal Windermere Yacht Club is a sailing club based at Bowness-on-Windermere, focused on yacht and dinghy racing, RYA-recognised training, boat storage and launching, as well as social activities on Lake Windermere. The club was founded in 1860 and granted the Royal title in 1887. It has historically developed one-design Windermere classes, notably the Windermere 17ft, and has expanded its dinghy and keelboat fleets over time. More details can be found on their website.

Accommodation

The club features an on-site clubhouse that includes a licensed bar and lounge, a dining room/restaurant, a terrace with outdoor seating, and a dance floor available for hire for functions. The layout is accessible, with a lift, changing rooms, heated showers, and lockers, as well as secure car parking facilities. Further information is available on their website.

Facilities

The club offers a large boat park for dry storage, a dedicated dinghy park with a secure gate, slipways, and fixed timber jetties for launching and recovery. There is a tractor available to assist with the recovery of larger boats, as well as RIB racks and seasonal jetty berths for cruisers. The club also provides a committee boat, bosun, and safety RIBs to support on-water operations. More details can be found on their FAQ page.

Moorings and Anchorage

During the summer, boats on moorings in the lake are typical, with Windermere 17s traditionally riding on moorings. Cruisers may take a jetty berth in season, from April 1 to October 31, with boats moved ashore for winter storage from November 1 to March 31. Overnight winter berthing on club jetties is restricted without officer permission. More information is available on their subscriptions and boat charges page.

Training

The club is an RYA-recognised training centre offering a variety of courses including the RYA Start Sailing/Basic Skills syllabus, junior and youth sailing sessions, adult squad coaching, and various powerboat and safety courses. Training typically runs from April to October, and the club provides instructors and training boats. Additional details can be found on their training page.

Racing

The Royal Windermere Yacht Club hosts a full racing programme featuring fleets such as the Windermere 17ft class, Flying Fifteen, GP14, and other dinghies, as well as a Cruiser Fleet. Racing events take place from April to October, primarily on weekends and Monday/Thursday evenings, supported by a committee boat and safety RIBs. The club also hosts open meetings and class events. More information is available on their racing information page.

Cruising

The club has an active Cruiser Fleet that races regularly on weekends under the CYCA handicap system. There is a growing membership of cruiser owners who organise fleet meetings and social activities. Seasonal jetty berths and winter storage are also provided for cruisers. More details can be found on their cruiser fleet page.

Social Activities

The club maintains a year-round social calendar that includes talks, music and band nights, club suppers, and other member events. Catering is available for both regular and private functions, and guests may attend when accompanied by a member. More information can be found on their social page.

Dress Code

The general dress code at the club is casual, with no formal requirements except for special functions. It is a club rule that sailing gear and hats are not permitted in the bar area or restaurant. More details are available on their FAQ page.

Seasonal Operation

The club's operations are seasonal, with training and racing concentrated from April to the end of October. The clubhouse opening times and boat berth arrangements vary between summer and winter, with jetty berths available in season and boats stored ashore during winter months. More information can be found on their dinghy fleet page.