Royal Yacht Club of Belgium

About

The Royal Yacht Club van België is a multi-location watersport club focused on sailing and recreational boating. It operates a sailing school for both youth and adults, runs racing and race/rescue services, manages marinas and boat storage, and provides an events and clubhouse venue on the River Schelde in Antwerp. The club was founded on 15 May 1851 and has a long history of organizing racing on the Schelde, rebuilding after wartime damage, and undergoing a recent major redevelopment that consolidated clubhouse, event spaces, and port facilities into a modern home on the Schelde. More details about the club's history can be found here.

Accommodation

The club offers onshore event and hospitality facilities at the RYCB Maritiem Centrum/Clubhouse, which includes meeting and banquet halls, as well as a restaurant known as Club Royal. Additionally, there is a sail centre at Galgenweel for training and events, and winter/land storage capacity is available at Linkeroever, which includes covered sheds and 6,000 m² of secured yard. More information can be accessed here.

Facilities

The RYCB provides winter storage and handling facilities at Linkeroever, which features a 6000 m² enclosed site, covered sheds, a mast shed, electrical hookups, and a boat traveller capable of handling boats up to approximately 30 tonnes. Boat handling and maintenance services are coordinated via the harbourmasters and Jachthaven Antwerpen teams. Further details can be found here.

Moorings and Anchorage

The club manages or operates three main marina locations: Wolphaartsdijk, which has about 100 member berths on the Veerse Meer; Antwerp Linkeroever, a city marina with guarded access and lock/sluice access to the Schelde; and Willemdok, an Eilandje marina in Antwerp offering fuel, sanitary facilities, and visitor services. Short-stay visitor berths and member winter arrangements are also available. More information is available here.

Training

The RYCB offers a comprehensive training programme through the RYCB Zeilschool at Galgenweel, which provides youth and adult sailing courses recognized by Wind & Watersport Vlaanderen. The training includes winter training and stage weeks, as well as safety and first-aid courses. All instructors are certified, and courses follow national guidance. Further details can be found here.

Racing

The club has an active racing programme and event calendar that includes club regattas and larger Schelde races, such as the Schelderegatta/Scheldetour. A dedicated Race & Rescue team provides professional race management and on-water safety support. Annual prize and club champion events, along with youth competitions, are also part of the calendar. More information can be accessed here.

Cruising

Cruising support is provided via the club's marinas, with Wolphaartsdijk offering sheltered access to the Oosterschelde/Veerse Meer, while Willemdok and Linkeroever provide city access to Antwerp. Visitor berths and tourist tariffs are published for at least Wolphaartsdijk, and the club promotes multi-day cruise stops and regional passages. More details can be found here.

Social Activities

The RYCB hosts a year-round social programme that includes regular club evenings, the annual general meeting, champion celebration nights, and summer seasonal events at the clubhouse. Community safety days and hospitality around major regattas are also part of the social calendar. More information can be accessed here.

Seasonal Operation

The club operates year-round, with the sailing school running seasonal stages in spring and summer, along with autumn and winter training. Marinas accept visiting yachts throughout the year, and the club provides winter storage and yard services. The clubhouse and event programme also run year-round, with seasonal highlights in summer. More details can be found here.