Royal Natal Yacht Club

The Royal Natal Yacht Club is the oldest Yacht Club in Africa, and is the fifth oldest Yacht Club in the Southern Hemisphere. It was constituted in May, 1858, when the first Regatta was held in Durban, and the Durban Regatta Club was formed. It later became known as the Natal Yacht Club, and in 1891 received its charter, and from henceforth received the treasured title The Royal Natal Yacht Club.

For many years the club had no home, and from the outset their meeting place was the Princess Café. It was only in 1891 that the first thoughts of a Club House crystallized, and plans were proposed for the erection of a building, 30 feet long by 20 feet wide and 10 feet high. The cost for the imposing edifice built of "wood and iron" was £150, and a further sum of £20 was spent on furniture.

Through good times and bad, the Royal Natal Yacht Club has striven to uphold the best traditions of yachtmanship and provide its members with the means for enjoying a sport second to none in the world. Members of the Club have carried its burgee to all parts of the world, and have competed successfully in many waters, in many types of boats.

Some of the clubs highlights over the years include having more representatives then any other South African Club participate in the Olympic games; until last year holding the most wins in the Lipton Cup Challenge; having Martin Lambrecht and Alex Langhom - Love win the 1994 Fireball World Championships under our burgee; Anthony Steward sailing under RNYC colours in his record feat of sailing the smallest open yacht around the world; and blind yachtsman Jeff Hilton Barbour sailing single handled from Durban to Freemantle, Australia; while in the new millennium RNYC members have launched the most 40" plus size yachts thereby allowing so many new participants to enjoy the sport.

2008, the clubs sesquicentennial anniversary represents enormous opportunities and challenges. A full programme of events commensurate with the occasion has been planned. The club needs to seize the moment. It is a unique opportunity to leverage the clubs brand and position as the premier blue water and small keelboat club on the continent.

Mission and Vision

The Council's mission is to foster closer relations between selected yacht clubs around the world in order to improve the quality of the yachting and other services they provide to their members, including a proper awareness of the environment and responsibility toward it.

The Council operates at the level of Commodores and other present and former Flag Officers of the member clubs. It shall provide an effective platform for the exchange of ideas and experience among this group, and among General Managers.

Present Objectives of the Council:

To build on the synergy that already exists between member clubs and develop new links by the use of contemporary communication tools and the organization of annual forums. To identify areas of interest and concern among member clubs and to share information on these topics. To foster fellowship and informal communications among member clubs by encouraging participation in joint venture events such as cruises, rallies, youth exchanges, interport regattas and social activities.

Membership

Clubs that are admitted to membership of the Council are primarily the senior yacht clubs in the various key yachting locations. They share the finest yachting traditions and are of sufficient size, with a sufficient range of activities, to be able to contribute to the deliberations of the Council. Other yachting organizations may be permitted on an ad hoc basis if the Council can help them and vice versa.

The Royal Natal Yacht Club represents much of what they should be proud of: camaraderie, friendly competition, the pursuit of excellence and the taking of some responsible risk along with the braving of danger and above all, the ability to have fun.