The Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in England and is situated on the seafront in a prime position overlooking the busy and historic port of Dover.

We are a royal club with a long tradition, and will celebrate our 150th anniversary in only a few years. We have a distinguished historical association with the ancient Cinque Ports, and can boast the Lord Warden – an Admiral no less – as our President.

Our cruising, racingand power sections are vibrant and in fine health, although we are always willing to welcome new sailing friends into the fold, as you would expect from one of the premier yacht clubs in Kent. Our Rear Commodores have built the competitive sailing scene to a level we have not seen for some years in the RCPYC and membership levels continue to increase.  We offer a programme of racing from early March, through to the summer months, to the end of September.

If you are new to sailing, there are plenty of members who will welcome you aboard their boats, and can advise you how to gain more experience. RYA-certified training courses – which are well respected and highly regarded across the globe – are run regularly at the club. You do not need to own your own boat - members are often in search of keen crew, whatever level of experience, and you should never be short of good sailing and good company.

There is a great esprit de corps in the club, with an enviable social calendar that is always well supported. Our members are always keen to make the most of our excellent premises and we have seen innovations such as a poetry evening, which resulted in the publication of our anthology of poetry and prose – perhaps a first in a UK yacht club.

We have strong bonds with our sailing friends in Calais and Boulogne and with France only 21 miles away trips across the Channel are a frequent destination for our popular cruising section.

The RCPYC is held in high regard by its current members, but is an important club in itself with a long and illustrious history. The Prince of Wales (who was to become Edward VII) regularly raced from our club on his yacht Britannia, while Queen Victoria gave trophies to be contested at our regatta when the club was in its pomp.

It is my vision for the forthcoming seasons to ensure that our status becomes more widely recognised locally and nationally. Our Flag Officers and Committee are all signed up to this vision, and we have a strong team who will work towards this aim.

Come in and discover what we have to offer. If you looking for competitive sailing, more sociable cruising or merely in search of good company, you will not be disappointed on any count and a warm welcome is always assured.

Professor Irving Benjamin, Commodore (2009-2011)