Situated in the beautiful coastal town of Weymouth the Club is on the gateway to idyllic well sheltered waters set against the backdrop of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site. Both power boaters and sailors will find superb facilities in Weymouth and Portland. The Club has a superb location on the quayside close to the visitors’ berths and the town centre facilities.
The Royal Dorset Yacht Club has a long and proud tradition and is a place to come and relax with like minded friends and to share stories of Club cruises, races and social events. Visiting yachtsmen are welcome to use the Club’s facilities and we have reciprocal arrangements with many Clubs. We are currently open for new membership applications.
The Club has an active calendar and if you enjoy sailing or power boating in company then we have a place for you. We are also an accredited RYA Training Centre and run a number of courses for members.
If you enjoy a competitive edge to your water sports then why not join in a Club regatta or race where there’s even a special non-spinnaker class for the cruising boats to try some more relaxed racing. Weymouth and Portland is already renowned for its yacht racing facilities and this has been recognized by its selection as the venue for the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
The Club has an active social calendar, with both informal Club Nights and more formal events throughout the year.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Royal Dorset.
Location
The Club is located on Custom House Quay on the north side of the outer harbour, adjacent to the Visitors Pontoons and close to the Harbour Master’s office.
Officers
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Commodore
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Gareth Peaston
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Vice Commodore
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Barry Hudson
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Rear Commodore - House & Social
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Blake Holt
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Rear Commodore & Hon Treasurer
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Caroline Morton
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Hon. Secretary
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Diane Holt
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Hon. Sailing Secretary
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Diana Gill
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Hon. Motor Boat Secretary
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Colin Storm
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Moorings Officer
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Chris Morton
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Public Relations Officer
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David Luscombe Elliot
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Committee Members
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Graham Castell
James Blazeby
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Trustees
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Bertie Brickell
John Hackford
Harry Powell
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History
The Club was formed in January 1875 when ten gentlemen of Dorset met at the Kings Arms in Dorchester. On April 19th 1875, the Club was awarded an Admiralty Warrant and so could prefix its title with the word Royal. There were 258 original members, mostly resident in Dorset, who between them owned 114 yachts aggregating 13,034 tons - more than a third of the total British Registered tonnage of the time.
The Prince of Wales was Commodore from1897 to 1902. King George V became Patron and greatly beloved of the membership with whom he sailed competitively for many years in Britannia and wore the Royal Dorset burgee. On his death Britannia was scuttled south of St Catherines; her burgee and racing flag were presented to the Club by H.M. King Edward VIII and Queen Mary. They are proudly displayed in the Club to this day. In 1952 the Duke of Edinburgh became Patron and remains so to this day.
The original RDYC Clubhouse on the esplanade dates from the eighteenth century and was at one time the Royal Library of King George III, Weymouth’s most distinguished patron and populariser of sea bathing. In 1975 the Club took the decision to sell it and purchase the present Clubhouse on Custom House Quay, in the heart of bustling Weymouth Harbour; a fitting location for a great Yacht Club.
