At the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV or Royals as it is affectionately known), you are encouraged to apply for membership, regardless of your sailing ability, experience, background, and whether or not you own a boat. Our members have been an integral to our Club since it’s establishment more than 160 years ago and we’d love to welcome you to our ranks. The Club has a proud history as the oldest yacht club on Port Phillip, along with being the oldest ‘Royal’ Club in the Southern Hemisphere.
Membership subscription to RYCV will open up limitless opportunities, whether you’re looking to discover sailing for the first time, try your hand at competitive racing, go for a leisurely cruise or enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere on the Williamstown foreshore. Located directly across from Port Melbourne, at Royals you can enjoy a stunning view of the Melbourne skyline while you dine in our restaurant or have a drink in the bar. Our clubhouse is the ideal venue for parties, weddings, community meeting spaces or corporate events. Friends and family of our members are also welcome to visit as well, so the Club is a great opportunity to impress at your next function.
Royals has something for all ages and interests, so even if you have never sailed before, one of our friendly volunteers would be happy to take you out and help you discover the sport we all love. We have learn to sail programs that cater to every need, along with short courses in power boating and marine safety. The Club is committed to building a strong foundation for the future generations in a safe and friendly environment..
By joining up as a member at RYCV you will become a part of our tight-knit sailing community, with people who like you, have a passion for being on the water and our fabulous family-friendly atmosphere.
Clubhouse Facilities
Enjoy a meal from our dining room as you sit on our decking, overlooking our lawn, the bay and the Melbourne city skyline. Our Members have full access to the clubhouse and i’s facilities, including a restaurant and bar. Showers and bathrooms are available to our Members with 24 hour access through the use of their membership card. Read more
Functions
The Club’s functions facilities are available to Members upon request, subject to availability. Full Members will have the venue hire fee waivered.
Royals has a fully functioning yard where your boat can be slipped and stored on site, with contractors available for hire. Members receive discounts for yard and marina services and, of course, are given priority over external users. Read more
Car Parking
RYCV is one of the very few metropolitan-based yacht clubs that can provide ample car parking for our Full Members within close walking distance to the Clubhouse and your boat.
Training and Development
The Club has an extensive training and development program with fully qualified instructors. Discounts are available to Members for certain training courses to develop their skills, and courses are held regularly at the Club. Read more
Club Boat Hire
Our Members can hire one of the Club’s Elliotts or Pacer dinghies at discounted prices.
Reciprocal Arrangements
Membership at Royals grants you access to other yacht clubs around the world. With an introduction letter from RYCV, you will be warmly welcomed by the host Club and have access to their facilities during your stay. Read more
Library
The Club library is full of material regarding the passion we all share – sailing. Membership grants you access and borrowing rights to the Club library.
Internet Access
The Club provides free wireless internet access for our Members and guests. To use this facility, called ‘RYCV Members and Guests’, please contact the office for your user ID and password.
Internet access is provided on a ‘Fair Use’ policy. Should misuse of the facility occur, the Club reserves the right to discontinue the service to those Member and guests.
Regular Communication
Our Members receive regular communication from the Club through our weekly email newsletter and frequent updates directly from the General Committee. The Club remains active on social media and we also have a free, online, annual yearbook which is a great souvenir of the year!
Benefits Program
Current regular participants of our benefits program include:
Doyle Sailmakers
On presentation of your membership card they’ll look after you for all of your sails and repairs.
Contact: Colin or Blake Anderson on 03 9646 5273
Sun Theatre
Show your RYCV membership card to purchase Sun Theatre tickets at the same discounted prices as Sun Theatre Members. A listing of films and prices are available on the website or at the ticket counter.
Living Green Decor
Members and friends of the Club can receive 10% discount when they purchase from the website. Use code RYCV10% at checkout.
RYCV Members’ Bar
Discounted bar and food prices upon presentation of your current RYCV membership card.
If you know of a potential sponsor or company that would be happy to offer a reward to our Members, then please contact the Club on 03 9397 1277 or email rycv@rycv.asn.au. Keep an eye out for future developments as special offers become available from time to time.