
ROYAL CAPE YACHT CLUB MILESTONES
Celebrating 120 years
Royal Cape Yacht Club has been a part of Cape Town maritime history and society since 1905.
These are key milestones from the Club’s history and evolution that has made Royal Cape Yacht Club what it is today.

1905
Table Bay Yacht Club formed 7th April at the Cumberland Hotel on St. George’s Street, having originally been housed in Robert Stephens boat shed in Loop Street.

1906
Opening of the Clubhouse near the electric power station at the foot of Adderley Street on 3rd April with funds donated by Southern Cross Yacht Club.

1914
The title Royal Cape Yacht Club is awarded by His Majesty King George V. The letter stating his Majesty had granted the title was sent by Viscount Gladstone, Governor General of South Africa on the 28th of May.

1918
Club vacated premises because of extensions in Dock Road to the Graaf Electric Lighting Works and moved to rowing sheds in Rogge Bay on Dock Road in November of that year.

1920
Admiralty Warrant obtained. The Club was granted the right to use the Royal Prefix in 1914, which allowed Royal Cape Yachts to fly the defaced ensign when in distress, assuring assistance from the Royal Navy. The Admiralty Warrant was only granted in 1920 following a delay due to the First World War.
1922
Clock Tower was acquired for use by members. While the Club members stored their gear at the rowing sheds, there was no Clubhouse so the clocktower was used as a meeting place for members.

1931
Royal Cape Yacht Clubhouse opened at Random Mole and a gale blew the roof off in the first year.

1932
Galley opened at the Clubhouse, a simple affair with no refrigeration.
1938
Paid Treasurer appointed, which was the first paid management staff appointment made at Royal Cape Yacht Club.
1941
Last meeting held in Random Mole Clubhouse after which the Club relocated to a Woodstock site called Tin Shanty.

1942
As WWII escalated, the Defense Department claimed all the swing moorings in the basin and the Port Captain advised that under the abnormal conditions of war, no guarantee of moorings could be given.
1950
The new Royal Cape Yacht Clubhouse opened at the current Duncan Road location.

1951
Royal Cape Yacht Club Bar opened to much celebration.

1978
First female members accepted to join the Club.
1978
Plans to begin building walk on moorings implemented at Royal Cape Yacht Club.
1981
Major expansion plans which culminated in the move from Elliot Basin to Small Craft Basin.
1985
Regatta Centre added and affectionately called Teddy’s tent.

1993
New deck added to extend the Clubhouse.

2012
Sailing Academy opened.

2022
Royal Cape Yacht Clubhouse renovated to current glory.

2025
Royal visit at Club by Princess Anne amidst the celebration of the Club’s 120 years existence.