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April 6th, 2020
Sailing on the Thames in the 18th Century.
Founded in 1775, the Royal Thames Yacht Club was already 132 years old when the first Six Metre took to the water. The Club’s first recorded race was held on the Thames in July 1775 for a silver cup – the first Cumberland Cup – put up by the Duke of Cumberland, younger brother of King George III. The competing boats were of a very different type to the modern racing yacht. It was not until the 1840s that racing on the open waters of the South coast and Solent began to be popular, the change made possible by the advent of steam trains. One might be forgiven for thinking that, having discovered the open sea, ocean racing was a natural progression but it was not until 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, that a race ‘the like of which had never been known in the annals of yacht racing’ was announced by the Royal Thames Yacht Club over a course of 1,520 nautical miles round the British Isles.
Despite being the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the world and the first ‘Royal’ yacht club, this is probably not the image perceived by those in contact it. The Knightsbridge Clubhouse, arguably the most pleasant re-built London club, is a haven for yachtsmen and women who want a relaxing and exclusive land base in London. The membership also includes a vibrant Younger Members section and our trophy-winning Academy which aims to nurture and develop rising sailing talent.
The Royal Thames’ Britannia Bar is a relaxing area for members to meet.
Many of those using the Clubhouse are based overseas, being members of one of the 60 yacht clubs worldwide with whom we maintain reciprocal arrangements – equally useful for members when racing or cruising overseas. The Clubhouse has two bars, reading and meeting rooms, an excellent restaurant, private dining rooms and cabins for members staying in London. The meeting and dining rooms are also available to non-members as venue for conferences, meetings, dinners and even balls.
The club’s fleet of J/70s racing at Cowes.
The Club’s calendar has nigh on a hundred cruising and racing events at home and each year, providing ample opportunities for those without yachts to get on the water and likewise, equal opportunities for owners seeking crew. Our fleet of J/80 sports boats at Queen Mary Reservoir, Datchet and a further fleet of J/70s, based in Cowes allow for high level club racing. Both fleets are also available for charter. The Club welcomes new members who are involved in yachting and for more information see www.royalthames.com .
Despite the Club’s involvement in the formation of the Metre Rule in 1906, no evidence has yet come to light of ownership by members of very early Six Metres. The Club was always involved in The British American Cup, however, which was sailed in Sixes from the first race in 1921 until 1955. The Thames was heavily involved in re-establishing the Cup after The Great War and now is solely responsible, from the British side, for its continuance. We are pleased to report that we won it in 2019 (the latest contest at time of writing) although it was sailed in J70s.
The club’s collection of Six Metres.
Amongst our prized and extensive collection of half-hull models, there is a special area for Metre yachts and an individual board for some of the Six Metres owned by Club members. The boats shown, from top to bottom, are Zenith (1924), Lalage (1928), Circe (1937), Johan (1939), Royal Thames (1955), Scoundrel (1986) and Battlecry (1989). Curiously Bunty and Cremona , although winning the One Ton Cup in 1912 and 1913 respectively, are omitted as was Erica , being too recent to make the board.
Royal Thames (K77) and Marylette (K76) racing on the Solent in 1958.
As a club, our greatest involvement with the class was, unsurprisingly, with Royal Thames. In 1955 a syndicate of Club members paid to have a Six Metre built in order to participate in the truly international racing offered by the class. The first target was the British American Cup held in that year. Sadly the challenge was unsuccessful, her elegant cotton sails being no match for the American synthetic versions. Nonetheless, with 20 guns out of 33 starts, she made her mark. It was in 1958 when she really triumphed, winning the One Ton Cup, helmed by Col ‘Stug’ Perry, and taking 6 line-honours in Cowes Week, helmed by Michael Cream, amongst other successes. That apart, the Club premises have been a regular venue through the ages for planning both national and international event for the class.
The 1914 Clyde Six Metre cup is on display in the clubhouse.
The Royal Thames is lucky enough to have several of the ‘Cumberland Cups’ dating to the 18th century amongst its extensive collection of trophies. This includes a number of trophies originally competed for by the Class including the Clyde Six Metre Points Cup and the original British American cup from 1921. A further connection is the Nelson Trophy which was donated to the International Six Metre Association by Don Wood of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. The trophy is awarded at the International Six Metre World and European Championships to the highest placed boat constructed and certificated between 1966 and 1979.
Amongst the Club’s oldest possessions are a set of flags consisting of an ensign, pennant and house flag, dating from the late 18th century. Of a slightly later vintage is a telescope reputedly once belonging to Admiral Lord Nelson.
The Club’s 18th century ensign, pennant and house flag are among the oldest objects in the collection.
The Club’s collection of yacht models is extensive, going far beyond the models of the Metre classes mentioned earlier. The half-model collection housed in the Model Room is one of the most comprehensive in the world, tracing the history of yacht design from the mid-19th century to the present day. Elsewhere around the Clubhouse are models from the days of the Cumberland Fleet, warships from the days of sail, steam yachts from the Edwardian era and famous club boats up the modern age.
We are extremely fortunate to have an extensive collection of marine paintings, lithographs and prints, many of which have an interesting history attached to them or their subject matter. Over the Club’s 245 year life a vast amount of paperwork has amassed, and providentially, successive Secretaries have preserved the core of it. We now have two archivists discovering hidden treasures on a regular basis. Amongst these are some superb photographs stretching back nearly 150 years.
We are proud of our club’s significant heritage collections, which are displayed throughout the Clubhouse for all members and visitors to enjoy. The collections not only enhance our members’ experience but also are an inherent part of the character of our historic organisation. We are delighted to able to share a small portion of our collections with a wider audience through our partnership with the Six Metre archive, giving a small insight into the archives and collections we care for. For more information about the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s heritage collections please contact the club through the website or at [email protected] . You can see the Club’s Six Metre archives here .
Andrew Collins, Head of Heritage, Royal Thames Yacht Club
Posted in Featured contributor by Jenny Wittamore on April 6th, 2020. Tags: collection , contributor , royal thames
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Parkside Double | En suite facilities Standard queen bed (152 cm) Hyde Park view | |
Parkside Double | 1 | En suite facilities Standard doube bed (135 cm) Hyde Park view |
Parkside Twin | 3 | En suite facilities 2 standard single beds Hyde Park view Cabins 15 and 16 are slightly more spacious |
Knightsbridge Double | 2 | En suite facilities Standard queen bed (152cm) Overlooks Knightsbridge (street view) |
Knightsbridge Double | 1 | En suite facilities Standard double bed (135cm) Overlooks Knightsbridge (street view) |
Knightsbridge Twin | 3 | En suite facilities 2 standard beds Overlooks Knightsbridge (street view) Cabin 18 is slightly more spacious |
Knightsbridge Single | 3 | En suite facilities 1 standard single bed Overlooks Knightsbridge (street view) |
West Wing Double | 1 | En suite facilities Park side - restricted view |
West Wing - Double (Shared Facilities) | 1 | Hand wash basin located in cabin Toilet/bath/shower facilities located in corridor Bathrobe provided Restricted view |
West Wing - Single (Shared Facilities) | 11 | |
West Wing - Admiral Suite | 1 |
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Royal Thames Yacht Club. Founded in 1775, the Royal Thames Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world. Our members are sailors, racers, cruisers and stewards of the sea. With a full programme of fleet and team racing on the Solent and at Queen Mary Reservoir, a variety of cruises and rallies around the world and a clubhouse in ...
The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) is the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the world, and the oldest yacht club in the United Kingdom. Its headquarters are located at 60 Knightsbridge, London, England, overlooking Hyde Park. The club's purpose is "to provide the members with outstanding yacht cruising, racing and social opportunities ...
Our Housekeeper and her friendly staff are always on hand to ensure every detail of your stay is satisfactory. To enquire about cabin bookings call + 44 (0) 20 7235 2121 or email us at [email protected]. Please note accommodation is only available to Club Members or Reciprocal Club Members.
Founded in 1775, the Royal Thames Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht club in the world as well as being the oldest royal yacht club. Sailing is at the heart of the club and our members young and old participate in a wide range of racing and cruising events in home waters and worldwide. Thames teams compete against UK and international clubs ...
The Club has a fleet of J/80 sports boats with a full programme of fleet and team racing at Queen Mary SC and on the Solent. Royal Thames teams compete against UK and international clubs, whilst members also race their larger yachts worldwide.RTYC also owns a fleet of J/70s which are based in Cowes and this fleet is active from April until ...
© 2024 Royal Thames Yacht Club, All rights reserved. Contact. Secondary address
The Royal Thames Yacht Club name originates from 1830 when William IV came to the throne. The members originally met in coffee houses. From 1857, the Club owned various properties in London, moving to 60 Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park, in 1923. The present Clubhouse is the result of a development of the site between 1961 and 1963.
This website gives a flavour of all the Club's activities, and may suggest some reasons why membership of the Royal Thames can be so satisfying. So far as possible the wide interests of all the different types of member are kept in mind when developing Club programmes, or considering the facilities of the Clubhouse. Joining the Club
Royal Thames Yacht Club, London, United Kingdom. 2.6K likes · 1 talking about this · 6,872 were here. Welcome to the official page of the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) where you will be kept up to...
The Royal Thames Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world, founded in 1775. The exclusive Knightsbridge Clubhouse has two bars, an acclaimed restaurant, and accommodations for ...
The Knightsbridge clubhouse is a haven for those who want a relaxing and exclusive land base in London. In common with other leading London clubs, the Royal Thames started in a coffee house and the Club's dining room is still called the Coffee Room. In addition to the Coffee Room we have the Britannia Bistro, two bars, a wonderful deck adjacent ...
The Cutter Yacht Glance, 36 Tons, Andrew Duncan Esq. In the 1st Class Match of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, June 14th 1860, - winner of the L100 Silver Cup. Built by Mr D.G.Hatcher of Southampton winner of 21 Prizes, RMG PY8733.tiff 4,800 × 3,515; 48.27 MB. The deck at the Royal Thames Yacht Club..jpg 3,888 × 2,592; 5.14 MB.
Sailing on the Thames in the 18th Century. Founded in 1775, the Royal Thames Yacht Club was already 132 years old when the first Six Metre took to the water. The Club's first recorded race was held on the Thames in July 1775 for a silver cup - the first Cumberland Cup - put up by the Duke of Cumberland, younger brother of King George III.
Address & Location. Royal Thames Yacht Club 60 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7LF. Contact Information Restaurant and Accommodation. Nikol Ludvig Tel: 0207 201 6283 Fax: 0207 235 5672
The Club's collection of yacht models is one of the most extensive in the country and the half-model collection housed in the Model Room, just off the Britannia Bar, one of the most comprehensive in the world. Around the Clubhouse are models of the yachts of the 18th century Cumberland Fleet, warships from the days of sail and steam yachts ...
The Royal Thames is welcoming new members and we look forward celebrating our 250 th Anniversary with everyone in 2025. The process of joining the Royal Thames Yacht Club is as follows; please follow the steps noted below. Click the following link or the button below and complete the E-form, please click here.
Cruising Calendar. Racing Calendar. Member Login. Click below to view your account © 2024 Royal Thames Yacht Club, All rights reserved. Secondary address. Related ...
For those who wish to stay in London, The Royal Thames Yacht Club offers first class accommodation, in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge. Our cabins offer a home away from home atmosphere in relaxed and discreet surroundings. Our House Keeper and her friendly staff are always on hand to ensure every detail of your stay is satisfactory ...
Allows you to access and engage with your club.
To make a reservation you can book through our online reservation platform within the dining section of the website or contact the Front of House team team on 020 7235 2121 or via email: [email protected], who will be happy to make the reservation for you. Contact Us.
The following cabin types are located on the 2nd floor of the Clubhouse and can be accessed by the passenger lift: Cabin Type. Number Available. Facilities. Parkside Double. 6. En suite facilities. Standard queen bed (152 cm) Hyde Park view.
Interview with co-owner of Royal Yacht Club Moscow. The founder and head of the Russian representative office of Azimut-Benetti, Anton Dolotin, tells us about the life and achievements of Royal Yacht Club in the last five years.