Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC)

Club information

• Country: South Africa
• Town/City: Table Bay Harbour

© Royal Cape Yacht Club

Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC)

Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC): Africa’s Premier Destination for Sailors, Cruisers, and Offshore Racers

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling harbour and framed by the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain, the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) stands as a beacon of African maritime excellence. Established in 1905, RCYC has grown to become Africa’s leading yacht club, revered for its rich sailing heritage, vibrant community, and outstanding facilities for visiting sailors and ocean racers alike. Whether you’re an offshore adventurer, a bluewater cruiser, or a weekend club racer, RCYC offers a world-class yachting experience in one of the most scenic coastal cities on Earth.

A Storied Legacy in Global Ocean Racing

The Royal Cape Yacht Club is internationally renowned as the organiser of the Cape2Rio Race, one of the world’s great transoceanic sailing events. First run in 1971, the Cape2Rio covers over 3,300 nautical miles of South Atlantic Ocean, linking Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. It is Africa’s longest-running and most celebrated offshore yacht race, attracting world-class sailors, international racing yachts, and intrepid amateur crews from across the globe.

Beyond Cape2Rio, RCYC maintains an active year-round regatta calendar, including:

The Mykonos Offshore Regatta – a Cape favourite, combining competitive racing and social festivities

Cape Town Race Week – a premier multi-class event in December

IRC National Championships – drawing South Africa’s fastest racing yachts

Wednesday Night Twilight Series – casual, competitive, and always popular

Youth Sailing and Community Development Regattas – part of RCYC’s commitment to inclusive sailing

These events, combined with a passionate membership base and growing junior programs, keep the club at the cutting edge of African sailing culture.

Exceptional Marina Facilities for Visiting Yachts

The Royal Cape Yacht Club marina is a fully serviced, secure haven for international and local yachts, with more than 350 berths suitable for monohulls and multihulls alike.

The club’s on-site restaurant and bar offer spectacular views of the marina and Table Mountain—perfect for sundowners or post-race celebrations.

Located just minutes from the V&A Waterfront, RCYC is close to supermarkets, marine suppliers, restaurants, and Cape Town’s major tourist attractions. It’s an ideal landfall point for yachts rounding the Cape of Good Hope or preparing for Indian Ocean and Atlantic crossings.

A Global Cruising Hub and African Sailing Heartbeat

RCYC plays a pivotal role in the Cape to Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Indian Ocean cruising circuits, often serving as a stopover for boats transiting between continents. Sailors find not only world-class infrastructure, but also a friendly, professional atmosphere and a calendar full of opportunities to race, relax, and connect with the global sailing community.

From its historic clubhouse to its modern marina, RCYC seamlessly blends old-world charm with cutting-edge sailing facilities—making it the perfect port of call for any yacht exploring Africa’s southern tip.

World-Class Facilities for Visiting Sailors

Visiting sailors will find the RCYC welcoming, secure, and fully equipped to handle local and international cruising yachts:

Marina Berths: Over 350 serviced slips for vessels up to 30+ metres, with deep water access and swing moorings for larger yachts. Electricity & Fresh Water: All berths have shore power (220V) and potable water connections. Fuel Access: Fuel dock services available nearby within the working port. Customs & Immigration: Full assistance for foreign vessels arriving or departing internationally, with port security clearance and liaison support. Wi-Fi: Free high-speed internet access available throughout the clubhouse and marina. Showers & Toilets: Clean, well-maintained restrooms with 24/7 secure access. Laundry & Maintenance: Laundry services, haul-out facilities nearby, and access to a wide network of trusted marine service providers, including mechanics, riggers, sailmakers, and chandlers. Security: Controlled gate access with 24-hour security and CCTV within Cape Town’s commercial harbour precinct.

The Clubhouse: A Social and Nautical Landmark

RCYC’s historic clubhouse is more than a meeting place—it’s a vibrant centre for sailors, families, and visiting yachtsmen. Overlooking the marina, it features:

A club bar and casual waterfront restaurant Formal and informal dining areas Conference rooms and lounges for members and regatta briefings A trophy room showcasing over a century of sailing history

The club also offers crew services, event hosting, and regular talks, lectures, and prize-givings, making it a hive of activity on and off the water.

Whether you’re stopping en route around the Cape of Good Hope, joining a regatta, or preparing for a transatlantic crossing, RCYC offers unmatched hospitality, facilities, and camaraderie. It is not just Africa’s finest yacht club—it’s a cornerstone of global ocean sailing heritage.