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 Yachting Institution

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town Harbour, the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) stands as the undisputed leader in African yachting. Founded in 1905, this iconic institution blends rich maritime history with a vibrant sailing community, making it the most prestigious yacht club on the African continent. With a prime location in one of the world’s most stunning coastal cities, RCYC offers exceptional facilities, a year-round sailing calendar, and a gateway to legendary offshore adventures.

A Legacy of Ocean Racing

RCYC’s reputation extends far beyond the Cape. It is best known internationally as the organiser of the Cape2Rio Race—a transatlantic sailing epic from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. First run in 1971, Cape2Rio remains Africa’s most famous offshore yacht race, drawing elite crews from around the globe to test themselves across 3,300 nautical miles of open ocean.

In addition to Cape2Rio, RCYC hosts an impressive array of races and regattas, including:

The Mykonos Offshore Regatta

Cape Town Race Week

IRC Nationals and regular Wednesday night series

Youth training regattas and development races

Its fleet ranges from high-performance racing yachts to classic cruisers, and the club plays a vital role in growing grassroots sailing through inclusive training and outreach programs.

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.