Royal Yacht Squadron Tour

Join Royal Yacht Squadron Honorary Historian Commodore David Hughes for a tour of this historic building and discover its incredible artefacts. Founded in 1815 by a group of friends, the Royal Yacht Squadron quickly became the favourite yacht club of the aristocracy. More than just a smart club, its members helped create the sport of sailing – writing rules, running competitions, putting up prizes (including the first America’s Cup in 1851) and handling some of the finest and fastest yachts in the world. The Clubhouse, Cowes Castle, was built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences and has been the home of the Royal Yacht Squadron for over 160 years.