Racing remains a key activity at the RN&SYC as it has done ever since our foundation in 1859.  The Club has a long tradition of hosting major sailing events including class championships at national and international level. The Club has a wealth of experience to bring to regatta and race championships, as well as a pool of skilled race officers and support teams on which to draw when managing these events.

For the hardy souls who enjoy racing whatever the weather, the Club racing year starts in mid-May when the local Squib fleet (See here: Squibs) run a series of Club races on Saturday afternoons in preparation for their National Championships. The season concludes in September with an end-of-season rally to Southwold and back for the Phil Back Trophy.

The Challenge Cup, first competed for in 1860, still features on the Racing Calender. It is open to members with qualifying keelboats and is sailed over a course, the limits of which depend on the courage of the Race Officer! The two main club events are June Regatta, a four-race series held over two days, with boats counting their three best results to determine the overall winner, and Sea Week, held in August, with ten races over five days.

As with all people who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the clocks going forward in Spring provides a big morale boost to Members of the Club and the longer days mean more available daylight, which signals the beginning of our Tuesday evening racing. When the race is over, you will enjoy a warm welcome and friendly, informal atmosphere in our unique Clubhouse. Clubs from The Netherlands race to the RN&SYC at least three times a year and, after a challenging sail, our Dutch friends always enjoy the hospitality of our club.

We have two excellent racing areas close to the Club; The South Beach, immediately adjacent to the Clubhouse, provides easy beach launching to a racing area south of the Harbour entrance, while the other race area is north of the Harbour and provides the excitement of sailing around the most easterly point in Great Britain.

Launching boast in the Club’s Marina is easy with a 2 tonne capacity crane and a slipway available. With the option of plenty of racing taking place from early summer through to mid-September, you will see that there is truly enough to keep you happily occupied.