History and membership

The club was started in 1936 by local fishermen who liked to race their boats. These down-to-Earth local beginnings are still reflected today in the character of the club. Our membership is open to everyone with an appropriate interest, has always had a very local base and consists of people with a shared enthusiasm for sailing in the Bay, or an interest in other water-sports such as wind-surfing, sub-aqua diving, power-boating or driving jet-skis. You don’t need to own a boat or be an active sailor to join the club, novices and social members are welcome too. Families are particularly welcome, with family membership available to parents and their kids. After all kids are the future of this fantastic sport ... you may have the next Olympic Gold Medallist in your family (the UK has consistently won more Olympic Golds for sailing than just about any other sport).

What’s in a name?

Mention the words “Yacht Club” and many people think of posh clubs like The Royal Yacht Squadron (which owns a castle on the Isle of Wight) frequented by Princes and Millionaires, rather than the Morecambe and Heysham (which owns a small building at the back of Calton Terrace in Morecambe) frequented more by the sort of folk you’d meet in the Dog and Partridge or the Jubilee Club than at the RYS Yacht Club! Like rugby or cricket, yachting (or sailing as some of us prefer to call it) attracts people from a very wide social range and the character of its clubs reflects that of their members – the one thing we all share is our love for this fulfilling sport.

Is it expensive?

You will be surprised how inexpensive sailing can be. You don't need thousands of pounds to put a boat on the water, there are often people looking for crews to share the fun with them. If you do have a boat, all we ask is that your boat is safe, well maintained and insured and that, if you are a novice, you allow us to teach you to sail safely and competently. We are a R.Y.A. recognised Sail & Power Training Centre and racing is organised in accordance with our Sailing Instructions.

Is it dangerous?

Sailing, especially on the Bay, is an exhilarating experience, but on occasions the wind and tide can threaten your safety. We will only sail if we are sure that the weather & sea state is suitable.

What happens if something goes wrong?

A Race Official who is in radio contact with a Safety Boat manned by trained Club personnel supervises all our races from shore. This ensures that all our Members can sail in safety.

What else can the Club offer?

Your boat will be parked in a secure compound when you aren't sailing. We have adequate changing rooms & showers at the club. If you like a chat and a drink, we boast a comfortable and well-stocked bar which is open on Club nights.

Is the club really open to everyone?

Our club is also an RYA Sailability Foundation Centre which means we can also offer the opportunity for disabled people to take up sailing.

Interested?

Phone us on 01524 418206 after 8.30 pm or call personally into the Club on Back Calton Street, Morecambe any Friday night. See the Membership Details section in contents for costs and application forms. Alternatively, come down to the Morecambe Town Hall slipway any Sunday from March to mid-October when the tide is up and find out more about the enjoyment of sailing on the Bay.

Full details of our racing programmes and Taster Days are on this site - see the Index to the left of this page.