A ‘Short’ History
The Royal Temple Yacht Club was founded in 1857 by a group of yachtsmen sailing from the Temple Steps, on the River Thames in the centre of London. Yachting as a sport had been established for some time and similar clubs were being opened throughout the UK.
Club racing started on the London River but as the industrial revolution gathered pace commercial traffic on the river made racing increasingly difficult. Races began to be moved further and further down the river, until eventually it was decided that a more suitable base for racing should be found. The Ramsgate Clubhouse was opened in 1896 but London remained the club’s centre of social activity. During this time it was not uncommon for members to hold grand banquets and bohemian concerts in order to raise additional funds for the club.
Gentlemen at the Cecil Hotel |
At the turn of the century
2,000 members dined annually at the Hotel Cecil. The Commodore
at that time was Baron De Rothschild who was always accompanied
by his close friend The Prince of Wales.
The Royal Charter was granted in 1897 and the Admiralty Warrant to wear the Blue Ensign was granted in 1898. |
The club launched an annual Ramsgate Week regatta in 1898 which included a days racing at Deal and Broadstairs. It is not surprising that it took some time to break down the prejudice of the paid hands to racing in the neighbourhood of the Goodwin and Brake Sands, but racers soon discovered that the waters of Ramsgate provided excellent courses for yachts of all sizes.
Caption- Races would start with the yachts at anchor. Cannons would fire blank charges from the Pier Head to alert the paid hands to weigh anchor and hoist sails. This often resulted in a chaotic mess with boats colliding and tangling their rigging. Its not surprising that the Coast Guards had to be kept on hand to fire the cannon and assist the racers. |
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During the late nineteenth century, Ramsgate Week enjoyed many famous participants. The German Emperor’s schooner “Meteor” raced from Ramsgate until the First World War and King George V’s lovely cutter “Britannia” raced regularly until 1924.
In 1897 the Royal Temple historically challenged and beat the French in their own waters at the Coupe de France. The club famously laid on steamers so that members could follow the racing at Cannes. During the three years of racing, the Temple yachtsmen repeatedly won and attracted much attention from America. Soon after, an American team entered the competition with a yacht called “America” and donated a new trophy. This trophy is now known internationally as the America’s Cup.
The Queen in July 1993 |
During the brief period between the two world wars the big J class schooners had something of a heyday. In 1940 the RTYC clubhouse was requisitioned by the navy and named HMS Fervant, where it became an officers mess and control room for all the various naval activities in the North Foreland area. Unfortunately, after the war things were slow to recover and racing was mainly confined to small days boats such as Essex one designs and Dragons, which frequently crossed the channel to race in Ostend. |
During the 1950’s our regatta was known as Kent Yachting Week and by the 1970’s the name had changed to Thanet Week which incorporated dinghy sailing. The dinghy racing eventually declined but with the invention of plastic hulled yachts, our IOR rated fleet expanded and Ramsgate Week was re-launched.
A world-class location
The Clubhouse commands spectacular views over the Ramsgate Marina, as well as the Royal Harbour. It is also possible to catch glimpses of the Downs, the Goodwin Sands and South Foreland, as well as the French coast on a fine day. The club is situated at the sailing crossroads of Europe and the club boasts a higher number of visiting foreign yachts than any other in the country. The RTYC is well known for its hospitality and visiting yachtsmen are always warmly welcomed by the club as temporary members, and may use all the clubs facilities including accommodation.
Ramsgate is also recognised as a starting point for many record breaking attempts. Steve Fossett, a Club member, started and finished at Ramsgate when he claimed the Round Britain record in ‘Playstation 2’; he also planned to land at nearby Manston (Kent International Airport) in his record breaking transatlantic flight. Dame Ellen MacArthur, also a club member, is much associated with the Club and is fondly remembered for allowing her to be raffled as a prize crew during a recent Ramsgate Week. Christian Rattell and his crew aboard ‘Duece Follie’, from Boulogne, were delighted to have Ellen sail with them in the Ramsgate Gold Cup Race.
Club Facilities
| The club was honoured by a
visit of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Phillip in July 1993.
She came to Ramsgate to launch a new lifeboat and chose the Royal
Temple Yacht Club to recuperate and take lunch, with our
Commodore Frank Roberts and invited guests.
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The Queen and Prince Phillip signed a picture and guest book which is on permanent display in the club |
Ramsgate Week Harbour Marquee- is the centre of entertainment throughout the week. Situated just a few steps from the race week moorings, it usually becomes the first call after racing for competitors. The marquee is also the main venue for evening functions throughout the week, providing food every night and a lively bar into the small hours.
The Bar/ Lounge / Terrace. Competitors can relax in the main lounge and read the newspapers or sit on The Terrace, bask in the sunshine and enjoy spectacular views of the Royal Harbour below..
The Hold Bar is a more intimate space, making it ideal for smaller parties and functions; this room has recently been refurbished.
The TV/Computer Room – Here you can access the web as a visitor member or alternatively relax in front of the television.
The Snooker Room –is unchanged since the 1900’s allows you to play a nostalgic game on a full size table.
The Dining room is also available for private parties and meetings throughout the year, and opens each week to serve Sunday lunch to our members and guests. During Ramsgate Week the Dining Room will host corporate lunches and provide an evening carvery .
Accommodation comprises of 8 bedrooms on site, mainly en-suite, which can be booked by members and competitors.
Weather Forecasts are posted daily on the Official Notice Board and the club’s Sailing Notice Board in the Club Lobby and can also be accessed on-line.
Insignia is available during opening hours; we have an extensive choice of ties, sweaters, burgees, caps, T-shirts, rugby-shirts, etc.
150th Anniversary / ICCY Rally
The RTYC will celebrate its 150th Anniversary this year and in addition to many celebratory functions taking place throughout the year, the club will host the ICCY Rally of Cruising Yachts. This is an event which is shared by all European countries including Russia. Many yachts will come to Ramsgate and their crew will enjoy a number of special civic functions, as well as organised visits to London and Canterbury. In recent years the event has been hosted by Brussels, St. Petersburg, Fecamp, Stockholm and Kiel.
Ramsgate Week
Ramsgate Week is well known amongst sailing circles and attracts approximately 100 boats from Great Britain and the continent. In more recent years Ramsgate Week has enjoyed an increasing number of overseas competitors, most notably from France, Belgium and Holland due to its close location. The European Team challenge is made to all nearby European Clubs (3 boat, club or national team) during the week.
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As a venue for World and National Championships we have had competitors from as far away as Estonia and Japan. |
Ramsgate town is home to the only Royal Harbour in the country and has a wealth of restaurants, cafes and pub. During the Summer months and in good weather throughout the year, the harbourside eateries provide outdoor dining so that guests may soak up the sunshine and cosmopolitan atmosphere while savouring a cool drink. Some bars are open till late.
There is a variety of hotels, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation to choose from at very competitive prices.
Having hosted national, World and European Class Championships since 2000 the club is open to class associations looking for venues with all facilities and requests for availability can be made by contacting the club by email or telephone. Email info@rtyc.com Telephone +44 (0)1843 591766.