The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron was ‘born’ in 1885 when a group of gentlemen interested in water sports formed the Brisbane Sailing Club. Sailing quickly became the prominent sport of the new entity and within a few years competition with the sailors of Sydney had commenced with the inaugural intercolonial sailing race in 22 Footers.

By 1894, the restriction of ‘Brisbane’ was adjusted and the club took the title of Queensland Yacht Club. In that year also the Admiralty granted members permission to fly the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty’s Fleet. In 1902 His Majesty, King Edward VII bestowed the title ‘Royal’ on the club and, in 1961, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II approved a change of name to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. The final step came in 1991, when the club was registered as an incorporated company and became the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Limited.

The early 22 foot sailing vessels gave way to the raters in 1909, which in turn were superseded by the 21 Foot Restricted class which saw the start of true interstate competition. Dinghy racing really developed in the late 1940’s and 1950’s when the club was sailing from premises on the Brisbane River at Bulimba. Fleets of 30 and upwards in a class were common, and many fine yachtsmen grew out of competition in trainees, 12 Square Metre boats, Gwens, Wrights, Finns, Sabots and Flying Dutchmen.

The club occupied various premises in and near the centre of Brisbane prior to moving to Manly for both clubhouse and sporting activities in 1964. A marina was constructed, commencing in the early 1980’s, and premises at Manly and Canaipa on Russell Island were freeholded in 1994 and 1986 respectively.

This expansion and upgrading of facilities has been mirrored in our sporting achievements, with Olympic gold medals, world and national championships, participation in America’s Cups, Admiral’s Cups, and offshore many fine performances in many blue water events.