The 10 Best Yacht Clubs in Australia & New Zealand in 2027

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is the official home of the America's Cup after Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the RNZYS, defended the oldest sporting trophy in the world at the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona in 2024. It was established in 1871 and granted royal patronage in 1902. It sits at Westhaven Marina in Auckland, close to the Auckland Harbour Bridge facing on to the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana.

The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was founded in 1862 and is one of Australia's most prestigious and historic private members clubs. It is nestled along the picturesque shores of Sydney Harbour. In 1962, the squadron challenged the New York Yacht Club for the America's Cup. The Gretel lost 4–1. In 1970 RSYS again raced in Newport Rhode Island. The Gretel II lost 4–1.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was established in 1944 and is Australia's premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting's 'Everest' - the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. It is nestled along the beautiful Rushcutters Bay foreshore, just 10 minutes' drive from Sydney's CBD. It has over 3,500 members and a marina on Rushcutters Bay capable of berthing yachts up to 30 metres (98 ft) in length and five-star function rooms and restaurants.

The Royal Perth Yacht Club was founded in 1865 and is the third oldest yacht club in Australia after the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. In 1983, an Australian syndicate representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club fielded the Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, against defender Liberty, skippered by Dennis Conner. Australia II won the match races to win the America's Cup - the first winning challenge to the New York Yacht Club, which had successfully defended the cup over a period of 132 years. It is located at Australia II Drive, Pelican Point, Crawley, Western Australia, and hosted the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was founded in May 1853 and is the oldest yacht club in Australia. It is located in Williamstown, on Port Phillip Bay, in the south-western suburbs of Melbourne. In 1886, the club received from Queen Victoria a grant of the privileges of a royal club.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious yacht Clubs. It is situated on Green Point on the pristine body of water called Pittwater, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. It is home to the Admiral's Cup, one of yachting's most sought after trophies, and its marina was AUSTRALIA'S 2017/2018 CLUB MARINA OF THE YEAR.

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron was formed in 1885 and is home to one of this State's oldest and most prestigious sailing and cruising clubs. It is on the waterfront of Brisbane's eastern Bayside suburb Manly.

The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania has been operating since 1859 and is one of Australia's most respected yacht clubs. It is on the waterfront at Sandy Bay. It is the finishing partner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The Royal Brighton Yacht Club was founded in September 1875 (as the Brighton Sailing Club). It is located in Brighton, Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. It was granted a royal warrant in 1924 by King George V. Notable members include John Bertrand – skipper of the victorious Australia II in the 1983 America's Cup.

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club was founded in 1859 and received its royal patronage in 1924. It is located in Geelong, Corio Bay, Victoria, Australia. It hosts the Festival of Sails, Australia's largest regatta, and is the proud winner of 2020 Australian Sailing Club of the Year.