Bridlington’s long history of sailboat racing with Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club

To use the words of the former British Olympic sailing team coach Jim Saltonstall, Bridlington is perhaps the best bay for sailboat racing on the whole of the east coast of England.

The coastal town is home to the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, several members of whom are pictured here preparing catamarans before heading out onto the North Sea.

The blue sky may seem like a far cry from some of the autumnal weather of the past few days.

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Indeed, the image was actually taken on the August bank holiday weekend, when family groups on the catamarans were able to organise some socially distanced racing.

Members of Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, preparing their catamarans in Bridlington. Photo: James Hardisty.  Camera Details: Camera, Nikon D5 Lens, Nikon 12-24mm Shutter Speed, 1/500 sec Aperture, f/8.0 ISO, 64Members of Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, preparing their catamarans in Bridlington. Photo: James Hardisty.  Camera Details: Camera, Nikon D5 Lens, Nikon 12-24mm Shutter Speed, 1/500 sec Aperture, f/8.0 ISO, 64
Members of Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, preparing their catamarans in Bridlington. Photo: James Hardisty. Camera Details: Camera, Nikon D5 Lens, Nikon 12-24mm Shutter Speed, 1/500 sec Aperture, f/8.0 ISO, 64

Though Bridlington is now the club’s home, it was originally based in both Hull and Whitby, established in 1847 by Hull businessman and ship owners. The club sets out on its website how that has changed over time.

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“By the turn of the century there was increasing traffic on the Humber and in the Hull Docks making the area less suitable for pleasure yachting.

“Consequently the club decided to move its activities to Bridlington, where it occupied various premises until in 1939 the present clubhouse, previously the Ozone Hotel, was acquired and adapted to provide facilities for members and visiting yacht crews, to whom a special welcome has always been extended.”

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The club has held regattas since its founding, though had to cancel a number of times due to the First and Second World Wars and the Crimean War.

The Duke of Edinburgh remains its patron, last paying a visit during its 150th anniversary year in 1997.

The harbour of Bridlington is still the heart of the town, a magnet for visitors to the coastal community, as well as being a place where many people earn their living, including in the shellfish industry.

At the helm is the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners body, who manage, protect and develop all aspects of the harbour and its activities. Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today.

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