• Vessel Photos & Notes

• Member Photos & Biographies

• Quarterlies & Newsletters

• Club Events, Photos & Notes

• Annual Reports

• Minutes

• Significant Documents

• Dr Peter Last Research and Publications

• Sesquicentennial Book Draft Chapters

The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron (RSAYS) has a storied history as one of Australia's premier yachting clubs. Here is a brief overview of its history:

Founding and Early Years

• Founded in 1869: The RSAYS was established on November 1, 1869, by a group of yachting enthusiasts in South Australia. It was initially called the South Australian Yacht Club.

• First Commodore: Captain Bloomfield Douglas, a prominent figure in the local community, was the club's first commodore.

Growth and Development

• Early Races and Regattas: The club quickly became known for organizing regular races and regattas, which helped to popularize yachting in the region.

• Royal Patronage: In 1890, the club received royal patronage from Queen Victoria, which allowed it to add "Royal" to its name, becoming the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Location: Originally located at Birkenhead on the Port River, the club moved to its current location at Outer Harbor in 1926, providing members with better facilities and access to the sea.

• Clubhouse: The clubhouse has been a central feature of the RSAYS, serving as a social hub and a place for members to gather and celebrate their shared passion for yachting.

World Wars and Beyond

• Impact of World Wars: Like many organizations, the RSAYS was affected by both World War I and World War II, with many members serving in the armed forces. However, the club continued to thrive and grow in the post-war periods.

• Post-War Expansion: After World War II, the club experienced significant growth, with an increase in membership and the expansion of its facilities.

Modern Era

• Major Events: The RSAYS has hosted numerous major yachting events and regattas, attracting competitors from around the world.

• Training and Development: The club places a strong emphasis on training and development, offering programs for sailors of all ages and skill levels.

Legacy and Contribution

• Promoting Yachting: The RSAYS has played a crucial role in promoting yachting and sailing in South Australia, fostering a strong community spirit and encouraging participation in the sport.

• Cultural Impact: The club has become an integral part of South Australia's maritime culture and heritage, contributing to the state's rich nautical history.

The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron's history is marked by its commitment to yachting excellence, its resilience through challenging times, and its ongoing efforts to promote and develop the sport of sailing in South Australia.

The Squadron is actively seeking to add to our archive.  If you have scans of photos and documents, or wish to provide written information about past and present Members and their vessels, please email your contribution to 150rsays@gmail.com

To preserve the definition in historical photos we encourage you to use a scanning resolution of no less than 200dpi.

The Squadron History Group is also seeking short biographies of past & present Members, and short histories of past & present vessels, for inclusion in an appendix to the Sesquicentennial Book. These histories should be limited to 150 words per vessel, and 150 words per member (or 200 words per family of members).  Please supply scanned photos of the vessels and members concerned. Member biographies and vessel histories in excess of the word limit will be added to our digital history archive, but only shortened versions will be submitted for hard-copy publication in due course.