Nestled in the Colaba area of Mumbai, India, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club was founded in 1846 as the Bombay Yacht Club. The current facility was built in the Gothic style in 1897. The Club looks out onto the Gateway of India and between the two are landscaped gardens where there is a statue of Shivaji, the Maratha leader, on a horse. With a lineage of 163 years, the RBYC is one of the oldest sporting clubs in India.

Its ambience of quiet relaxation marks its character and its location at Apollo Bunder places it in close vicinity of Mumbai’s Heritage buildings, landmarks and restaurants. Bombay’s splendid harbor was the scene of India’s first regatta in 1830. Cutters, schooners and yawls of all sizes vied for a 50-guinea silver cup, half the value of the famous America’s Cup. In 1876, at the request of Sir Philip Wodehouse, Governor of Bombay, Her Majesty Queen Victoria bestowed the title of “Royal” upon the club.

In 1880, the Bombay Port Trust granted a lease of the waterfront area now used by the RBYC. In 1894, the Blue Ensign, with a Star of India surmounted by the Imperial Crown, was granted to the club by Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. In 1905, the Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, visited the Club. The royal patronage led to the growth of sailing in Bombay and all over India.