Founded in 1870 

Colne Yacht Club (CYC) is one of the oldest established yacht clubs on the East Coast of England, with roots stretching back to the late 19th century. It has played an enduring role in Brightlingseas maritime life for well over 150 years. The club was founded around 1870-1871, during a period when Brightlingsea was thriving as a centre for shipbuilding, oyster dredging, and commercial sailing. Local shipowners, craftsmen, and sailors formed the club to promote yacht cruising and racing on the River Colne estuary.

Today, Colne Yacht Club remains a thriving and inclusive sailing club, offering:

• A varied racing programme for cruisers, onedesigns, and handicap fleets
• Active cruising groups, including East Coast and longer distance passages
• An accredited RYA Training Centre, delivering sailing and powerboat courses
• Strong ties with neighbouring clubs, including Brightlingsea Sailing Club

The club continues to combine competitive sailing with a warm social atmosphere, making it equally welcoming to experienced sailors, families, and newcomers. We marked our 150th anniversary with celebratory events during the early 2020s, reinforcing our place as a cornerstone of Brightlingseas maritime heritage.

A Living Maritime Legacy With over 150 years of continuous sailing history, Colne Yacht Club remains dedicated to its original purpose: getting people afloat, developing skills, and bringing sailors together on and off the water.