The Essex Yacht Club is a family-oriented sailing club established in 1890 with a proud history of promoting yachting, sailing, and amateur seamanship. Our mission, which has remained unchanged for over 130 years, is to encourage and popularise these pursuits.
With over 650 members, the Essex Yacht Club is a vibrant and welcoming community of sailors and their families. We are dedicated to providing a range of sailing opportunities for sailors of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced racers. Our extensive sailing program runs from Easter to October, offering races and events for sailors of all levels, from beginners in Optimists to experienced sailors in high-performance dinghies and cruisers. In addition to sailing, we offer a range of social events throughout the year, from formal dinners to summer barbeques, for both sailing and non-sailing members.
The heart of the club is our headquarters. Unusually, the club has, almost since its founding, been headquartered on ships. Currently we are based on a former Royal Navy mine hunter HMS Wilton that was purchased in 2001. The ship is notable for being the world’s first GRP warship. In 2004, after extensive conversion works, she was ready for service. Being immune to the rust problems that ended the careers of her forebears, we hope she will house the club for generations to come. Here she’s pictured rounding Southend Pier being towed to her new home.
Our membership are passionate about sailing and are dedicated to ensuring that the club remains a vibrant and thriving community. Whether it’s maintaining the club grounds, organising events, or helping to manage the racing program, our members are essential to the success of the club. Members crew the club’s safety boats, maintain the club facilities and equipment, and help run races from the race office. Their tireless efforts help to create a welcoming environment for all members, and their contributions are deeply appreciated by the entire club.
Contact Info
Address:
HQS Wilton, Leigh-On-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1BD, United Kingdom
Phone: 01702 478404
Email: mail@essexyachtclub.co.uk
Website: www.essexyachtclub.co.uk
