The forerunner to the Fowey Yacht Club held its first meeting in February 1890; it was then the Fowey Club. An earlier Club, founded in 1880 which was formed ‘to facilitate the association of gentlemen who wish to enjoy the social advantages of a Club ‘which is without political bias’. The Club House was 2 Dolphin Terrace in Trafalgar Square, this first Club was wound up after nine years with most of its members joining the Fowey Club but taking over the same premises. The first Honorary Secretary was F.A. Allchin who was followed by Murray Rogers, then in 1893 by A.T. Quiller-Couch, who became Sir Arthur. The minutes and descriptions of Yacht races, up to 1897 are in Q’s handwriting.
In May 1894, the Club was renamed the ‘Fowey Yacht Club’. Edward Atkinson was elected Commodore with Murray Rogers as Vice Commodore. The subscription was two guineas inport and one guinea outport and a whisky and soda cost just 6d. In 1898, work began on the present Club house, which was opened on 9th. August with an ‘at home’ accompanied by music from the band of the Royal Marines. On that same day, the Club held the first of its own regattas to be followed the next day by the usual Fowey Royal Regatta.
In 1905 permission was granted for the Club to include in its insignia the Coronet of the Duke of Cornwall over the Shield of the Duchy of Cornwall. In 1907 His Majesty the King approved the use of the prefix “ROYAL” in the name of the Club and commanded that henceforth the Club be known as ‘The Royal Fowey Yacht Club’.
On the death of the Commodore in 1911, Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch filled this post until 1944 when he was succeeded by Lt. General Sir Frederick Browning, G.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., D.L., who upon retirement in 1962, was elected the Club’s first Admiral.
From the 1950s onwards, Club facilities and various forms of membership were extended to ladies, but it was not until 1994 that ordinary membership became equally available. The Club has now about 700 members and the highlight of the year is the Fowey Royal Regatta when more than 230 craft take part.
The Club enjoys a superb waterfront setting in one of the country’s most beautiful and secure harbours. We have a widespread reputation for hospitality towards visiting yachtsmen and our Members are proud to sail under the Red Burgee bearing the Arms of the Duchy of Cornwall surmounted by the Crown of the eldest son of the Sovereign. In addition, Members owning registered yachts can have the distinction of wearing the Red Ensign defaced with the same insignia.
