You could join our training programs as listed in the Sailing Programmes.

You could book a boat and go out with the Tindal who is a fully trained seaman and is in total control of the boat.

You could merely show up on race days and we would put you on a racing boat where you would quickly learn the ropes.

Absolutely. You can take them with you, when you go sailing but remember to pick up a buoyancy aid from the Reception. In fact, we have a special category of boats called Optimists which is designed to accomodate only kids within the ages of 8 to 15. If your child shows an interest in Sailing, we have an Optimist Training Program in place.

The RBYC has what's called a Seabird Class of Boats and our sister club, the Colaba Sailing Club has a Lightning Class of boats. The RBYC also has Optimist class of boats for children in the ages of 8 and 15.

Not at all. The charges are levied for the boat and not on the number of people going sailing. For example, An afternoon sail from 2 pm to 6 pm would cost Rs. 50/- on a weekday and Rs. 150/- on a weekend.

Yes, the maximum complement, including tindals and kids (whatever age), is four on a Lightning and five on a Seabird. All categories of members or associates may take their guests for sail.

Not Compulsory. You can always wear a Buoyancy Aid/Lifejacket and feel safe. Buoyancy Aid is provided on the boats but always have them wear a buoyancy aid for safety. For kids in the Optimists, knowing swimming is compulsory and so is wearing buoyancy aid.

On a Seabird, Yes. On a Lightning, until you pass the qualified helmsman test.

The three clubs (RBYC, BSA and CSC) have pooled their boats. The booking register is with the Sailing Supervisor, Mr. Rajan (Tel:22882788) during office hours and at the receptionist after office hours of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. You can book a boat upto four days in advance, if you book before 7 p.m. If you at the club after 7 p.m., you can make a booking for the fifth day, morning or afternoon sail. (For example: if you wish to sail on Sunday afternoon, the earliest you can book is on the previous Tuesday, 7 p.m. onwards, and so on.) Please be sure to put down the time you plan to go sailing.
You can make a provisional booking as well in advance. In case you cannot come to the preceding 5th day, you may fill in Boat Requisition Form and hand it over at Reception any number of days earlier. The Sailing Supervisor will do the booking at the appropiate time. In case, the number of requisitions exceeds the number of boats then there will be a draw, so check the register, or you may telephone to comfirm your booking. (All the other fine print of booking and cancelling are printed in the booking rules book, also with the Receptionist. Do read it).

Come (at the booked time) at the top of the slipway (the sloping pier) which is hang across the old Taj. You will see some Tindals in dark blue uniform. Your Tindal has already read the booking register the previous day and will be waiting for you. If its seems hopeless, yell the boat's name in all directions. He will materialize out of the thin air or probably be in the little dinghy waiting to row you out and will back. Leave the rest to him, and walk carefully on the slipway.

Anything goes.....shorts, jeans, but a cap, sunglasses and shoes or sandals with a good grip are recommended. For a race, a water resistant stopwatch and a small multi purpose penknife will be handy. Gold chains, etc. usually fall into the sea.

The morning land breeze provides an excellent sail during the first part of the season until February. The late afternoon wind guarantees youa sail throughout the season. pay heed to the tindal's advice of how far you should go and when you should begin your return, until you know the harbour well enough. The tindal is watchful of various conditions like strong ebb tides and out of bound areas between Middle Ground and the Naval Dockyard, and the reefs like the dangerous one extending south of Oyster Rock etc. Carry sufficient drinking water.

This hasn't happened yet. And without enthusiasm new comers, it is unlikely that it will ever happen at all.