A Brief History of B&FYC

Founded in 1906 as the "Blackpool Sailing Club", the name was changed in 1909 to the "Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club", with headquaters established in both Blackpool and Fleetwood. By 1911 the club had grown and had a membership of 102, with 30 yachts ranging from three tons to eighteen tons, and one schooner of one hundred and fifty five tons. There was also a seasons sailing programme which included fishing excursions, cruises and class and handicap races. Also organised was a yearly regatta which included a handicap race for Fleetwood Fishing Smacks, prizes of £40 were offered! The club lay dormant during the 1914-1918 war, activities were resumed in 1923, the club was again actively engaged in racing and cruising.

In 1939 the first efforts to establish dinghies were made, six 14ft dinghies were ordered from Messrs Wrights of Ipswich, at a cost of £25.10.0 each. The club offered to pay two thirds of the cost for any members willing to buy one. Six members agreed and the boats raced during the summer of 1939. The Second World War stopped further activities until 1946, by which time the dinghy fleet had dispersed.

By 1950 the club realised that there was a shortage of younger members, so it was decided that the club should promote a class of Yachting World Cadet Dinghies. The Commodore visited local schools in Blackpool, Kirkham and Fleetwood offering free kits to build them. Four schools accepted and two club members also bought complete boats. Dinghy sailing at the club was now fully established and since then has thrived along side the offshore fleet.

The current clubhouse was build in 1962 on the same site as the original wooden hut. Today there are around 300 members, 150 yachts and 100 dinghies many of which race regularly.

 

(Extracted from "The Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club, A Short History." by Roy Frost.)

Interesting fact: In 2006, as part of its centenary celebrations, the club was visited by HRH The Princess Royal, in her capacity as President of the RYA.