The Royal Navy yacht club was founded on April 29th, 1899 by officers of the Royal Navy. It is, and always has been, a club for Royal Navy personnel. The club is open to officers, officers-in-training and former officers of the Royal Navy and the Royal Navy Reserve. In november of 1901, the title ''Royal'' was added to the club by Queen Emma. In the first few years of the club, about 40% of the navy officers (around 350) were a part of the club.