We are welcoming the return of a prestigious motor yacht club to Sussex Yacht Club.
Sussex Motor Yacht Club (SMYC), which was founded in 1907, has a colourful history of powerboat racing and early aviation. Past members have included royalty and celebrities such as Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin and Pink Floyd’s Rick Wright.
Once based here, SMYC moved to Brighton in the late 20th century and has been without a waterside base for the last 25 years.
Returning home to Shoreham will mean that SMYC will become an active tenant in our new building, bringing its members and trophies for the benefit of both clubs. However, the clubs will continue to remain distinct from each other.
Our Commodore Terry Kinch said, “We’re pleased to welcome the membership of Sussex Motor Yacht Club and look forward to developing a mutually beneficial relationship with them.
“We hope they will enjoy the current facilities that we have to offer and, from next year, our new clubhouse. I’m sure the membership of the SMYC will also benefit from our well-established boatyard and maintenance team.
“This is a great opportunity to bring two historic yachting organisations back under one roof and supports our goal of promoting water-based leisure activity locally by attracting more recreational sailors to Shoreham.”
Sussex Motor Yacht Club Commodore, James Humphrys said, “This is a most timely and appropriate affiliation. We are determined that SMYC will become a helpful supporter of Sussex Yacht Club as it flourishes in its new premises.
“SMYC brings the prestige of its history, trophies and a Royal Warrant to fly the blue ensign. As Sussex Yacht Club promotes activity afloat, SMYC will lend support to this as well as its future aspiration to encourage environmentally friendly propulsion systems in boats. We hope to be something of pride in mid Sussex.”
Posted: November 27th 2019
