As Asia’s nautical hub, Hong Kong is home to a number of well-known yacht clubs, each with its own unique features, fee structure, membership privileges and membership requirements. In this article, we will introduce the three major yacht clubs in Hong Kong: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), Hebe Haven Yacht Club (HHYC) and Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC) in detail, and compare their differences and features to help readers choose the most suitable yacht club for them.
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC)
Founded & History :
Founded in 1894, RHKYC is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Hong Kong with a history of over 170 years. The club retained the title of “Royal” after the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, demonstrating its international prestige.
Location:
With three main locations: Gilled Island (Causeway Bay), Chung Island (Repulse Bay) and Typhoon Shelter (Sai Kung), the club covers both urban and suburban areas, offering a diverse nautical environment.
Dues:
The membership fees are as follows (the data is for reference only, and the details are subject to the actual situation):
- Ordinary Single Membership: Entrance fee HK$91,800, monthly fee HK$2,000 – HK$4,260
- Ordinary Couple: Entrance fee HK$137,700, monthly fee HK$2,000 – HK$4,260
- Personal Bond Membership: HK$1,875,000
- Corporate Nominee Membership: HK$2,250,000
- Short-term Membership: No initiation fee, but a higher monthly fee, for members who intend to reside in Hong Kong for not more than two years and must be at least 29 years old.
Membership Privileges:
Members can enjoy the following privileges:
- Sailing and rowing facilities are located across three locations, including sailing lessons, events and training centers.
- Diverse dining options such as the Compass Room fine dining restaurant, bar and deck dining area.
- Onshore facilities include swimming pools, bowling alleys, gyms, squash courts, and more.
- Participating in social events, events (such as the Tour of the Islands) and environmental protection programs, the club is Gold certified Clean Regattas – Sailors for the Sea.
- Use of the clubhouse facilities and reciprocal rights with other international yacht clubs, such as Reciprocal Membership | The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.
Membership Requirements:
A proposer within the club is required for general membership and the application processing time is 2-6 weeks. Short-term membership requires a minimum of 29 years of age and proof of sailing or rowing experience. Members must have an interest in sailing or rowing.
Peculiarity:
- Steeped in history and internationally prestigious, it is suitable for enthusiasts looking for a high-end sailing experience.
- The facilities are the most complete, covering sailing, rowing, dining, entertainment and other aspects, with an emphasis on competitive and social sailing activities.
- Actively participate in environmental protection and sustainable development, suitable for high-end sailing enthusiasts and international exchanges.
Hebe Haven Yacht Club (HHYC)
Founded & History :
HHYC was established in 1963 and is located in Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, with the aim of promoting nautical activities and providing facilities.
Location:
Located in Pak Sha Wan, the club is located in a beautiful setting for sailing activities away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Dues:
The membership fees are as follows (the data is for reference only, and the details are subject to the actual situation):
- According to age rating :
- Aged 21-24: HK$18,150
- Aged 25-30: HK$36,000
- Over 30 years old: HK$72,600
- The above is the cost of renewable membership, and the monthly fee is not specified.
Membership Privileges:
Members can enjoy the following privileges:
- Access to marina berths, anchor berths, hard moorings and dinghy locations for a total of 56 berths.
- Participate in sailing lessons (including youth sailing training), events (such as the Typhoon Series) and social events.
- Access to the clubhouse facilities, including a bar, restaurant and outdoor dining area, which is known for serving the best food.
- Friendly atmosphere, suitable for families and beginners, with special encouragement for young people to participate in sailing activities.
Membership Requirements:
The Club welcomes visiting yachtsmen and other overseas yacht club members. Youth members can be converted to Union or Premium Associate Members, with fees reduced based on the number of years of youth membership; Junior members must be under 18 years of age. The application process is simple, but you need to submit an application form and pass the review.
Peculiarity:
- Family-oriented, with a focus on the leisure nature of sailing and sailing activities, suitable for novices and young adults.
- Compared with other yacht clubs, the fees are more reasonable, and it is one of the most cost-effective yacht clubs in Hong Kong.
- The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and beautiful, perfect for a relaxing sailing away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC)
Founded & History :
Founded in 1967 and located in Aberdeen, ABC offers a comprehensive range of nautical facilities.
Location:
The club is located in Aberdeen, close to the city, with convenient transportation for long-term mooring and sailing activities.
Dues:
The membership fees are as follows (the data is for reference only, and the details are subject to the actual situation):
- Bond Members: Entrance Fee HK$1,380,000, Monthly Fee HK$1,670 x 4, Minimum Food & Beverage Spending HK$380 x 4, Building Duty HK$288 x 4, Nomination Fee HK$25,000, Transfer Fee HK$138,000
- Nominee Members: Entrance Fee HK$404,000, Monthly Fee HK$1,670, Minimum Food and Beverage Spending HK$380, Construction Duty HK$288, Nomination Fee HK$25,000, Transfer Fee HK$80,800
- United/Ordinary Members: Entrance Fee HK$108,000, Monthly Fee HK$1,670, Minimum Food & Beverage Spend HK$380, Building Tax HK$288
- Short-term Members: Entrance Fee HK$54,000, Monthly Fee HK$1,670, Minimum Food & Beverage Spend HK$380, Construction Tax HK$288
- Weekday Members: Entrance Fee HK$46,000, Monthly Fee HK$960, Minimum Food & Beverage Spend HK$380, Construction Tax HK$288
- Youth Membership:
- Aged 18-21: No entrance fee, monthly fee of HK$210, minimum food and beverage spending of HK$350
- 22-25 years old: Admission fee of HK$5,000, monthly fee of HK$500, minimum food and beverage spending of HK$350
- Aged 26-29: Entrance fee of HK$10,000, monthly fee of HK$750, minimum food and beverage spending of HK$350
Membership Privileges:
Members can enjoy the following privileges:
- Offering a full range of offshore facilities, including marina berths, dock services, fuel stations and waste treatment facilities.
- Dining, social activities and other services such as outdoor swimming pools, bowling alleys, ice rinks, etc.
- Different membership types offer different levels of access to facilities for both long-term and short-term berths.
- Boat berthing services are available, including wet and dry berths, to suit different vessel needs.
Membership Requirements:
An application form is required, a referee and a second referee are required, the application is reviewed by the General Committee, and the successful candidate will be invited for an interview, which takes 2-3 months. Youth membership is required to participate in an ongoing sailing or sailing activity.
Peculiarity:
- A variety of membership types are available to suit different needs (from short-term to long-term), including high-end bond memberships.
- Comprehensive facilities for long-term mooring and social events, conveniently located close to the city.
- Membership for different budgets, especially youth memberships, to encourage young people to participate.
Differences and characteristics of each yacht club
The table below compares the key differences between the three major yacht clubs:
| Yacht Club | RHKYC | HHYC | ABC |
| Founded | Year 1894 | 1963 year | 1967 year |
| location | Causeway Bay, Repulse Bay, Sai Kung | Saigon | Aberdeen |
| Level of contributions | High (Standard Single HK$91,800) | Medium (30 years old and above: HK$72,600) | High and low (HK$1,380,000 bond, HK$46,000 on weekdays) |
| characteristic | Steeped in history, well-equipped and internationally prestigious | Affordable, family-oriented, casual atmosphere | Diversified membership, comprehensive facilities, and convenient transportation |
| Suitable for people | High-end sailing enthusiast and social strong | Families, beginners, leisure enthusiasts | Membership with different needs (short-term/long-term) |
| Main activities: | Sailing races, island races, social events | Sailing training, summer events, family activities | Sailing lessons, races, boat maintenance |
conclusion
Each of the three major yacht clubs in Hong Kong has its own merits, and choosing which one to choose depends on an individual’s budget, sailing interests and social needs. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club attracts high-end sailing enthusiasts with its history and high-end facilities; Baishawan Yacht Club attracts families and beginners with its affordable prices and friendly atmosphere; Aberdeen Yacht Club caters to the needs of different levels of membership with its diverse membership options and comprehensive facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, you’ll find a haven for yourself at one of these yacht clubs.
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