royal corinthian yacht club cowes

COWES CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB

Tel Office: 01983 296333 

Email: [email protected]  

Club History

The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club was founded in 1952 by Tiny Mitchell, a well-known east coast sailor who was commodore of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at Burnham.  Tiny spent much of his time at Cowes as he found the sailing in the Solent more suitable for his 6 metre yacht.  Tiny identified the plot of land now occupied by the Club as being suitable for the local sailors to build their own club and also allow them to store and launch their boats.  He acquired the site for £500 and the locals took over and did the rest.  Tiny was elected as the first commodore and held that position until he died in 1964.

Remarkably in 1953, only months after it was founded, the Club ran a Round the Island race for dinghies.  This caused huge controversy in the national, local and yachting press but fortunately the weather was almost perfect with light to moderate breeze allowing the 180 boat fleet to get round safely.  Remarkably the first two boats on elapsed time finished within one second of each other, Ian Proctor crewed by John Oakley and Cliff Norbury sailing the prototype Osprey just pipped Claude Nethercot in what went on to become the 505.  Uffa Fox trailed behind by 5 minutes in his 18 foot Jollyboat.

Since then the Club has gone on to run major championships including the Flying Fifteen Worlds, Sonar Worlds, two J24 Europeans and numerous national and regional championships for classes such as Etchells, Dragons, Flying Fifteens, Sonatas and Impalas. 

Club facilities have evolved considerably since the 1950s when there was limited access from a concrete hard standing using a hand operated davit plus mud berths for members boats.  Today there are first class dry sailing facilities and a modern marina for members’ boats.  This has been achieved by the hard work of the members which is the ethos of the Club.

A history of the first 55 years of the CCYC by Diana Cave is available from the Office.

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Royal Corinthian Yacht Club

Aug 1, 2014 | Company profiles

The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club’s home at Castle Hill in Cowes was established in 1948 by yachtsman Tiny Mitchell. The club itself dates back to 1872, founded in Erith, in Kent. Since 1999 the Royal Corinthian in Cowes has been a fully-fledged members club, providing social activities, private parties, sailing events and regattas. While there is usually a throng of eaters and drinkers enjoying the fine food and wine, taking in the views across the lawn and down to the Solent, there is always room for more.

“Essentially we are a party club and our members are our shareholders,” explains Donna Redford, the Club Secretary. “We have approximately 800 members, very varied in their age group and geography, ranging from cadet members to our senior members. Naturally virtually all of our members are of the sailing fraternity. About a tenth of our members are offshore racers, specialist ocean sailors. They will always be members because it is a huge part of their life.”

A large proportion of the club’s members are mainland based and some are overseas, with Islanders accounting for a quarter of the membership.

“It does affect the footfall at the club,” explains Donna. “Our mainland and overseas visitors are usually only here for a specific regatta that they’re racing in, or for Cowes Week. Otherwise we’re extremely reliant on our very loyal local members who regularly visit the club for events, parties or Sunday lunches.  A lot of our members do have second homes here and will arrive for the weekend on Friday night.”

The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club has a fine location on the edge of Cowes Parade overlooking the Royal Yacht Squadron. It’s a sizable venue too, with scope for marquees and barbecues, accommodation offered in 12 bedrooms, plus various sized meeting rooms.

“I think our position makes us distinct from any other club,” says Donna. “ There is no question in my mind that we have the best location in Cowes.  We’re elevated, with fantastic views of the Solent, and our land offers the opportunity to host much bigger events. Our famous Royal Corinthian Barbecue seems to run all summer. We host events and barbecues and parties almost all year round and that’s what sustains the club. We’ve also got various sized rooms that can accommodate a small, private, 8 person dinner, up to a huge party of 250 people. In the summer we add marquees to double the capacity of our existing building.”

Like any club, there are rules at the Royal Corinthian, and one of those is that “members come first”. Non-members can still book the club for meals, dinners or parties but with a different fee structure. “Our members have specific rights and will always get first choice and priority,” explains Donna. “For our visitors, our accommodation is available Monday to Thursday and all of our other facilities, whether that’s breakfasts, lunches or training rooms, can be booked each weekday. Outside of the sailing season we can be a little more flexible’’.

The sailing season starts in April and peaks in August with Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Cowes Week. This year the club has opened their Corinthian Café and Grill, which doubles their capacity for entertaining on the terrace in the summer months.  During Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week itself the whole club will be full, with a Launch Party on the 1 st Friday night then on the Saturday Vice Commodore Amanda Dreyer will welcome 350 guests to a Cocktail Party followed by dinner. There’s a Venetian-themed Masquerade Ball on the Tuesday, culminating with the fireworks and the Red Arrows closing the Friday night. It is, as Donna says, “crazy busy but always very exciting!”

From that peak on firework night, the club’s business starts to ebb. “Once the sailing activity fades away, so does a lot of our membership,” says Donna. “By the end of August visiting sailors start to dwindle away. Our season is fairly short lived, probably only half of the year, and we have to look at how we maintain the club and its overheads from September through April. We have to look at other ways of bringing in revenue and fully utilising the club facilities.”

In the autumn and winter months the club hosts members’ events, including parties, club suppers and prize-givings. The year concludes with a ‘Nearly New Year’s Eve’ party for the members and their guests. A programme of member events runs throughout the year, put together and organised by a committee of volunteering club members.

Although a members club isn’t a traditional commercial business, it does have to be financially successful. Whilst its members are the club’s “shareholders”, they are also customers to a degree, bringing income to the club.

“My job is to encourage them to come to events and ensure that they always have an enjoyable time with professional service,” says Donna. “We are looking to increase the number of regattas we run because we are very good at it although we have seen a decline in the number of boats entered into some of those regattas. The general economic downturn has also meant a slight decline in our membership, although our numbers are stable. Sailing is a wonderful sport but in the current climate it isn’t a necessity for most. We have felt that, just like every other club.”

As well as keeping the numbers up across the year, Donna is also keeping an eye on the year-on-year figures.

“We’ve been here for many, many years and we have to plan for what happens in the future. We have an ageing membership; younger members may want something different from the club. We have to constantly look at what we can provide and do differently to appeal to a wider audience”.

The Royal Corinthian does enjoy good relationships with mainland yachting clubs, including the Royal Southern and the Royal Southampton. “They use our facilities quite a lot and we run joint rallies,” explains Donna. “They like to finish in Cowes and come and have a party here, which works for us. They like to be involved in Cowes.”

As well as hosting more events and engaging with the club’s members, Donna wants to grow the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club by working more closely with Island businesses.

“Historically we haven’t engaged with the Island’s community and we’ve probably looked after ourselves. We do have a lot to offer. We have a reputation for first-class food, an extensive wine list, and professional front of house staff. Our three senior front of house staff have been here for over 20 years. Our caterer is Cowes born and bred and uses locally sourced produce in our menus. We can cater for anything from 8 to 300 people, from a relaxed barbecue to a formal dinner.” “We’re proud of what we have and we are supported throughout the year by a core local membership. Many of our members have been in business, many of them locally, and we like to see our members engage with links to businesses. Our function rooms provide great corporate facilities, for training or board meetings and we can provide whiteboards, projectors and teas and coffees.”

“We’re now at the point where we need to be more involved with the local community and that’s something I’m keen for us to do. Working with the Isle Of Wight Chamber of Commerce has been a foot in the door for us to talk to local businesses. I’ve already become involved with WightFibre and wherever possible we want to deal with local businesses. We have a fantastic facility here, we want to maximise its potential and we want to share it.”

The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes is offering IW Chamber members affiliation membership at preferential rates. See page 25 for full details.  

First published in the August 2014 issue of Island Business magazine. 

Island Business July / August 2024

06 sep 7:30 am 9:00 am Networking Breakfast at The Fishbourne

Event Details

Friday 6 September 2024 The Fishbourne, Fishbourne 7.30am - 9.00am IW Chamber Members - £18  per person Non-Members - £36 per person Join us for an excellent networking opportunity at The Fishbourne, with a hot

Friday 6 September 2024 The Fishbourne, Fishbourne 7.30am – 9.00am IW Chamber Members – £18  per person Non-Members – £36 per person

Join us for an excellent networking opportunity at The Fishbourne, with a hot breakfast and a great start to the business day, networking with other Chamber members. We will be sitting outside for this event if the weather is fine.

Please click here to book your place.

(Friday) 7:30 am - 9:00 am

The Fishbourne

111 Fishbourne Lane, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4EU

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06 sep 9:30 am 1:30 pm Introduction to Social Media for Business - Delivered by Hera Creative Design

Friday 6 September - Friday 20th September Fridays, 9.30am – 1.30pm IW Chamber members - Early bird offer £250+vat Normal price £299+vat Hera Creative Design’s “Introduction to Social Media for Business” is a 12-hour

Friday 6 September – Friday 20th September Fridays, 9.30am – 1.30pm IW Chamber members – Early bird offer £250+vat Normal price £299+vat

Hera Creative Design’s “Introduction to Social Media for Business” is a 12-hour comprehensive training course designed to empower businesses with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Delivered over three sessions, the course underscores the critical importance of social media in business success. With 4.2 billion active users worldwide and 73% of marketers believing that social media has been effective for their business, mastering these platforms is essential. Participants will gain valuable insights into leveraging key social media platforms, developing strategic content, and utilising analytics to drive growth and engagement.

This training ensures that businesses can effectively harness the power of social media to help achieve their marketing and branding goals.

By the end of the course, businesses will have a well-rounded understanding of how to strategically leverage these platforms to drive engagement, build brand awareness, and achieve their marketing objectives.

This course is delivered by Hera Creative Design

(Friday) 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

06 sep 11:00 am 1:00 pm Tour of Blackgang Chine Land of the Imagination

Friday 6 September 2024 Blackgang Chine 11.00am - 1.00pm IW Chamber Members - FREE The team at Blackgang Chine Land of the Imagination would like to invite members for a Tour on Friday 6th

Friday 6 September 2024 Blackgang Chine 11.00am – 1.00pm IW Chamber Members – FREE

The team at Blackgang Chine Land of the Imagination would like to invite members for a Tour on Friday 6th September at 11am. There will be refreshments, networking, the chance to ask questions and an opportunity to get a glimpse of behind the scenes. Spaces are limited and will fill quickly

(Friday) 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Blackgang Chine

Blackgang, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2HN

10 sep 9:30 am 1:00 pm Course: "Boost Your Business: Transform Your Website into a Sales Powerhouse” – Delivered by Chris Court

Tuesday 10 September 2024 Ryde Cricket Club 9.30am – 1.00pm IW Chamber members - FREE Limited Availability Are you looking to maximise the potential of your website and turn it into a powerful sales tool?

Tuesday 10 September 2024 Ryde Cricket Club 9.30am – 1.00pm IW Chamber members – FREE Limited Availability

Are you looking to maximise the potential of your website and turn it into a powerful sales tool? Join us for an engaging and practical workshop. This morning course is designed for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs who want to leverage their online presence to drive sales and grow their business.

This course is delivered by Chris Court

(Tuesday) 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Ryde Cricket Club

Ryde Cricket Club, Whitefield Campsite, Brading, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1QL

11 sep 9:00 am 11:00 am Networking Brunch at The Garlic Farm

Wednesday 11 September 2024 The Garlic Farm 9.00am - 11.00am IW Chamber Members - £20 per person Non-Members - £40 per person An ideal opportunity for informal networking in the great setting of The Garlic

Wednesday 11 September 2024 The Garlic Farm 9.00am – 11.00am IW Chamber Members – £20 per person Non-Members – £40 per person

An ideal opportunity for informal networking in the great setting of The Garlic Farm. It’s a smaller alternative to our breakfast event – join us for brunch, with a capacity for 30 people. If you’re new to networking or prefer smaller events, our Brunch is the perfect way to get connected with like-minded business people.

(Wednesday) 9:00 am - 11:00 am

The Garlic Farm

The Garlic Farm, Mersley Ln, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0NR

18 sep 3:30 pm 5:00 pm Coffee and Cake Networking

Wednesday 18 September 2024 Caffe Isola, Newport 3.30pm - 5.00pm IW Chamber members - FREE Non-Members - £10 Join us for free, informal networking and a superb way to meet other members. A mid-week, late

Wednesday 18 September 2024 Caffe Isola, Newport 3.30pm – 5.00pm IW Chamber members – FREE Non-Members – £10

Join us for free, informal networking and a superb way to meet other members. A mid-week, late afternoon opportunity to catch up with other members over hot drinks and something sweet.

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

(Wednesday) 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Caffe Isola

85A St James' St, Newport, PO30 1LG

23 sep 9:00 am 4:00 pm Emergency First Aid at Work Course – Delivered by Good Skills Training

Monday 23 September 2024 YMCA, Shanklin 9.00am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members - £74 +vat per person This one-day course is designed to give delegates the knowledge, skills and confidence to help those that

Monday 23 September 2024 YMCA, Shanklin 9.00am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members – £74 +vat per person

This one-day course is designed to give delegates the knowledge, skills and confidence to help those that have become unconscious, and those with minor injuries. The Emergency First Aid at Work Course also looks at the responsibilities of the Emergency First Aider. On successfully completing this course, attendees will be confident, safe, prompt and effective emergency first aider.

 £74 +vat per person (this includes the certificate and manual)

This course is delivered by Good Skills Training.

(Monday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6HU

24 sep 9:30 am 4:00 pm Course: Unleashing Potential through Strengths Discovery – Delivered by Alison Thorogood

Tuesday 24 September 2024 Venue tbc 9.30am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members - £160 +vat per person This immersive workshop is designed to introduce managers to the concept of strengths-based approaches. It will shift

Tuesday 24 September 2024 Venue tbc 9.30am – 4.00pm IW Chamber members – £160 +vat per person

This immersive workshop is designed to introduce managers to the concept of strengths-based approaches. It will shift their mindset and equip them with practical tools to enhance team performance and well-being. Participants will explore the benefits of focusing on strengths, both for themselves and their teams, and learn how to apply strengths-based principles in their day-to-day tasks.

Objectives: • Embrace the transformative impact of strengths on individual and team performance. • Discover and appreciate personal strengths. • Cultivate the skills of recognising and nurturing strengths in others. • Explore practical strategies to leverage strengths for optimising team performance and fostering well-being.

Course Outline: 1. Embracing Strengths: The cornerstone of positive psychology 2. Celebrating Personal Strengths: Your pathway to success 3. Amplifying Your Impact: Mastering the art of playing to your strengths 4. Illuminating Strengths: The art of spotting strengths within your team 5. Fostering Brilliance: Building high-performance teams through strengths

All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to embrace the limitless potential of strengths-based approaches. Come prepared to dive into a world of possibility and empowerment!

This course is delivered by Alison Thorogood

(Tuesday) 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

25 sep 9:30 am 4:00 pm Red Funnel Business Start Up Course

We offer new businesses the opportunity to take their ideas from paper into practice. We offer a business seminar aimed at people who are starting a business. Get the tools

We offer new businesses the opportunity to take their ideas from paper into practice. We offer a business seminar aimed at people who are starting a business. Get the tools you need to take your idea from the drawing board to the real world.

This course is suitable for those with a business idea they wish to progress, through to those who have been in business for six months. We will take you through all the various aspects that need to be considered including: Market research, cash flow forecast, tax, national insurance, VAT, making tax digital, marketing, business names, bookkeeping, insurance, social media and websites, closing with an introduction to your business plan.

The one day workshop is delivered by an experienced business mentor, in a friendly manner, allowing you to get as many questions answered as possible. You will be spending a day with other like-minded people, embarking on the same journey, with the opportunity to network and share knowledge.

When starting in business you have to wear many hats, some fit well and others need adjustment. Come along and find out which areas you might need help with.

Please note there is a £5 admin fee for this course.

This course is available for non-members.

To book a place on the course please click here.

(Wednesday) 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce

Unit S1, Branstone Business Park, Branstone, Isle of Wight, PO36 0EQ

30 sep 9:00 am 12:30 pm Fire Marshal Course – Delivered by Good Skills Training

Monday 30 September 2024 YMCA, Shanklin 9.00am – 12.30pm IW Chamber members - £65 +vat per person This Fire Marshal Course, delivered by Good Skills Training is a half day course designed specifically

Monday 30 September 2024 YMCA, Shanklin 9.00am – 12.30pm IW Chamber members – £65 +vat per person

This Fire Marshal Course, delivered by Good Skills Training is a half day course designed specifically for those who have been designated with the responsibilities of Fire Marshal or Fire Warden.  The course will look at the legal responsibilities of both the company and the individual.  By the end of this course learners will understand what their duties as a fire marshal are.  

 £65 +vat per person (this includes the certificate and manual)

(Monday) 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

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Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club

Email: [email protected] Phone: 01983 296333 Website: ccyc.org.uk Address: 39 Birmingham Road, Cowes PO31 7BH

The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club was founded in 1952 by Tiny Mitchell, a well-known east coast sailor who was commodore of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at Burnham.  Tiny found sailing in the Solent more suitable for his 6 metre yacht.  Tiny identified the plot of land now occupied by the Club as being suitable for the local sailors to build their own club and also allow them to store and launch their boats.  He acquired the site for £500 and the locals took over and did the rest.  Tiny was elected as the first commodore and held that position until he died in 1964.

Remarkably in 1953, only months after it was founded, the Club ran a Round the Island race for dinghies.  This caused huge controversy in the national, local and yachting press but fortunately the weather was almost perfect with light to moderate breeze allowing the 180 boat fleet to get round safely.  Since then the Club has gone on to run major championships including the Flying Fifteen Worlds, Sonar Worlds, two J24 Europeans and numerous national and regional championships for classes such as Etchells, Dragons, Flying Fifteens, Sonatas and Impalas. 

Club facilities have evolved considerably since the 1950s when there was limited access from a concrete hard standing using a hand operated davit plus mud berths for members boats.  Today there are first class dry sailing facilities and a modern marina for members’ boats.  This has been achieved by the hard work of the members which is the ethos of the Club.

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• Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

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Royal Corinthian Yacht Club

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The Corinthian Yacht Club started life a long way from Cowes, at Erith, Kent, where it was founded in 1872. It operated from a number of locations on the East Coast of England before settling in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, where it received its Royal Warrant in 1892 and where the 'Northern' branch of the Club continues to thrive to this day.

Castle Hill

+44 1983 293581

+44 1983 294385

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[email protected]

http://www.rcyc.co.uk/

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