Cardiff Bay Yacht Club

Founded in 1932 as Penarth Motor Boat and Sailing Club, we became Cardiff Bay Yacht Club in 1999, and our club has gone from strength to strength over the best part of a century. Thanks to those who came before us, we are fortunate to be located on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. Today, the club is one of Wales’s premier water sports clubs. We offer an active dinghy section for youth and adults, competitive yachting and sports-boat racing, a thriving angling section, a large cruising cohort, and an ever-increasing social calendar. The club was originally founded by a group of working-class boating enthusiasts living in and around Penarth, South Wales. Even during WWII, the club’s associations were not entirely broken. Several members continued to meet regularly at Penarth Social Club, often entertaining fellow members on leave from the Forces. In 1945, club activities resumed, and in 1947, the first clubhouse was established following the purchase of a small townhouse in Penarth for just £300. This remained the club’s home until 1958, when increased membership and growing interest led to the acquisition of a new lease for larger premises on Penarth Dock. In the early 1970s, the Penarth Dock Complex was purchased by a developer, which compelled the club to relocate. It was at this time that negotiations began for the club’s current location in Ely Harbour. In 1973, with help from the National Sports Council, the club built a clubhouse, slipway, changing rooms, and showers. The club is very proud of its history, and the move to new premises meant that, in addition to our own club history, we inherited local heritage—such as Ely Harbour. The northern entrance is located beneath the club car park, and the frame is still visible today within the club grounds. To this day, members of the public visit the club to view the impressive remains. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the club continued to grow. In 1985, to accommodate further growth in membership, development of a new clubhouse facility was set in motion. In 1998, after many years of seeking planning permission and securing new tenure leases, the new clubhouse was officially opened by H.R.H. The Princess Royal. In 2001, the club purchased the land which is now home to the club. Then in 2014, to support further expansion, a new development plan was submitted. In 2023, a plan was agreed, with building work commencing in December 2024. Thanks to countless hours committed by volunteers and a dedicated team of builders, the project was completed in May 2025. The results were outstanding! Our clubhouse now boasts two bars with stunning bay views. The Clubhouse Bar & Restaurant, with its panoramic outlook, is open five days a week and features a popular dining space. The venue hosts a wide range of social events, including live music, afternoon tea, stand-up comedy, and even a popular drag night. The changing rooms and toilets have been reconfigured and refitted to a premium standard. The Training Centre has also gained a dedicated, fully functioning training room within the clubhouse, providing a spacious environment for pre-sailing briefings and theory workshops. Since reopening, usage of the new facilities has exceeded expectations—and we believe this is only the beginning.