Yacht Club members plot course for £3.3m redevelopment

Tuesday 26 March 2024

A makeover of the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club's “structurally tired” clubhouse is on the horizon after members voted to pursue a multi-million-pound redevelopment at their recent annual general meeting.

The partial rebuild, which would see the creation of a new ground- and first-floor extension with improved facilities and dining areas, was one of three redevelopment options presented to members for consideration.

A summary report presented ahead of the meeting explained that, beyond routine maintenance, the existing building in St Aubin was “structurally very tired” with both construction and electrical work needed.

It added that, due to “the success of sailing”, improved training, changing and storage facilities were also required.

Pictured: Members voted in favour of a partial rebuild of the clubhouse with with improved facilities and dining areas. (RCIYC/ARCADIS)

“The time is right for members to consider options to carry a fully inclusive yacht club forward into the future,” the report stated.

“The additional space offered by option three [the partial rebuild] provides for two potential training areas, improved and extended showering facilities and increased storage space.”

Building a new “purpose-built” club was also among the other options presented to members, but the partial rebuild – estimated to cost £3.3m – proved the most popular, receiving 62 of the 129 votes cast.

Pictured: Commodore Jeremy Swetenham said it would be at least two years before any work could begin. (RCIYC/ARCADIS)

In an email to members, Commodore Jeremy Swetenham said the vote did not “commit the club to further expenditure”, but that it “will define the option that will go forward for more detailed feasibility and fundraising".

He added: "The work starts in earnest now. It will be a long and complex journey and is highly likely that it will be at least two years before any works can begin.”

Mr Swetenham explained that the next phase of the project – ahead of the club’s 2025 AGM – would see a feasibility study assessing building works, fundraising and profitability.

He said: “The option plan told us that, to start and complete this phase, we collectively need to raise £170,000.”