Part of something greater

Sailling around the world

Sailing brings people together across borders. These are the LGBTQ+ clubs and organisations we're proud to call our friends and allies.

Affilitated LGBTQ+ clubs around the world

The S&CA is part of a worldwide network of LGBTQ+ sailing clubs, and those connections make our community richer. If you're travelling, it's always worth reaching out to a local sister club - members have been warmly welcomed around the world, and we've even organised joint events together.

Visiting sailors are equally welcome at our events, and members of affiliated clubs can apply for short-term associate membership. Here are the clubs we're proud to be connected with:

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Barbary Coast Boating Club

Established in 1982, the Barbary Coast Boating Club is Northern California's premier LGBTQ+ boating experience. Based around San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, they foster camaraderie and fun for those interested in all aspects of on-water activity. Their membership spans all nine counties bordering the Bay, united by a shared love of boating.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Boys with Boats

A US-based LGBTQ+ non-profit social boating club promoting boater education, safety, and environmental stewardship. Boys with Boats has chapters across the country, including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Chicago, Washington DC, Austin, and Southern California, making it one of the most geographically diverse LGBTQ+ boating organisations in the United States.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Commodore Yachting

An RYA Training Centre based in Gosport Marina on the Solent, offering practical and theory courses from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster Ocean. They also provide bareboat and skippered yacht charter on a modern fleet of Bavaria yachts. Fully committed to inclusive sailing, they warmly welcome sailors of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels.
* Link takes you to an external site
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GLORY

The Gay and Lesbian Organisation for Racing and Yachting (GLORY) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting, coordinating, and supporting LGBTQ+ sailing and racing around the world. With an international reach, GLORY works to connect clubs, sailors, and events across borders, championing inclusion and excellence in competitive sailing.
* Link takes you to an external site
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Knickerbocker Sailing Association

A non-profit LGBTQ+ boating club based in the greater New York area, now in its 23rd year. The Knickerbocker Sailing Association encourages members who support diversity and enjoy getting out on the water together, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for sailors of all experience levels.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Olympic Yacht Club

Established in 1979, the Olympic Yacht Club brings together members and supporters of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community who enjoy boating in the Pacific Northwest. Their primary purpose is to provide safe, fun, and inclusive boating activities for members, along with their families and guests.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Open Seas Yacht Club

Founded over three decades ago, the Open Seas Yacht Club serves LGBTQ+ boaters across Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC. Originally established by a group of gay men and women who share a love of the Chesapeake Bay, their goal is to provide a safe, friendly environment that fosters camaraderie and the enjoyment of boating.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Pacific Rim Yacht Club

Based in Vancouver, Canada, the Pacific Rim Yacht Club is a gay and gay-friendly yachting group with members from Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands. Their annual Rendezvous Schedule features events throughout the year, many reachable by land. Members range from seasoned sailors to complete novices, and boat ownership is not a requirement.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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PINXEEL

Founded in the 1980s, PINXEEL is a Dutch water sports association for gay men, taking its name from a corruption of the English "Pink Sail." Now a thriving national association with over 80 members, they offer a wide range of activities both on and off the water, with most sailing centred around the Markermeer and IJsselmeer.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Rainbow Races

Founded in 2019, Rainbow Races is a US non-profit group promoting equality and diversity in sailing. Their mission is to connect the LGBTQ+ community and allies, inspire people onto the water, and motivate sailors to challenge themselves. Their inaugural Rainbow Regatta Chicago in 2019 was a huge success, and they welcome any S&CA members visiting the area.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Yankee Cruising Club

Founded in 1983, the Yankee Cruising Club brings LGBTQ+ boaters together to meet, make friends, and get out on the water. Based in the north-east USA, with members and events stretching from Maine to New York, they share a longstanding close association with the S&CA — even adapting our Lambda burgee to cement the relationship.
* Link takes you to an external site
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LGBTQ+ organisations in the UK

Beyond sailing, we're proud to support and connect with a wider network of LGBT+ organisations working to make sport and life more inclusive across the UK.

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Pride Sports

Founded in 2006, Pride Sports is one of only three organisations in the UK working solely to challenge homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in sport. They work to improve access and inclusion for LGBT+ people across all sporting disciplines, making them an important ally in the ongoing effort to make sport welcoming for everyone.
* Link takes you to an external site
Go to site *
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Royal Navy Compass

The Royal Navy's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity network, supporting LGBT+ personnel across the armed forces. The S&CA had the privilege of participating in their 2020 Compass conference, which marked 20 years since the lifting of the ban on LGBT+ people serving in the Royal Navy — a landmark moment for equality in the UK.
* Link takes you to an external site
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RYA

We believe that boating should be open and welcoming to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or ability. We want to cement the RYA’s commitment as an ally to LGBTQIA+ boaters and reiterate that anyone is welcome within our sport.
* Link takes you to an external site
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Contact

Get in touch

Have a question, or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Our volunteer team is always happy to help new members find their sea legs. Drop us a line - whether you’re ready to set sail or just curious about the club.

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