University of Plymouth Yacht Club (UPYC)
Whether you’re completely new to sailing or already racing, the UPYC is a great way to get out on the water, meet new people and make the most of being at university.
The University of Plymouth Yacht Club (UPYC) is an active and welcoming club open to all University of Plymouth students, regardless of ability or experience. We sail two J80s from the Royal Western Yacht Club, just a short walk from the Barbican, with regular opportunities for cruising, racing, training and socialising.
With space for up to seven people on each boat, our sessions are a great way to learn, build confidence and enjoy sailing with friends and teammates.
Sailing & Cruising
We run three recreational sailing sessions each week in Plymouth Sound on Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays. Sessions cost just £5.00.
We also organise longer sailing trips throughout the year, including:
- Cawsand Cruise – a sociable sail to Cawsand in Cornwall, allowing you to explore the areas around Plymouth.
- Summer Cruise – an extended sailing trip exploring new destinations. In June 2026, we sailed along the coast of Sicily.
Racing
For those looking to get into racing, we run regular race training and opportunities to get involved in competitive sailing. Our activities include:
- Weekly race training
- Meet the Skippers, helping members find opportunities to crew on yachts in Plymouth Sound
- Opportunities to crew on larger IRC yachts through our affiliation with the Royal Western Yacht Club
- BUSA Student Yachting Nationals
- Trophée de l’Ile Pelée, a European University J80 Sailing Cup hosted in Cherbourg
- University Sailing League, a keelboat racing series
- Our annual University Match Racing Event
You don’t need racing experience to get involved, our race training sessions are designed to help members develop their skills and progress towards racing teams.
Training
We offer a range of opportunities to develop both practical and theoretical sailing skills, including:
- Practical and theory training sessions
- Knots, navigation and other sailing theory
- Discounted VHF, Day Skipper Theory and Coastal Skipper Theory courses
- Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper practical courses
Socials
There is much more to UPYC than sailing! We run social events throughout the year, including:
- Weekly Wednesday night socials
- Bowling, quizzes and other sober socials
- Christmas Dinner
- Our annual Colours Awards Formal Dinner
- Beach socials and BBQs during the warmer months
Socials and club activities are advertised through our Instagram and WhatsApp group, so there’s always something to get involved in.
Match Racing
Each year, the UPYC hosts a University Match Racing Event, bringing teams from universities across the country to Plymouth to compete.
Our 2026 event took place in March, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more universities and sailors for the 2027 event in March.
Get Involved
Whether you want to learn to sail, improve your skills, get into racing, join a cruise or simply meet people and get involved in the social side of the club, UPYC has something for everyone.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us or speak to a member of the committee.
Email: secretary.upyc@gmail.com
Instagram: @upyachtclub
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPyachtclub
We also have a private WhatsApp group where we share the latest information about sailing sessions, socials and trips. Send us a message to join!