All ashore for A Boater’s Rendezvous with Copenhagen and The Royal Danish Yacht Club – Part 2
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes – ABR* – Picture this—you’re cruising through the salty air and cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital. There’s the fairy-tale allure of castles, the irresistible pull of mouthwatering Danish pastries, and that ineffable “Hygge” vibe that’s as cozy as your grandma’s knit sweaters. But what if I told you there’s a hidden nautical treasure?
The highlight of our visit to beautiful Copenhagen was finding a hidden gem—the legendary Royal Danish Yacht Club (RDYC), a place that’s steeped in maritime majesty. And here’s the kicker—you don’t need to be a card-carrying member to dine in their on-site restaurant. That’s right, landlubbers and seafarers alike can dine in royal splendor without being a member!
So if you’ve got saltwater in your veins and a hankering for adventures that come with a side of elegance, look no further. The Royal Danish Yacht Club isn’t just a pit stop; it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget. This is one nautical chapter you’ll want to add to your Copenhagen storybook.
Rendezvous with the Royal Danish Yacht Club
After a quick twenty-minute cab ride from the heart of Copenhagen, the prestigious and storied Royal Danish Yacht Club pops into view. This institution is more than a place of sailing excellence and Denmark’s maritime heritage—it’s a symbol that floats like a proud pennant. You can almost feel the aura of centuries-old legacy and hear the whispers of countless nautical narratives. Recognized across the United States with twelve reciprocation club partners, the RDYC certainly isn’t an unknown quantity, either. Among their twelve club partners are the Annapolis Yacht Club, The Center Club, Stamford Yacht Club, Seattle Yacht Club, St. Francis Yacht Club, and Chicago Yacht Club.
Established in the 18th century, the RDYC boasts a fascinating history that mirrors the evolution of sailing and yachting. Originally formed as a society of sailing enthusiasts, the club has evolved into a royal institution over time, garnering recognition and patronage from the monarchy. This regal association has only enhanced the club’s status, attracting distinguished members and elevating its prominence in the global yachting community.
At the heart of the RDYC lies an insatiable passion for sailing. From helping greenhorns find their sea legs to offering veterans a chance to further hone their skills, the club has something for every sailor. Add to that a bustling calendar of yacht races and regattas, and you’ve got a maritime festival that never ends!
Beyond the thrill of the race, the RDYC is also big on charity and conservation. Beach clean-ups, sustainable sailing practices, and educational programs are just a few of the club’s endeavors to preserve the waters they cherish.
The membership
The club counts Queen Margrethe Alexandrine Þorhildur Ingrid among its 2,500-strong membership. The club’s ties with the Royal Family and other Royal Yacht Clubs across Sweden and Norway underscore its stature.
The clubhouse serves as a hub for social gatherings and a center for yacht-related activities, strengthening the bonds between members and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
A state-of-the-art marina
The crown jewel of the RDYC is undoubtedly its state-of-the-art marina. It’s more than a safe harbor for boats–it’s a haven of elegance and functionality. The RDYC’s ethos of eco-friendliness is mirrored in its marina, making it a beacon of sustainability in the yachting community.
The marina, a feat of private ownership, stands tall amidst high-end waterfront condos and offices. I caught up with Jeff Beck, the harbor master, who confirmed that soon a couple of American vessels would be arriving. He also mentioned that visitors flying in can charter boats to experience the Danish waters—talk about a royal treat!
A fun fact
Fun fact: the Royal Family loves their summer trips around Copenhagen aboard their ship. Jeff said, “They do a trip around Copenhagen. So right now we’ve got them as well as the Norwegian royal ship. They have been here since yesterday, both of the ships, both the Danish Queen’s ship and the Norwegian King’s ship. They have never been together before—this is the first time they are sailing together.”
Curious about the boating season in Copenhagen, I asked Jeff, who told me that it starts on April 1 and ends on November 15. “What about the long, dark winters?” I queried. “Oh, there are some who brave the freezing weather,” he said, assuring me that the crystal-clear water on beautiful winter days makes it all worth it. Apparently, the experience of super long nights belongs to the Arctic Circle region to their north, but not in Denmark. During the winter months, they have eight to nine hours of daylight, enough time to have pleasure-boating fun.
Finally, something else that piqued my curiosity—none of the boats sported registration numbers. Jeff explained that this historical quirk was due to everyone knowing each other’s boats, negating the need for such formalities. Privacy and tradition in one neat package—now that’s an idea that’s sure to make waves!
Talk about a truly private spot for yachts of all sizes! Jeff also shared his grand vision of building additional docks suitable for super yachts. When that is done, I am sure it will be a perfect visiting spot for them as well.
Promoting sustainability
Furthering its commitment to sustainable practices, the RDYC has provided a few berths to RAND Boats, an electric boat company based in Copenhagen. As Jeff put it, “I wanted to promote more sustainability and more electric boating in the harbor…They are a pretty active group and bring a lot of energy to the harbor.”
The idea is simple yet ingenious—become a member of RAND’s boat club, book a boat for a few hours or every day, and enjoy the thrill of boating without any ecological guilt. Known for their innovative sports boats, RAND Boats offers electric and gas-powered options in the U.S., as well.
In a delightful deviation from the norm, the yacht club’s restaurant, Club Royal, is open to the public. Now everyone can dine in style and soak in the great views of the marina.
As we discussed in Part 1 of this post, the Little Mermaid statue is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen. Interestingly, the RDYC has a smaller version of it in their clubhouse, keeping an eye on their many trophies. Sadly, even this little mermaid (pun intended) has been battered by thieves trying to steal her. Thanks to the rock that she is perched upon—and bolted to—they failed in their efforts.
One of the standout boats at the marina was a navy-colored sailboat named DROMME | SIGTE. Preparing to sail across the globe, this vessel will soon be the seafaring home for two adventurous Danish women in their mid-twenties. They departed soon after our visit. Their goal? To explore the wildest dive sites on earth. Here’s to grand adventures and brave hearts!
Jeff himself is no stranger to the allure of the ocean. When asked what boat ownership means to him, he responded with a heartfelt, “Freedom and especially family time. When we are on the water, we just have a great time as a family. It is because it’s a small space and you just get closer. We just have the best quality time when we are on the water as a family.”
This statement to me encapsulates the Danish concept of ‘Hygge,’ a unique cultural term that signifies a sense of comfort, coziness, and well-being derived from enjoying the simple things in life, like spending quality time with family and friends. On that note, the Royal Danish Yacht Club is more than just a place for yachting and socializing; in its own way, it’s a hub of ‘Hygge’—a sanctuary for sustainable sailing and meaningful connections.
The clubs’s influence extends beyond the water
The Royal Danish Yacht Club’s influence extends beyond the water, with the club serving as an essential cultural institution that celebrates maritime heritage through curated exhibits, art installations, and lectures. The clubhouse’s maritime library is a treasure trove of nautical literature, chronicling the voyages of legendary sailors and the history of sailing traditions worldwide. This dedication to preserving and sharing maritime knowledge fosters a sense of appreciation for the sea’s timeless allure and the legacy of those who have sailed before.
Membership in the RDYC is a privilege cherished by many, and the camaraderie among its members forms the foundation of the club’s enduring spirit. The club’s exclusive events, member gatherings, and galas allow sailors and boat enthusiasts to forge lasting friendships while exchanging tales of seafaring adventures. This sense of belonging fosters a genuine sense of community, uniting individuals from various walks of life under the banner of a shared love for the sea.
With its historical significance, dedication to sailing excellence, and commitment to fostering maritime culture, the RDYC is well-positioned to continue to inspire generations of sailors to navigate the waters with the same passion and grace that has defined this illustrious institution for centuries. I am told that whether one is a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the sport, the RDYC opens its doors and its heart to all who seek to explore the endless horizon of the sea.
RDYC is more than just a club; it’s a sanctuary for anyone who hears the siren song of the sea. Whether you’ve dined on gourmet fare at their open-to-all restaurant or simply peeked into the marina, gazing in awe at the gleaming yachts, you’ll walk away with a newfound respect for Copenhagen’s seafaring soul and a treasure trove of memories.
So, there you have it, fellow adventurers—our nautical journey comes to an end, but only for now. After all, the sea is a realm of endless horizons and limitless possibilities. If Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Yacht Club has taught us anything, it’s that the joy of sailing isn’t reserved for the chosen few; it’s a boundless pleasure, an invitation to explore, and a timeless tradition that beckons to all of us.
Well, that’s it for now. Stay well. I hope to say hello to you if you spot my boat, Life’s AOK, in one of the locations that I’m hoping to visit in 2023.
I bid you Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Cover photo: The Royal Danish Yacht Club. Photo courtesy of KDY.
1 thing I recommend
Go there and enjoy yourself.
How easy?
*ABR stands for our new series, “A Boater’s Rendezvous.” This series focuses on our voyages to far-flung locations that we wouldn’t dare go to with our boat. Being fair-weather boaters who must see land at all times, we don’t dare to go anywhere and everywhere with our boat, Life’s AOK. So we fly in, rent a boat (with or without a skipper), and enjoy the local waters and camaraderie.
Join us on our journey of discovery of other lands where we fly in and explore the joys of boating. We’re taking you with us, through our blog, “Trips of Discovery.” In this series, we’ll take you to some of the most historic and charming cities of the world and their waters suitable for pleasure boaters like ourselves. Who knows, you might even be inspired to plan your own adventure!
My wife and I hope you’ll be able to join us on the journey, either by boat or by a combination of flying and car. Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your own insights or experiences about the locations we visit. We’d love to hear from you and keep the conversation going! And if not, don’t worry, you can still follow along as armchair travelers! So sit back, relax, and let’s embark on our Trips of Discovery of other waters.
