Republic of Singapore Yacht Club marked its 200th anniversary with a Bicentennial Charity Gala Dinner on February 7, 2026, at the club’s Nautica Ballroom. The event was graced by President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attended by over 130 guests, including club members, sponsors and distinguished guests, raising funds in support of the President’s Challenge.

Founded in 1826, RSYC commemorated its rich heritage through an evening reflecting tradition and a longstanding commitment to service, tracing its journey alongside Singapore’s seafaring story as it evolved into a distinctly Singaporean and multicultural institution.

The gala also marked the opening event of RSYC’s year-long bicentennial programme, designed to drive member engagement through a series of sporting and social activities held throughout 2026 and brought together significant figures who have shaped the club across generations.

This included Mr Edward Wong, Managing Director of AWP Pte Ltd and architect of the RSYC’s current clubhouse following the club’s relocation to its present premises in 1999, as well as Mr Francis Lee, RSYC’s first Singaporean Commodore. Appointed in 1985, he played a pivotal role in redefining RSYC as a national club with an international membership, while championing initiatives that strengthened sea sports development, professional training and the preservation of the club’s history.

The highlight of the evening was a charity auction, featuring a curated selection of rare and exclusive items, that contributed to a grand total of S$326,692 raised. All proceeds were directed towards The President’s Challenge 2026—a national movement launched in 2000 by RSYC’s former Patron, the late President S R Nathan, to rally Singaporeans in building a more caring and cohesive society, and to support communities in need.

“As we mark 200 years of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, this bicentennial milestone reflects our enduring maritime heritage and the values that have shaped the club generations. We are honoured to commemorate this historic occasion through a meaningful initiative in support of the President’s Challenge, reaffirming RSYC’s long-standing commitment to contributing positively to Singapore’s community,” said Commodore Balakrishnan B, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.

The Bicentennial Charity Gala was made possible with the support of Platinum Sponsors: Royal Salute Scotch Whiskey, Martell; Gold Sponsors: Asiatic Fire System Pte Ltd, and Marina Technology and Construction, Nippon Paint and OCBC; as well as Silver Sponsors: AWP Architects, Cloudable Solutions Pte Ltd. and Sindcon. Neo Garden served as the Official Caterer, with Adidas as the Official Merchandiser.

#RSYC200 2026 Events

• 27 March 2026: Back to School Social Night

A nostalgic, adult-themed social evening featuring games, food, and opportunities for members to reconnect

• 13 June 2026: RSYC Recycled Boat Race
  • A sustainability-focused team event where participants build and race boats using recycled materials at the RSYC marina
• 18, 19 & 25 July 2026: RSYC Regatta 2026
  • RSYC’s annual sailing regatta featuring keelboats competing in passage and short-course races across Singapore’s southern waters
• 22 & 23 August 2026: RSYC Commodore’s Day 2026
  • Annual Open House and celebration welcoming members and the public, featuring water sports, carnival activities, food offerings, and the introduction of new Committee Members
• 19 & 20 September 2026 (Silver Fleet) and 26 & 27 September 2026 (Gold Fleet): Optimist Knockout Championship 2026
  • A youth sailing championship organised by RSYC under the auspices of the Singapore Sailing Federation
• 9 October 2026: RSYC Beerfest 2026
  • An evening festival featuring international beers, food, music, and interactive games
• 18 October 2026: RSYC Fishing Tournament 2026
  • RSYC’s annual fishing competition bringing together fishing enthusiasts from across Singapore
• 14 November 2026: RSYC Charity Cruise 2026
  • A community-focused charity initiative bringing volunteers and sponsors together in support of a meaningful cause
• 4 & 5 December 2026: Christmas & Boat Light-Up 2026
  • A festive weekend featuring carnival activities, a holiday market, and the Christmas Boat Light-Up Parade
• 31 December 2026: New Year’s Eve Countdown Party
  • A year-end celebration to welcome the New Year with music, festivities, and fellow members and guests