The club was founded in 1875 to encourage small boat and dinghy sailing in the Firth of Clyde and held its first regatta in 1876. The club has some 350 members, who today race and cruise their yachts in the Firth and the West Coast of Scotland. The principal event organized by the club is the Savills Kip Regatta in May, which attracts sailers from outside Scotland. This major event is recognised as the warm up for the Scottish Series, which takes place two weeks later, and the new Scottish IRC Championship, which takes place a further two weeks later. The club continues to support Cruising Matches to Tighnabruaich, organized by the Kyles of Bute Sailing Club.