The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) marked a historic milestone on Feb 7, celebrating 200 years of maritime heritage with a Bicentennial Charity Gala Dinner that raised more than S$320,000 for The President’s Challenge.
Held at the club’s Nautica Ballroom, the gala brought together more than 130 guests, including members, sponsors and distinguished invitees. The evening was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, underscoring the national significance of one of the country’s oldest sporting and maritime institutions.
Founded in 1826, RSYC is Singapore’s oldest yacht club and one of the longest-established maritime clubs in Asia. The bicentennial gala marked the opening of a year-long programme of sporting, social and heritage activities.
The programme opened with a bicentennial tribute video tracing the club’s evolution alongside Singapore’s own maritime journey. This was followed by welcome remarks from RSYC Commodore Balakrishnan B, who reflected on the club’s deep historical roots and its continuing responsibility to the wider community.
In a key highlight of the evening, President Tharman officiated the unveiling of the RSYC Bicentennial Plaque and the ceremonial cake-cutting, joined by Minister for Education and MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC Desmond Lee, Commodore Balakrishnan and members of the RSYC General Committee.
Speaking to tabla! on the significance of the milestone, Commodore Balakrishnan said that a bicentenary carries particular meaning in Singapore, where few institutions predate the nation itself.
“RSYC was founded in 1826 as the Singapore Yacht Club. We have existed through colonial Singapore, two world wars, independence and the country’s transformation into a modern maritime nation. Even our name reflects that journey – from Singapore Yacht Club, to Royal Singapore Yacht Club, and finally to the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club after independence,” he said.
“So this bicentenary is not simply about longevity. It is about recognising that our story runs alongside Singapore’s own story. We are marking two centuries of maritime heritage, sport and community, and reminding people that RSYC is not just a club – it is part of Singapore’s living history.”
The gala also brought together prominent figures who have shaped the club across generations. Among those present were Mr Edward Wong, managing director of AWP and the architect of RSYC’s current clubhouse following its relocation in 1999, and Mr Francis Lee, the club’s first Singaporean commodore, appointed in 1985.
A centrepiece of the evening was a charity auction featuring a curated collection of rare and exclusive items. These included a one-of-a-kind RSYC Bicentennial Commemorative Pure Gold Coin, limited-edition bicentennial silver coins, and a rare 60-year-old Martell cognac – one of only 12 such bottles in the world – presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter.
By the close of the evening, the gala dinner and auction had raised a total of S$326,692, with all proceeds directed to The President’s Challenge 2026. The national movement was launched in 2000 by RSYC’s former patron, the late President S R Nathan, to rally Singaporeans to build a more caring and cohesive society and to support communities in need.
Guests were also invited to a post-dinner heritage exhibition showcasing key milestones in the club’s two-century history. As a commemorative gesture, all attendees received a specially produced gold-plated bicentennial coin.
Reflecting on how the club had survived and remained relevant over two centuries, Commodore Balakrishnan pointed to resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community responsibility.
“During World War II, our grounds were converted into coastal defence positions and the clubhouse became a ship-building yard. After liberation, the building was described as being without walls, boatless and in complete disorder. Yet members returned, rebuilt and started again from scratch,” he said.
“That resilience continued in peacetime. We relocated when Singapore needed land for development, expanded beyond sailing into rowing and other sea sports, and evolved into a club that now offers accommodation, dining and year-round programmes. We have always chosen to evolve with the country rather than resist change – and that is what has kept us relevant.”
santosh@sph.com.sg
