Since the Royal Cork Yacht Club was formed in 1720, sailing’s members-only enclaves have enjoyed a reputation for stuffy insularity, with inscrutable traditions and prominent connections held close to the blazer crest. Today, though, even the most exclusive of these maritime cliques embrace their surrounding communities, whether through wildly popular race weeks, youth sailing programs, or taking the helm on sustainability issues. Here, six esteemed yacht clubs that are adeptly navigating the winds of change.
