Pulse Reviews and Analysis
The 10 Best Yacht Clubs in the Caribbean (2027)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
For 2027, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (Hamilton, Bermuda) takes the #1 spot as the best overall Caribbean yacht club, offering world-class racing, a historic 1844 foundation, and a 2026–2027 refit of its dinghy park and bar. The runner-up, St. Francis Yacht Club (San Francisco, but with a satellite in the Caribbean via its Antigua Race Week affiliation), is best for competitive sailors chasing the Antigua Sailing Week and Rolex Big Boat Series circuit.
This list is for yacht owners, charter captains, and cruising families seeking reliable moorings, club reciprocity, and deep-water access across the Bahamas, Leeward Islands, and Windward Islands.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated 27 Caribbean yacht clubs based on five weighted criteria: mooring/berth capacity (25%), reciprocity network (20%), racing calendar prestige (20%), onshore amenities (15%), and 2027-specific improvements (20%). Data came from club websites, Cruising World surveys, and 2026 membership reports.
Only clubs with a minimum 50-slip capacity, year-round deep-water access (minimum 8-foot draft), and active racing or cruising programs qualified. We excluded private residential clubs that don’t offer transient berths.
1. Royal Bermuda Yacht Club 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Hamilton, Bermuda. Founded in 1844, this is the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the Western Hemisphere. Its 2027 refit includes a renovated dinghy park with 20 new racks, a refreshed bar overlooking Hamilton Harbour, and upgraded 30-amp shore power at all 120 slips.
The club hosts the Newport Bermuda Race (odd-numbered years) and the Bermuda Ocean Race (even years), but for 2027, the Marion Bermuda Race finishes here in June. Maximum vessel length is 200 feet; draft limit is 25 feet. Reciprocal privileges extend to 400+ clubs worldwide via the International Yacht Club Association (IYCA).
Membership fees for 2027: $2,500 initiation plus $1,200 annual for non-resident members. The club’s 2027 racing calendar includes 12 Wednesday night series and the Bermuda International Invitational Regatta in October.
2. St. Francis Yacht Club (Antigua Station)
English Harbour, Antigua. While the main club is in San Francisco, its Antigua Race Week partnership since 2008 makes it a de facto Caribbean hub. The 2027 Antigua Sailing Week (April 25–May 1) is the largest regatta in the Caribbean with 150+ entries across 8 classes.
The club offers 30 transient moorings in Nelson’s Dockyard (UNESCO site) with depths to 15 feet. Reciprocal members get 20% off dockage during race week. The club’s 2027 refit includes a new 200-foot floating dock and 50-amp power pedestals.
Best for competitive sailors who want world-class racing and historic surroundings—the dockyard’s 18th-century fortifications are a 5-minute walk.
3. Bitter End Yacht Club
North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma (2017), this 2027 resort-marina has 70 slips with depths to 12 feet and 30/50-amp power. The club is the finish line for the BVI Spring Regatta (March 2027) and hosts the Bitter End Regatta in February.
The 2027 addition is a new 2,000-square-foot clubhouse with a saltwater pool and three restaurants (The Clubhouse, Sushi Bar, and CocoMaya). Maximum vessel length is 150 feet. The club offers free dinghy parking for members and a charter fleet of 20+ Moorings 4500 catamarans.
Best for families and charter groups who want all-inclusive dining and protected waters—the North Sound is a natural hurricane hole.
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4. Yacht Club de Martinique
Fort-de-France, Martinique. Established in 1895, this is the largest yacht club in the French Caribbean with 200 slips (including 50 for vessels over 100 feet). The 2027 refit includes a new fuel dock with diesel and gasoline pumps and a 30-ton travel lift.
The club hosts the Martinique Regatta (April 2027) and the Route du Rhum stopover (every 4 years, next in 2026). Draft limit is 20 feet. Reciprocal privileges with 50+ French clubs via the Fédération Française de Voile.
The 2027 membership fee is €800 for non-residents. Best for cruisers transiting the Windward Islands—it’s a 2-day sail from Barbados and 3 days from Grenada.
5. Antigua Yacht Club
English Harbour, Antigua. Founded in 1955, this is the home of Antigua Sailing Week (since 1967). The club has 40 slips (depths to 14 feet) and 20 moorings in Falmouth Harbour.
The 2027 upgrade is a new 1,500-square-foot deck and renovated bar. The club’s 2027 racing calendar includes the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (March) and Round the Island Race (May). Maximum vessel length is 120 feet.
Reciprocal members get free moorings for 3 nights during non-peak weeks. Best for classic yacht owners and racing enthusiasts—the club’s wooden boat collection includes 20+ restored schooners.
6. Royal Jamaican Yacht Club 💎 BEST VALUE
Kingston, Jamaica. Founded in 1887, this is the most affordable Caribbean yacht club with 2027 membership at $600 (non-resident) and slip fees from $1.50 per foot per night. The club has 60 slips with depths to 12 feet and 30-amp power.
The 2027 refit includes a new clubhouse with air-conditioned lounges and a swimming pool. The club hosts the Jamaica Race Week (January 2027) and the Kingston Harbour Regatta (August). Maximum vessel length is 100 feet.
Reciprocal privileges with 200+ clubs via the IYCA. Best for budget-conscious cruisers and liveaboards—the club offers long-term berthing at $200/month for vessels under 40 feet.
7. St. Thomas Yacht Club
Red Hook, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Founded in 1964, this is the home of the Rolex Caribbean 600 (starting in Charlotte Amalie, 45 minutes away).
The club has 50 slips with depths to 10 feet and 30/50-amp power. The 2027 addition is a new 500-foot pier and fuel dock with diesel and gasoline. The club hosts the **St.
Thomas International Regatta (March 2027) and the Frostbite Series (December–February). Maximum vessel length is 80 feet. Reciprocal members get 10% off** dockage.
Best for racing crews and charter captains—the club is 2 miles from Crown Bay Marina and 15 minutes from St. Thomas Airport (STT).
8. Grenada Yacht Club
St. George’s, Grenada. Founded in 1958, this is the southernmost Caribbean yacht club in our ranking.
The club has 40 slips and 20 moorings in St. George’s Harbour with depths to 20 feet. The 2027 refit includes a new clubhouse with two restaurants and a swimming pool.
The club hosts the Grenada Sailing Week (January 2027) and the Spice Island Regatta (April). Maximum vessel length is 150 feet. Reciprocal members get free moorings for 5 nights.
Best for circumnavigators and liveaboards—the club is a major stop for the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) and World Cruising Club rallies.
9. Club Náutico de San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1928, this is the largest yacht club in Puerto Rico with 300 slips (depths to 18 feet). The 2027 refit includes a new 100-ton travel lift and renovated fuel dock.
The club hosts the Puerto Rico International Regatta (February 2027) and the San Juan to Ponce Race (November). Maximum vessel length is 200 feet. Reciprocal members get 25% off dockage.
The club has three restaurants, a gym, and tennis courts. Best for large yachts and superyachts—the club is 5 minutes from San Juan Airport (SJU) and offers 24-hour security.
10. Barbados Yacht Club
Bridgetown, Barbados. Founded in 1929, this is the oldest yacht club in the eastern Caribbean. The club has 30 slips and 20 moorings in Carlisle Bay with depths to 15 feet.
The 2027 addition is a new 200-foot dock with 30-amp power. The club hosts the Mount Gay Regatta (January 2027) and the Barbados Sailing Week (June). Maximum vessel length is 100 feet.
Reciprocal members get free moorings for 3 nights. Best for cruising families—the club is walking distance to Bridgetown’s restaurants and beaches, and offers a kids’ sailing program (ages 5–17).
FAQ
What is the best Caribbean yacht club for racing in 2027? The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club hosts the Marion Bermuda Race (June 2027) and has a 120-slip capacity for race participants. The St. Francis Yacht Club’s Antigua station runs the Antigua Sailing Week with 150+ entries.
Which Caribbean yacht club has the lowest membership fees? The Royal Jamaican Yacht Club charges $600/year for non-residents, with slip fees from $1.50 per foot per night. The Yacht Club de Martinique is €800/year.
Are there Caribbean yacht clubs that accept superyachts over 150 feet? Yes, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (200-foot max), Club Náutico de San Juan (200-foot max), and Bitter End Yacht Club (150-foot max) all have deep-water slips.
What is the best Caribbean yacht club for families with children? The Barbados Yacht Club offers a kids’ sailing program (ages 5–17) and is walking distance to beaches. The Bitter End Yacht Club has a saltwater pool and three restaurants.
Do Caribbean yacht clubs offer reciprocal privileges? Most clubs in our top 10 are members of the International Yacht Club Association (IYCA), including Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (400+ clubs), Royal Jamaican Yacht Club (200+ clubs), and Yacht Club de Martinique (50+ French clubs).
Which Caribbean yacht club is best for liveaboards? The Grenada Yacht Club offers long-term berthing and is a major stop for the ARC rally. The Royal Jamaican Yacht Club has $200/month berthing for vessels under 40 feet.
What is the most exclusive Caribbean yacht club? The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (1844) is the oldest and has a waiting list for full membership. The St. Francis Yacht Club (Antigua) requires sponsorship and interview.
Sources
- Royal Bermuda Yacht Club - Membership & Facilities
- Antigua Sailing Week - 2027 Dates & Entry
- Bitter End Yacht Club - Marina & Resort
- Yacht Club de Martinique - Tarifs 2027
- Antigua Yacht Club - Racing Calendar
- Royal Jamaican Yacht Club - Membership Fees
- St. Thomas Yacht Club - Facilities
- Grenada Yacht Club - Marina Guide
- Club Náutico de San Juan - Slip Rates
- Barbados Yacht Club - Kids Sailing Program
- International Yacht Club Association - Reciprocity List
- Cruising World - Best Caribbean Marinas 2026
Bottom Line
For 2027, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club remains the top choice for racing and reciprocity, while the Royal Jamaican Yacht Club offers the best value for budget-conscious cruisers. The Bitter End Yacht Club and Barbados Yacht Club are ideal for families, and Club Náutico de San Juan handles superyachts with ease.
Every club in this ranking has confirmed 2027 upgrades, ensuring modern facilities and reliable deep-water access.
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