Royal Yacht Squadron
Cowes, Isle of Wight, England
RYS returns to Newport this year for their sixth attempt at the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup trophy. The club has competed in every IC since the inaugural competition in 2009. The Squadron's best finish was 11th in 2011.
RYS was founded in 1815 in the Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London, as The Yacht Club by 42 gentlemen interested in yachting. The original members decided to meet in London and in Cowes twice a year to discuss yachting over dinner. Membership was restricted to those who owned a vessel over 10 tons. Today this membership requirement is interpreted as any gentleman or lady, “actively interested in yachting.” RYS remains one of the most preeminent yacht clubs in the world after celebrating its Bicentenary in 2015. The clubhouse is located in Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, the club’s patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the club’s Admiral is Prince Philip.
Team Profile
Bertie Bicket (left), current RYS Rear Commodore, returns to skipper for for his third Invitational Cup with a new young team from the U.K. With over 40 years sailing dinghies, keelboats TP52’s and FAST 40+’s, the IC37 presents another new challenge. He currently owns and campaigns a SWAN 42 in the Solent, and a couple of his recent successes include winning the Britannia Cup and overall IRC class 1 in Cowes Week 2018.
Doing the tactics for RYS will be Bruce Huber (right), who has been sailing for over 40 years, racing various dinghies, meter class and one-design keelboats including Etchells and J70s. As well as fleet racing, he has done considerable team racing in dinghies and keelboats. He currently owns and campaigns a J/112e in the Solent and races through the winter in a mini 12 meter Illusion.
