Worst club I have ever stayed in across India. Booked upper floor rooms but were given 2nd floor rooms by reception with the corridor totally crowded with old broken down furniture which they were restoring or storing there. Reception never bothered to tell us that five people were working on our balcony and it was full.of cement and stone chips, which our feet sank into, we got the shock of our lives when we emerged to see so.many labourers. Room had dirty windows, faded old furniture, shabby dirty faded curtains, the bathroom shower had no divider tiles so water flooded everywhere, a.pantry area was created right next to the bathroom. Reception staff were extremely rude, kept asking you to repeat your name, asking for various ID cards and giving us the worst located room though we had requested room with a sea view a month before, they said they had booked all upper floor rooms for a wedding party. Food quality was below average, dining Staff were nice to you if you tipped well and ordered a lot of drinks. Breakfast was complimentary but it was the worst service, all the trays were empty, we kept asking for bread, and other items repeatedly, they finally replenished the trays with much annoyance and reluctance, they just wanted us to have cornflakes and porridge for breakfast I suppose. We booked a sailing session in the afternoon, they gave us an old, extremely low sailboat with a huge sailing mast and boom and one man to man it, the boat nearly tipped over several times, I got hit by the mast and fell over into the well of the boat with a thud and my knees and hips are aching since then, this happened when the poor sailor was jumping about like a grasshopper from one end of the boat to the other every few minutes, trying to control the boat in strong winds and he suddenly made a sharp turn with the sail. He had us keep our heads bent over for most of the ride so the boom would not crack our heads open so we gave up.after less than an hour. He pointed out several other rbyc boats bobbing in the harbour, they were all much higher than ours, we got covered with ocean spray because the boat was so low. These arrogant and snobbish staff are taught to treat everyone poorly except for their VIP members so not many people come to stay or trouble them too much with service requests. It is like those old government offices, with a take it or leave it attitude, unless you throw your weight around and prove you are a VIP they will mistreat you. Have heard intach has given them a large chunk of money to restore this heritage property, instead of frittering it away on non essentials and corruption they should put it to good use for their guests. Their membership fee is 25 lakhs, wonder what they do with this money, they certainly don't spend it on upkeep. Got another blow to the head because they have huge noticeboard above the chairs in Reception, if they placed the boards a little higher, people would not bang their heads but they are stuck in a rut. They have not replaced the old shabby lift, a poor elevator guy has to keep opening and shutting the collapsible lift doors 24x7 to let passengers in and out, no one tips those poor guys. All in all, an extremely upsetting and disappointing experience in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai, have stayed in wonderful clubs in delhi, kolkata, Chennai, never have faced this kind of rudeness from certain staff and such shabby accommodation. The governong board members are obviously not doing their job. They should visit the rowing clubs in kolkata and Chennai to take some tips on maintenance. People say it is much cheaper than the taj next door and rooms are large, everything is cheaper than the taj and if we want a large place we should book an air bnb. Note to reciprocal club members, avoid it at all costs, they will treat you like the...
Read more♥Royal Bombay Yacht Club ♦HISTORY
The Bombay Yacht Club was founded in 1846 with Henry Morland as club commodore and 30 years later - on the recommendation of Sir Philip Edmond Wodehouse and patronage of Queen Victoria became known as Royal Bombay Yacht Club. The seafront clubhouse was built in 1881, and received a number of prominent visitors within its first ten years including: H.R.H. Prince Arthur, their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and American railroad tycoon and yachting enthusiast Mr. William Kissam Vanderbilt - also part owner of the 1895 America’s Cup winner, the 37.5m sloop: Defender.
In 1894, the Commissioners of the Lord High Admiral bestowed upon the club the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty's Fleet with a Star of India surmounted by the Imperial Crown. An additional clubhouse, designed by Mr. John Adams - and whose construction work was subjugated by Mr. F.E. Stevens was completed on 7th November 1896. Style of building combined English neo-Gothic with a Tudor half-timbered idiom, which characterized turn of the century architecture prevalent in the city at the time.
Yachting received a major stimulus in 1911, after King George V and Queen Mary arrived in Bombay on board the Royal P&O liner - HMS Medina. In 1958, the Bombay Club was closed for not accepting Indian members; at the time, RBYC granted honorary memberships to all Bombay Club members and provided a new home for their erstwhile club’s furniture and other effects.
The 1960s saw a new race introduced after H.R.H. Prince Philip visited the club and presented the Challenge Cup for a Combined Class race not less than 21 miles. RBYC at the time owned a fleet of four twenty one foot Seabird Class boats, whilst its members’ owned boats included Chindwin (Bermudian Cutter), Iona (Gunter Sloop), Silver Oak (Yachting World Keel Boat), Tir (Yawl), Merope (Stor-Draken Class), Griffon and Wynvern (International Dragons). Member Philip Bragg, who had built Suhaili - the first yacht to sail solo non-stop around the world, died in 1984. Yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnson attended a reception in his honour at the club in 2004.
In 2006, the club was visited by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, KCB, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff (and President of the Royal Naval Club) who accompanied Lady Sarah Band - also sojourning were other senior officers of his fleet. This was shortly followed by tarriance from Sir John Stirrup, the Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force and Chief of Defence Staff. In 2010, General Sir Hugh Michael Rose KCB, CBE, DSO, QGM, graced with...
Read moreThe Royal Bombay Yacht Club (RBYC) is a prestigious yacht club located in Mumbai, India. Established in 1846, it holds a long-standing reputation as one of the oldest and most esteemed yacht clubs in the country.
The RBYC is situated in a picturesque location overlooking the Arabian Sea, offering a beautiful setting for sailing enthusiasts and members to indulge in their passion for water sports and boating. The club provides excellent facilities for both members and guests, including well-maintained docks, berthing facilities, and a variety of sailing and racing events throughout the year.
One of the highlights of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is its rich heritage and colonial-era architecture. The club's elegant clubhouse exudes a classic charm and provides a comfortable environment for members and their guests. The ambiance and historical significance add to the overall appeal of the club, making it a favored venue for social gatherings, events, and regattas.
The Royal Bombay Yacht Club is also known for its warm hospitality and camaraderie among members. It fosters a sense of community and provides a platform for sailing enthusiasts to connect, exchange experiences, and share their love for the sport. The club's staff is attentive and professional, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors and members alike.
As a member of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, individuals can access a range of amenities and services, including dining facilities, bar services, and recreational activities. The club also offers sailing courses and training programs, allowing members to enhance their skills and knowledge in a supportive and welcoming environment.
In summary, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is a prestigious establishment with a rich heritage, magnificent location, and a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or have a passion for boating, the club offers a wonderful setting to indulge in your love for water sports, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the privileges and amenities that come...
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