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Welcome to the Benfleet Yacht Club

  Our large and friendly club is situated along the shore of Benfleet Creek, on the northern coast of Canvey Island, Essex.

Our club offers great opportunities for dinghy and cruiser sailing, plus coastal rowing. Dinghy sailing and coastal rowing mainly take place in the sheltered waters of Benfleet Creek, whilst for yacht cruising, the creek provides a gateway to the Thames Estuary and beyond. 

Complementing our sailing programme, we have a superb clubhouse, where the bar is open lunchtime and evenings 7 days a week, for members to meet up for a drink, a chat and a bite to eat, plus we provide an active social and entertainments programme throughout the year.

Our Moorings

 We have a large number of moorings in our tidal and drying creek offering both mid-river fore and aft 'trot' moorings and bankside staging's. On-shore our storage facilities can store approximately 170 cruising yachts and 160 sailing dinghies & rowing craft. Our dedicated team of volunteers members operate our on-site crane for emergency, maintenance and winter haul outs, inspections, surveys etc.

Our Cruising

  Benfleet Creek provides a gateway to the Thames Estuary and beyond. For local cruising (just a few hours away), we have the Rivers Medway and Swale with their wonderful creeks, towns, pubs and anchorages. A bit further afield (a short day sail), there are the superb cruising grounds of the East Coast Rivers and we are not too far away from the northern coast of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. 

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Benfleet Yacht Club - Founded in 1922, celebrating our Centenary in 2022

compiled by Wendy Webster

From humble beginnings

In the early 1920's, Benfleet was a very different place! A village, with less than a thousand residents but three pubs - all of which survive today! After WW1 the attractions of both Benfleet and Canvey as places to retire brought along an increasing number of residents, mostly from the eastern parts of London. Others found that with a one-hour train service to London, it was practicable to live in the country and work in town. So it was that by the 1920's, Benfleet's population had risen to two thousand, and the majority were newcomers.

Benfleet Yacht Club was started in 1922 on the northern bank of Benfleet Creek, adjacent to the railway line and Benfleet Station, by a group of locals from varied backgrounds but with a common interest in "yachting". Meetings were held in the nearby Hoy Public House, which was owned by Harry Phillips, and this family association Benfleet Yacht Club continues today! At this time there was no bridge on to Canvey, only stepping stones, a hard track in the base of the creek, and a rowed ferry boat for when the tide was in.

1927 - our first headquarters, the barge "Soar:

By 1927 a barge, the Soar, had been purchased by the members and converted into the club headquarters. She was moored next to the station with storage for boats and gear in the arches under the platform (no underpass then!).

In May 1930 construction of an opening bridge was started, which was opened in May 1931. This was to allow the Thames barges bringing building materials for the growing villages to reach the Canvey Supply wharf (where the station bus stop is). Of course, it also gave access to the River Thames for Club members.

1935 - a new headquarters, ex heath ship "Hygeia"

The barge HQ began to leak more and more, so in 1935 a deal was done for the ex-Gravesend Port Authority health ship "Hygeia", for the headquarters. She had originally been a two masted schooner moored off Gravesend, however this boat was not built to be grounded on the mud with each tide and, you guessed it, she quickly began to leak and electric pumps had to be installed to combat this.

By this time, the club was becoming popular with both locals and those from further afield - mainly London. The creek was a busy place. Boats were moored along the creek, opposite the station. Dinghies would be pulled up onto the banks of the creek in front of the station. There were a couple of boatyards along the creek where maintenance was undertaken and repairs carried out. Races were taking place around the estuary for yachts and a variety of dinghies were sailed in the creek and beyond. In 1936, Reg Freeman, a yacht designer based locally, was commissioned to design a dinghy to sail and race in Benfleet Creek. The boat was known as a "BOD", the "Benfleet One Design" (see photo below). The plans can be seen today above the staircase in our clubhouse.

Social sailing for families was becoming popular too. This photograph of two Club families was taken in the late 1930's. During the summer members were in the habit of taking their boats and meeting out on a sandbar in the Thames that appears at low tide - The Ray. Rather than fight for space on the beach, families could have all the fun of sunshine and sea on their own sandbar. Games would be played on the sand and when the tide turned the boats would head for home. Some things never change!!

1940 - 1945 "The war years"

During WW2 Yachting for pleasure was theoretically banned, but due to the efforts of one member who lived near Benfleet station, Mr Bert Wines, the club was opened as and when needed and was able to keep running. There was a fairly large military and naval presence in the area. Holehaven was the HQ of the Admiralty Thames Patrol and Southend Pier was commissioned by the Navy and named as HMS Leigh. The Commodore invited the senior staff of these organisations to become honorary members of the club, this helped to keep the club running as the bar did very well!

1948 - a new club headquarters, the "Inner Dowsing" light vessel

The Hygeia succumbed to the inevitable and was replaced by the newly retired Trinity House "Inner Dowsing Lightship" in 1948. She was built in 1840 and was the oldest surviving wooden lightship afloat, again moored just by the station. She arrived complete with mast and light.

A great deal of work was needed to convert her to a club headquarters, but this was done in stages over many years by members. There were two sections below, with a central staircase. Astern was the main saloon bar with a large cast iron stove in the middle, and forward there was a larger more open area where social functions and meetings were held.

The club grew from strength to strength and in the 1950s was a prominent part of the East Coast yachting community. Members took part in cross channel races in cruisers and several international dinghy sailors honed their skills in the creek!

The 1953 North Sea "Big Flood"

Benfleet Yacht Club members boat handling skills were tested in the 1953 flood, as recorded in this extract from the police sergeant's report at the time:

"A group of young people from Benfleet Yacht Club helped to rescue and evacuate members of the public from the Canvey Island flood.

Ten members of the South Benfleet Yacht Club were responsible for saving over 60 people from the Sixty Acres and Winter Gardens area of Canvey Island. This area was flooded to a depth of about 5 feet on the north side of the inner sea wall. They rowed their boats from South Benfleet and whilst 8 male members rescued the people in their boats, the two women set up a shelter in an empty house for the old people."

The police report continues.

"They carried out their self-appointed task in the face of a bitter wind and a strong current which made their boats practically unmanageable, and they did not stop until they had made certain that every living person had been removed from the flooded bungalows. In their efforts to rescue, the men were forced to enter the water on occasion, to get the people out of their houses. Had it not been for their efforts I am certain that the death roll on this day would have been much greater."

1963 - all move (just a little bit)

In 1963 the population of Canvey had grown and the access via the single road on & off the Island, which had to contend with the opening bridge and a level crossing, was severely overloaded. Church Creek (which flowed under the station) was blocked off and the present underpass was built. The Club moved a few hundred yards down the creek to the, by now unused, Canvey Supply wharf.

1968 - all move again (a bit further this time)

In 1968 the (allegedly second hand) opening bridge was replaced by the present fixed bridge. This necessitated an Act of Parliament to close the creek and the Club was able to get some compensation for loss of access to the river. The clubship was moved to a site on the marsh east of the bridge which had been purchased by the members. The Club continued at the wharf site for a few years using a cabin inside the boatshed as the HQ / bar. The marsh below the bridge was slowly filled and prepared for use with a roadway, car park, water and electricity supplies. The site expansion continued for many years to achieve what we see today.

The lightship was converted to give a deck saloon bar with a larger open bar area down below. But eventually history repeated itself and she started to defeat the best efforts of the members to keep her afloat!

1984 - the move ashore

After much discussion and an Extraordinary General Meeting it was agreed to break with tradition and move ashore to a purpose built HQ. In 1984 the present clubhouse was built. Although the main structure was constructed professionally the majority of the work was carried out by members using their many and varied skills. This continues in the improvements made to the HQ and the site facilities that we have now. With members continued help we hope to make another 100 years!

2022 - Benfleet Yacht Club Centenary Year

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Benfleet Yacht Club Canvey Road Canvey Island Essex SS8 0QT United Kingdom

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Robin Knox-Johnston

Hero and honorary member of benfleet yacht club.

Neither born or bred in Benfleet, Robin Knox-Johnston became a member of the Benfleet Yacht Club before his famous voyage. In his autobiography “Force of Nature” he recalls that when I first brought Suhaili back from India I tried to join the Royal Medway Y.C. but was told there was a two year waiting list and besides, I couldn’t afford it. So in 1967 I joined Benfleet Yacht Club because Dad knew a member, and we laid Suhaili up in Benfleet Creek while I went back to sea.  It was a nice friendly club and has stayed that way, so I am still a member there. That was the only British yacht club I had been exposed to so I had no idea what other clubs were like and was not aware that they could be a little snooty.

At some stage during her stay at Benfleet the boat was advertised for sale…. unsuccessfully. This proved fortunate as Suhaili went on to be the boat in which Knox-Johnston participated in the 1969 Sunday Times Golden Globe race.  This was a race to be the first sailor to single – handedly sail non-stop around the world.  He duly won and became a sailing legend.

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There is a spinnaker pole suspended from the ceiling of the bar at BYC, reputed to be from Suhaili. True?

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Royal Presentation for Benfleet Yacht Club Volunteer

The 2023 RYA Volunteer Awards were held on Friday 10 November at One Great George Street, with 81 accolades given this year in recognition of the outstanding dedication and commitment made by volunteers of all ages and from all corners of the UK.

Outstanding Contribution

Sue has been a hard-working and enthusiastic volunteer member of Benfleet Yacht Club for over 28 years. She has been Race Officer for all that time, officiating club dinghy racing and the annual open Nore Race. For 21 years she has also been Honorary Secretary, dealing with the general club administration and leading volunteers in a wide range of tasks additional to her role description.

As well as her two main roles, she heads up the catering team for the annual cadet sail training week, providing meals for about 50 cadets and 70 adults. She has also acted as Race Officer for three Round the World Clipper Races on behalf of Sir Robin Knox-Johnson.

Sue provides her knowledge and support around the annual change of Committee members and is also a point of contact for anyone who needs help, advice, and support within the club. With her cheerful dedication, she is one of the heroes working in the background, encouraging everyone, enabling members to enjoy the benefits of their club and helping it to thrive.

RYA Director pays tribute

RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark paid tribute to the enormous impact that volunteers have in sailing and boating communities.

“It’s always so inspiring to hear of the amazing work that is happening every day, up and down the country, by volunteers right at the heart of our sport,” Rob explained.

“Whether it’s encouraging newcomers to give it a try, looking after facilities so people can get afloat safely, running weekend racing, or fundraising for equipment so more people can be introduced to the joys of being on the water – there really is a rewarding role for everyone in our communities, from teenager to octogenarian!”

Humbling achievements

“Our sport relies so much on the goodwill and skills of volunteers at every level, without whom the opportunities to get involved in boating would be greatly reduced,” said RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe MBE.

“They are very often the first point of contact for new participants across the nations and regions, and can help to motivate a lifetime’s interest, or inspire others to train for fulfilling careers across the marine industry.

“It’s so humbling to hear of the many examples of selfless commitment our award recipients have shown – in many cases spanning decades – and they represent many thousands more who give their time to support boating in whatever way, great or small. Our grateful thanks go to them all.”

Start your volunteering journey

Volunteers form the core of RYA and club initiatives, offering rewarding opportunities and assisting others to experience the water’s numerous benefits.

With various volunteering options available, dedicating even a small amount of your time can create a significant impact. Join us and make a difference today.

Find out more about volunteering .

Benfleet Yacht Club

Find out more about Benfleet Yacht Club here.

For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region, visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating .

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Bill of Sale - Benfleet Yacht Club

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Department For TransportMerchant Shipping Act 1995SECTION 1: DETAILS OF THE SHIP<strong>Bill</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sale</strong>Warning: A purchaser <strong>of</strong> a British registered ship does not obtain completeMaritime and Coastguard Agencytitle until the appropriate <strong>Bill</strong>(s) <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sale</strong> has been recorded with the Registry,and a new Certificate issued.*Registered owners who are mortgagees must inform the Registry <strong>of</strong> any change <strong>of</strong> address. *Where one owner is selling to two or more owners, separateforms are required unless they are buying as joint owners. *Applications to change ownership received within 30 days <strong>of</strong> the change attract a ‘transferfee’ rather than the more expensive ‘full registration’ fees. *Please write in black ink using BLOCK CAPITALS, and tick boxes where appropriate.Name <strong>of</strong> shipOfficial number (if any)Length (metres)SECTION 2: DETAILS OF THE SALEBody Corporate / LLP please giveIndividualsplease giveCompany or LLP nameFull name(s)Principal place <strong>of</strong> business*Address(es)Occupation(s)*I/we the transferor(s)as joint owners(Please tick box if youare joint owners)In consideration <strong>of</strong> (**the sum <strong>of</strong>)**paid/given to **me/us by:Body Corporate / LLP please giveIndividualsplease giveCompany or LLP nameFull name(s)Principal place <strong>of</strong> business*Address(es)Occupation(s)**I/We the transferee(s)as joint owners(Please tick box if youare joint owners)*Companies incorporated other than in the UK or British Dependant Territories – enter place <strong>of</strong> business**Delete as necessarythe receipt <strong>of</strong> which is acknowledged, transfershare in the above ship and its appurtenances to the transferee(s).(figures & words)IF ANY REGISTERED MORTGAGE IS OUTSTANDING YOU MUST TICK THIS BOXFurther, **I/we, as transferor(s), hereby declare that **I/we have the power to transfer in the manner described abovethe above mentioned shares, and that they are free from encumbrances [save as appears by the registry <strong>of</strong> the above ship].(delete this paragraph and initial the deletion if there are NO outstanding mortgages)When completed you should send this form, together with theappropriate fee and supporting documents (if required) to:REGISTRY OF SHIPPING & SEAMENPO BOX 420, CARDIFF, CF24 5XROFFICIAL USE ONLYEntry in Register made onatOfficer’s Initials(date)(time)MSF 4705 REV 9/02

SECTION 3: FOR COMPLETION WHEN SALE IS BY A COMPANY OR LLP❖ Executed by the transferor as a deed (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland)❖ Subscribed by the transferor (in Scotland)COMPANY SEALday <strong>of</strong> month <strong>of</strong> year by:-** (a) the affixing <strong>of</strong> the common seal <strong>of</strong> the transferor in the presence <strong>of</strong> the followingpersons signing; or** (b) signing by the following persons;DirectorDirector or SecretaryAuthorised SignatoryAuthorised SignatoryMemberMemberøWitnessed byName (print)Address (print)** Delete as appropriate. ø The signature must be witnessed and the name and address <strong>of</strong> the witness must be given.Note: IN ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND – signature may be by two directors; or by a director and the secretary <strong>of</strong> the company. Nowitness is required. If the common seal is affixed any special requirement <strong>of</strong> the company’s articles about signing must be complied with.IN SCOTLAND – signature may be by one director or the secretary <strong>of</strong> the company or one person authorised to sign the document on behalf <strong>of</strong> thecompany, or one member <strong>of</strong> the Limited Liability Partnership, provided such single signature is witnessed. Alternatively, signature may be effected withouta witness by two directors, or a director and the secretary, or two persons authorised to sign the document on behalf <strong>of</strong> the company, or two members <strong>of</strong> theLimited Liability Partnership. Note that signature by one authorised signatory and either a director or the secretary <strong>of</strong> the company is not valid.SECTION 4: FOR COMPLETION WHEN SALE IS BY INDIVIDUALS**Executed as deed (England or Wales) *Subscribed (Scotland) *Signed, sealed and delivered (Northern Ireland) ** Delete as appropriateon this day <strong>of</strong> month <strong>of</strong> yearBy the following person(s) signing as transferor(s)Signature(s) <strong>of</strong> Transferor(s) number each signature (ie 1, 2, 3) and print name after signatureIn the presence <strong>of</strong> the following witness(es) each witness must sign then print their name and address and occupation andnumber their entry to show which signature above they are witnessing. There must be a separate witness for each transferor.Witnessed by

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