The Royal Northern was originally based in Rothesay but moved to the current clubhouse in Rhu on the Gare Loch in 1937.

The Royal Clyde vacated its premises at Hunters Quay in the fifties and also moved to Rhu before the two clubs merged in 1978 to form the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club.

The Clyde Model Yacht Club was inaugurated in 1856, receiving its royal charter in 1863, and the two clubs dominated the Scottish yachting scene at that time.

Thomas C. Glen-Coats' Hera from the Royal Clyde won the gold medal in the 12-metre class in sailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics, contested on the Clyde.

[2] Wilhelm Iff's "Royal Clyde Yacht Club Polka" was performed by his orchestra and recorded in 1899 in Glasgow.