 In 1840, besides the RTYC, there were several other Thames sailing clubs, including the Royal Sailing Society, the Clarence Club, the British Yacht Club, and the Royal Yacht Squadron.RTYC yachting originally took place on the Thames but the Solent became increasingly important in the 1850s as the railways made the south coast more accessible.The club has had many distinguished Flag Officers and traditionally the Commodore has been a member of the royal family.