The club was first formed in 1979 by a group of enthusiastic sailors who wanted to sail Catamarans in Sandown Bay. In 1978 a breakaway club from Shanklin Sailing Club was formed at Sandown by a group of Catamaran enthusiast who wished to sail these wide boats, but facilities at Shanklin was not very suitable as the Catamarans had to be kept on the beach and was highly vulnerable to being damaged. So from Ryde, Shanklin, Sandown and Newport sailors put an idea together to sail from a deserted cafe at Sandown Beach.

Towards the end of 1978 the Sea Defence Scheme along Sandown Bay was drawing near completion, and at Yaverland the construction builders yard and sheds were due to be demolished. This was agreed to be an ideal spot to start a sailing club with ready made facilities such as a secure compound and storage huts and a slipway nearby.

These same Catamaran sailors managed to persuade the local Council that converting the site into a Sailing and Boat Club, therefore encouraging sailing and fishing families, would be of benefit to the town.

In the early days the club was run year to year by payment of a rental agreement. This however, was not very satisfactory as the rental was raised and could not lead to a guaranteed club in the future. The committee thought that it would be prudent to secure some form of long term lease. In 1985 a twenty-eight year lease was secured this now meant that vital improvements could now be made to the club which would greatly enhance facilities (improvements to the compound etc.) In 1995/96 new toilets , changing rooms and an extension to the lounge were finally constructed.

Over the next period of years the club saw the gradually deterioration of the cliff edge this has meant that the compound would gradually disappear, so in 1992 a further arrangement was made with the Council to exchange land at the rear of the club for its 6 metres of frontage.

In 1999 a further parcel of land was purchased from the council, this will mean better facilities, a new club house and most of all a future as an established water sports club and National Event Centre.

The club has recently open its facilities to "Sea Doo and personal Water Craft" enthusiasts, and over thirty have now become club members.

World and National events held and organised by the club

1992 Dart Catamaran Open Championship

1993 Island Games (Windsurfing Competitions)

1994 Tornado & Nacra & Prindle Joint Catamarans Competition & National Championships

1995 Hurricane Catamaran National Championships

1997 Nacra & Prindle Catamarans National Championships

1998 World Windsurfing and Slalom Championships

2006 Spitfire National Championship

Ryde Regatta Sailing Races for several years sailed and managed by YSBC

Sandown Regatta Sailed under YSBC for the past 22 years

Travellers Trophy Series sponsored by Island Builders

White Air held at Yaverland beach for 10 years.

The club has been and is used for many other water activities:
Catamaran Racing
Wind Surfing,
Topper Sailing Courses,
Fishing,
Water Skiing,
Diving,
Snorkelling,
Body Boarding,
Canoeing,
Personal Watercraft.
Many other Shore activities etc.