The Société d'Encouragement pour la Navigation de Plaisance, a name to which the title of Yacht Club de France was added shortly afterwards, was created with the patronage of Emperor Napoleon III on 15 June 1867.
Since then, the Yacht Club de France has remained faithful to its vocation: to contribute to the development of pleasure sailing in all its forms; in cruising as well as in racing, to defend and promote the values of solidarity, courtesy and moral elegance which animate all seafarers. Recognised as a public utility, the Yacht Club de France is proud to have counted among its members Jules Verne, Virginie Hériot, Alain Gerbault, Commandant Charcot, Marin-Marie, Eric Tabarly.
Every year, the Yacht Club de France's halls host a wide range of events: conferences and talks, HQs of prestigious competitions, meetings of clubs or maritime institutions. The actions of the Yacht Club de France are supported by its Allied Clubs in France and abroad.