With its prime location on the beautiful Indian Ocean, sailing has existed in Tanzania for centuries. In 1933 the small sailing fraternity that met under the Kungu tree, located on the seafront near the current Dar es Salaam port, was granted land from the Government to build a sailing club house. Eight boats moored in front of the new club house and the objective of the newly-formed Dar es Salaam Yacht Club was defined as the “furtherance of sailing, especially racing.”
The first power boats were allowed into the Club during the 1950s and by its 21st anniversary in 1953, the Club fleet had grown to 63 boats and many more members. In 1958 members sailed into the channel to welcome the Royal Yacht Britannia with Princess Margaret on board, coming to Tanganyika to open the now Muhimbili Hospital.
In 1965 the Club was requested by the Government of Tanzania to vacate the premises due to congestion in the harbour. Kichanga Chui, also known as Leopard’s Cove, was agreed to be the only possible alternative venue for the Club. At that time the Msasani Peninsula was a sisal farm without roads or other infrastructure, and considered by many members too remote. Even so, an agreement was reached.
The Government agreed to lease the new premises at Leopard’s Cove, and paid £11,000 for the old Club, which was used, along with a loan from members, to build the new Club.
The Club officially moved to its current premises in February 1967 with many members generously donating time, money and expertise to make the new Club as comfortable and user friendly as possible. The Clubhouse, including the Quarter Deck, was designed by French & Hastings, and was built to allow the ocean breezes to reach the most important area… the bar. Boats present in the 1960s and 70s included some that are still present in the Club today, including Pandora, Kisura, Melody, Spray and Sea Wyf.
With the larger site at Leopard’s Cove, the Club expanded to include yacht and boat sailing and racing, deep-sea fishing and aquatic sports. Over time, the number of members gradually increased and food service became available. Diving was added as a section during the 1990’s and in the 2000’s the number of kayakers also grew. Kayaking was added as a section in 2014.