The year was 1963 when a group of boaters and sailing enthusiasts were looking for a suitable location to establish a yacht club while the Anglo Oriental Company had just completed construction of a large dredge at the present Club site in Port Klang. Soon, with the co-operation and assistance from the Port Authority, the site was formed into a yacht club. The Club was first registered as "Port Swettenham Yacht Club" in July 1963. In the early years, the Club members invested in building a 20-ton slipway, serving hundreds of members and visitors over the years.

In 1972, the Club's name was changed to "Selangor Yacht Club". Further investment was made on the pontoon system imported from Sweden, allowing members and their guests to board in comfort and safety.   

In March 1989, the "Royal Selangor Yacht Club" was officially opened and given its new name by the Patron, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor. His Royal Highness was a frequent visitor to the Club with his family members, thus awarded the Club his warrant.

However, year 1992 witnessed a fire that spread from the adjacent commercial fuel jetty, destroying the Clubhouse. The staff managed to rescue the vital administrative records and continued in business in temporary offices in the present Yard Office whilst the new Clubhouse was being constructed. The new Clubhouse was completed and opened in 1996.

Today, with over 1,000 members, a moored fleet of 90 (30 keelboats and 60 powerboats), and a further 130 boats on the Club's handstand, the RSYC is the largest and most active yacht club in the country.