The City Livery Yacht Club was originally formed as the Yachting Section of the City Livery Club in 1956 by enthusiastic yachtsmen to promote interest in yachting by means of discussions, lectures, cruising and racing, to develop close contact between those Members of the City Livery Club who are interested in the sea and ships and to encourage the sport of sailing. The Club is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association.

Management of the Yacht Club is vested in the Committee, together with a Commodore, Vice Commodores, Rear Commodores, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, supported by the Admiral and Past Commodores.

The Club has its own Burgee, Cap Badge, Reefer buttons and Tie pins. The Flag Officers wear a pin indicating their rank during their term of office.

Sir Clive Martin, when Lord Mayor, presented Sir Robin Gillett with his Admiral's pin (right). Sir Clive has now succeeded Sir Robin as Admiral.

Mess dress was introduced in December 1969.Seen left are the Flag Officers in the new Mess Dress: Lt Col L S Davis (Vice Commodore), Capt O M Watts (Commodore) and B Stroulger (Rear Commodore and Hon Secretary)

Since 1977, an Award has been presented each year in memory of the Baron C Ver Heyden de Lancey to the member of the Club voted by the Commodore to be the most worthy recipient. Until 1993 it was accompanied by a gift of £250.

In 1996, members of the Club voted to extend membership to all Liverymen of the City of London Livery Companies and members of The Guild of Freemen, without the prior qualification of being a member of the City Livery Club, whether or not they are yacht owners. They must, however, be interested in encouraging yachting.

At the 2007 AGM, members voted to extend membership to persons who have been granted the Freedom of a Livery Company or a City of London Guild or Company without Livery and also hold the Freedom of the City of London.