Heritage Gallery - a permanent homage to Singapore’s sailing history
The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) commissioned History Ink, in collaboration with Oxygen Design Studios, to transform the Club’s Chart Room into a permanent Heritage Gallery. The aim of the project was to create a museum-style space that would showcase the Club's history as part of the RSYC’s 2026 bicentennial celebrations. The gallery was officially opened by the President of Singapore in February 2026.
Entrance to the RSYC’s permanent Heritage Gallery.
Research and Exhibition Development
The research for the exhibition drew upon the Club’s own archives, oral hsitories recorded with Club members, the discovery of new historical sources, as well as Peter Dunlop’s published history of the RSYC: The Three Burgees (2010). These sources formed the basis for a rich exploration of the RSYC’s long history.
The first part of the gallery explores the early years of the RSYC’s history, from its establishment in 1826 - just seven years after Sir Stamford Raffles set foot in Singapore - to the modern day. The narrative is supported by photographs sourced from archives around the world, maritime objects, and the RSYC’s own collection. Interspersed amongst these displays are four pillars intersecting biographies and quotes from early Commodores and those connected to the RSYC’s earliest years. Together, these elements weave together the Club’s incredible 200 years of history.
Soviet-era navigational instruments were donated to the RSYC by former member Bob Choo, and now form part of the RSYC’s collection.
The President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, opened the Heritage Gallery in February 2026.
The second part of the gallery tells the story of the RSYC thematically, enabling a more detailed exploration of the Club through the themes of: Membership, Sporting Achievements, Historic Clubhouses and Our Home Today. Membership traces the Club’s transition from a colonial institution to a multicultural members community. Sporting Achievements follows the evolution of competitive sailing, from early twentieth century regattas to members competing in the Olympic Games. Historic Clubhouses examines the design and developments of the Club’s previous premises in Traflagar Street and Sungei Pandan, whilst Our Home Today reflects on the modern clubhouse at West Coast Ferry Road, and the Club’s future ambitions. Collectively, these themes provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the defining characteristics of the RSYC.
Thematic displays in the Heritage Gallery.
Exhibition Design
The Heritage Gallery was designed to house exhibition display panels, historical artefacts, and records from the Club’s own archives. As part of the Chart Room’s transformation, the room was refurbished with upgraded lighting and custom glass. These improvements ensured that the Club’s artefacts could be prominently displayed for visitors, whilst also remaining protected for long-term preservation. The gallery incorporates a diverse range of artefacts including regatta programmes, Olympic medals, original photographs, newspaper clippings, nautical equipment, and trophies.
On display - a caricature of Club members from the March - April 1988 issue of the RSYC magazine.
Treasures from the Club’s archives including sailing awards and an original pamphlet from the first National Day Sail Past Regatta, 1980s.
The display panels are designed in navy blue with a white wave motif, highlighting the Club’s seafaring history. At the centre of the gallery stands a painting depicting the 1866 Annual Regatta in Singapore, which was won by William Read, a central figure in the history of the Club (and indeed Singapore). The painting was donated by Edward Wong in 2000 - the architect of the clubhouse, RSYC member, and a skilled yachtsman.
History Ink is proud to have worked together with the wonderful team at the RSYC, alongside talented creatives at Oxygen Design Studios, to bring the Club’s history to life.
The oil painting depicting William Read’s ‘Ganymede’ can be seen in the centre. Photograph copyright of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club.