A proposal of the Scottish members to separate the Club into two distinct branches was agreed to on May 16, 1827. It was probably after this date that each division had a distinguishing burgee; from an old print of these flags now in the club-house at Rothesay, the Irish division seems to have flown a red burgee with a harp, the Scottish division being distinguished by a lion in white.
H.M. King William IV. became Patron of the club in September 1830, and from that time it was known as the Royal Northern Yacht Club.
In 1831 the yachts of the Club were arranged in classes as under:—
| 1st class | over | 75 | tons register | ||
| 2nd " | " | 50 | tons and under | 75 | tons |
| 3rd " | " | 30 | " " " | 50 | " |
| 4th " | " | 20 | " " " | 30 | " |
| 5th " | " | 15 | " " " | 20 | " |
| 6th " | under | 15 | tons | ||
A two days' regatta was held at Belfast in 1836. The different classes just described were started at an interval of half an hour between each, beginning at 10.30 A.M., the prize for each class being ten sovereigns. On the second day a very important event took place, the race for the Belfast Cup, value 100l., a time race for all sizes. Eight vessels to start, or no race. Entry 3l.; the second yacht to save her stake. It is to be regretted that the details of this race cannot be given. On May 21, 1838, at a meeting held of the few remaining members of the Irish division, it was resolved to dissolve that half of the Club and hand over any funds (they amounted to 14l. 17s. 2d.) to the secretary of the Scottish division.
NORTHERN YACHT CLUB CRUISING OFF GARROCH HEAD, 1825.
(From a Painting by Hutcheson at R.N.Y. Club, Rothesay.)
It is unfortunate that the records of the Scottish division and of the Royal Northern Club, after the dissolution and prior to 1846, have been lost. It had prospered much. The Clyde was developing rapidly and with great energy, as is shown by their four days' Regatta in 1835, the first day at Helensburgh, the second at Greenock, the third at Dunoon, the fourth at Largs, which is without doubt one of the most enthusiastic of yachting stations.
It would be well to record here the cracks of the Clyde in 1835. The 'Gleam' (see [illustration] on next page), Falcon, 'Nymph' and 'Clarence,' were very leading craft.