A private sailing club has applied for permission for a seven-storey building where their clubhouse currently resides.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC), which has been housed in it's Albouy's Point, Hamilton property since 1933, submitted the application to the Department of Planning on July 13.

It was advertised in the Bermuda Sun on Friday and states that they are looking to: (In Principle) "redevelopment for mixed use; recreation, office and tourist accommodation, ancillary to club uses".

The deadline for objections is July 11, but the Commodore of the RBYC, Ralph Richardson assured members and the public, this application was just one of many options the club is considering.

Mr. Richardson said: "We are looking at the club and it's an old building. It costs a lot in repairs so we are looking at a number of options for it.

"But this one will need Planning permission so we submitted an application. Even if we get permission there's no guarantee the club will do that.

"At the moment there's no plans to build, just looking into what might be possible. We are also considering refurbishment."

The RBYC was established in November, 1844 by 30 men, many in the British Army, but only acquired their current location in 1933.

About ten years ago the club spent almost $2.5 million to add around 100 new moorings at the club to the previous 25.

The most recent application by the club, for the seven-storey building could include office space, but Mr. Richardson said the club would also be housed in the new building.

He added that a new building could also benefit their youth sailing programme among others, with brand new facilities.

"The general membership has been looking at what's best for the future. I would say there are three or four options as we go forward," he added.

"There would be facilities for the youth sailing and things we are trying to develop. But all those things cost money, so we may have to change the business model."