The club was formed in 1949, when a few hardy pioneering centreboarders needed facilities for racing, and the first clubhouse was an 8ft x 6ft plywood box that was kept behind the post-office and carried to the beach each Saturday. The Yacht club now holds dress circle views over the Tamaki Estuary.

The first club rooms were built at Grangers Point in the 50’s along with a haul out reclamation. The original building is still in use for race control and as a base for centreboard activities. The haulout is used throughout the winter for boat maintenance.
 
The building of the present clubhouse was started in 1981 when the membership reached 200. A 100 berth marina was added in 1988, and the club improved by further extensions and a major kitchen upgrade. The bar and bistro restaurant are referred to as 'the best kept secret in Auckland'.
The club now provides its 4000 members with excellent facilities and a first-class restaurant and bar with views over the Tamaki Estuary. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club is the biggest family club in New Zealand.

The Bucklands Beach Yacht Club have sponsored children of yachting families, which has brought about their success on an international playing field.

Several prominent members include international and Olympic yachtsmen and women, Bruce and Barbara Kendall, Aaron McIntosh, Nick Burfoot and Joey Allen of Team NZ.