The Yachting Association of India (YAI) came into existence on 15th May, 1960 and the organisation has been working for the well being of the game since then. Sailing in India dates back to the first recorded race being sailed on 6th Feb 1830 in Bombay (now Mumbai). There were a number of five active sailing clubs in India till the time the British left India after the Second World War and the clubs were located in the cities like Bombay, Madras, Bangalore, Barrackpore and Nainital.

After being established in May, 1960, the Yachting Association of India (YAI) got registered under the Societies Registration Act XXVI of 1961 on 22nd December 1964 at Calcutta, West Bengal. The YAI is responsible for all kinds of activities relating to the game of Yachting in India and it is also affiliated to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognised the ISAF as the governing authority for sailing world wide.

The YAI has got official recognition from the Indian Olympic Association and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The authorities have recognised YAI as the governing authority for sailing, windsurfing, motor boating, powerboat racing and personal watercraft, at sea and on inland waters in India. The YAI has also got the responsibility for the uplifting of the game in India. The YAI has done a great job by conducting training for the judges, umpires and other administrators of the sport and also by representing the sailors in all matters concerning the sport. The YAI has a number of 14 class associations as its affiliated members at the moment that range from the smallest, the Optimist Dingy to the largest, the J 24 class. The YAI also has 40 clubs affiliated to it, coming from various parts of the country at the moment.