Water sports have been popular in Toronto since the late 19th century. Thus, the RCYC (Royal Canadian Yacht Club) was established in the city. Its founders aimed at popularisation of the water sports on motor boats and organised public races. The RCYC was developing quite quickly and gathered people from all over the world. Learn more at itoronto.info.
Foundation of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club
In 1850, locals gathered at a meeting and laid the foundation of the Toronto Boat Club. The official opening of the club took place in 1852. In 1853, it was named the Toronto Yacht Club. Then the club applied for a Royal Warrant. To their great surprise, Queen Victoria granted that yacht club the status of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Back then, yacht clubs often participated in various defence operations together with the Royal Navy. In 1862, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) established an armed marine company that conducted training three times a week.
The first building that housed the club was the one owned by Casimir Gzowski, not far from the present location of Union Station. Later, the club moved to another location. In 1853, the yacht club was housed in a one-story building that was built on top of a schooner moored near Simcoe St.
In 1858, the RCYC built a clubhouse at its own expense near the Parliament Buildings on Front Street. But after the industrialization of the harbour and increased ship traffic, the club members decided to move to the Toronto Islands.
In 1881, a clubhouse was built on the North Island and remains there till nowadays. It was designed by architects Darling and Curry.
In order to transport all club members to the island, the RCYC purchased the steamboat Esperanza, which was given permission to moor at the wharf at the foot of York Street.
What did the members of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club do?
The main activity of the club was sailing races. The first RCYC competition was held in 1858 and the prize fund was $600. In 1876, the RCYC participated in the America’s Cup.
In 1896, the Lincoln Park Boat Club challenged the RCYC and ran a series of match races. Several other cities participated in the race too. The RCYC won and got the monetary prize as well as the Canada’s Cup. By the way, since then, the Canada’s Cup has been the most prestigious Great Lakes’ trophy.
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club during the First and Second World Wars
The First World War began in 1914 and most of the club members were conscripted into the army. 59 of them died on the battlefield. To commemorate them, in 1926, the club installed a large granite and marble memorial in the form of a ship’s mast in front of the yacht club building.
At the end of the First World War, the club rebuilt its fleet, purchasing 4 P-class boats and several C-type 25-foot boats. They were used in club races.
During the war years (1939 – 1945), the club was closed. With the advent of peace, it started to operate again. In 1946, the number of club members rapidly increased, so the club required expansion. Thus, the founders decided to lease the entire South Island.
Having survived two wars and a crisis, the RCYC continues to work.
The modern Royal Canadian Yacht Club has many objectives:
- Encouragement of club members to improve
- Promotion of yacht architecture development and construction of new vessels
- Promotion of sailing development.
The RCYC is considered the oldest and largest yacht club in the world. Its summer residence is located on three islands, namely RCYC Island, South Island and North Chippewa or Snug Island. The winter residence is located at 141 St. George Street. The building can house sports and social events.