Canadian Yachting October 2016 - 11

In the late 1800s, much leisure time was devoted to water activities and many attempts were made to form a club that would promote these activities. It wasn't until the summer of 1931 that the Nanaimo Yacht Club was formed to promote power boat racing. The following year they hosted the International Speedboat Regatta which really gave the club incentive to expand. "Their first meeting was held in the parlour of a funeral home where it was decided to rent Anderson's Boat House for a clubhouse in the area near the Port Theatre," said Commodore Pat Grounds.... I guess there was no one around to object! All went well and the following year land was procured, cleared and the members set about building docks. An old building was donated, torn down and the lumber used to erect the first clubhouse which would set the foundations for all future buildings, located at the south end of Newcastle Channel. In following years the docks would be expanded, breakwaters installed and covered moorage built by 1967. Sailboats started to become a larger part of club activities with the establishment of the comet fleet, followed by the Sabot fleet and finally the Thunderbird fleet in 1971. The clubhouse was rebuilt in 1977 with a gatehouse, walkway and landscaping. By the end of the 1900s, new moorage spaces were added to bring the harbour Top: The original clubhouse. accommodation to over 370 boats. By Bottom: The first mooring basin with all of the power boats, 1938. leasing an 80 foot dock at the Silva Bay Resort and Marina on Gabriola Island, they have also provided an Outstation. The tradition of club Dinghy Sailing sessions offer opportunity to sail in a purely supmember participation in the upkeep of the club amenities has portive and safe environment. The Dinghy Sailing and continued to this day and is a key part of the success of the Development Race teams have a focus on "fun with a purpose" NYC. With over 750 active volunteer members, this has certain- offering mental training, physical fitness and competition. ly helped! "We're always trying to attract members. The miscon- Nanaimo YC has also partnered with the International Yacht ception of the club from 10 years ago, or 13 when I joined it, was Training program (offered in 40 other countries). This program a long wait to get moorage. We no longer have the long waits offers recreational sailing courses through to Master of Yachts that used to be looked at - 10 year waits for moorage are just certification for commercial vessels. unheard of now," relates club Staff Captain, Jim Goehringer. Not only have they been innovative with their program offerAs is important for every boating club, innovation with mem- ings and events, but also with the naming of them. There's the bership offerings and programs is an integral part of the club's Day and a Bit Race, Symphony Splash, Ladysmith Dinner longevity. The sailing program offers CANSail levels 1-6 and Cruise, Silly Boat Race and the Bathtub weekend. .... humm, Opti Wet Feet programs, but also "Try it" sessions for those not do you suppose they are in these bathtubs when they are afloat? sure if they want to commit to a full program and Drop-in Getting involved in the community, they have initiated and Practice sessions to hone in on your skills. The Recreational organized the Community Christmas Light Cruise, the www.canadianyachting.ca 11 http://www.canadianyachting.ca

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2016