Nestled between the prairies and the Rocky Mountains you will find the Calgary Yacht Club, located on the east side of Chestermere Lake. In 1933, an avid group of sailors incorporated what is today the best sailing facility in southern Alberta. The Club has grown from a small core of members, some of whom were among the first to build on the lakefront, to as many as 120 members and their families.

MEMBERS

The Club is a not-for-profit community of sailors, organized by volunteers to develop and promote the sport of sailing. For a reasonable membership fee, the Club offers a variety of benefits to its members. Some Club members have considerable sailing experience but members of all abilities are welcome including families with children. You do not need to own a boat the Club has several available for affordable time-share leases.

FACILITIES

The original clubhouse, the little cottage by the water, is used for all social activities. It offers a magnificent lake view, a large deck, a fireplace lounge, a licensed bar, and a kitchen with city water. We are well on our way to putting resources and plans together for building a new Club house in the fall of 2010. A second building,renovated in 2004, provides changing rooms, showers, lockers for members' storage and a meeting room. This building is used for all our sailing programs. These clubhouses are located on five grassy lake-front lots with picnic tables and barbecues shaded by mature trees. There is also an outdoor fire pit to gather around to enjoy its warmth on cool summer evenings. The grounds also facilitate year-round storage for members' boats. Two boat launching ramps and three large docks provide easy access to the lake from May 1st through the end of Septembers.

COMPETITION

In the Club's history, competition has played a major role. In the Thirties it was match racing among friends, which grew into organized races with increasing numbers of boats. Recently, sailboat-racing's popularity has grown to the point where the annual Icebreaker Regatta may draw 100 entrants from across the Province. In addition, there are regular regattas and the Twilight Evening Series, which begins in May.

EDUCATION

As well as competition, the Club has a proud history of educating members of the community in all forms of boating and water safety. In World War II, CYC members devoted their efforts to training Naval Reserve sailors. In recent times, a Junior Squadron taught sailing to many of today's adult enthusiasts. Since 1983 the Club has run a variety of Sailing Schools, providing an excellent learning environment for residents of the Calgary area. Classes for adults and youth were offered through open registration, special programs with schools, Parks & Recreation and Community Associations. The Club has an excellent fleet of student sailboats. Summer camps, for both children and adults, are held during the summer months. These are for both new sailors and those sailors who want to hone their skills.

ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year members can participate in a number of recreational sailing events and socials such as the famous Lobster Boil, Commodore's Tea, Wine & Cheese and our popular Jimmy Buffet Night.

We are proud of what we have to offer at the Calgary Yacht Club! Since we're always looking for new members, we encourage you to bring out any friends that might be interested in sailing. Although we have many ideas for 2010 to attract and welcome new members, we also invite your comments and ideas.

This season, our Annual Open House takes place on May 15& 16 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., and weather permitting, we will offer boat rides for those that are interested. This is an excellent chance to drop by and check out our facilities, have a coffee and a donut, and check out all the boats on the premises. See the Social Events section for more details.