You may not realize it but the Yacht Club is the longest continuous resident on Chestermere Lake. Back in 1923, three men formed a group called the Calgary Sailing Club which was the precursor to the Calgary Yacht Club. They raced dinghies and eventually each of them obtained 22′ cabin cruisers which they both raced and sailed for pleasure. Perhaps it was the appearance of the white sails on the blue water that attracted others to participate.
The Yacht Club was incorporated as a society in 1933 and a boat builder from Nova Scotia was commissioned to build a club house at the northeast end of the lake – its original location. Following the war, they decided to move to a less active area on the lake and obtained lots on the east shore, where the club sits today. As the membership expanded, so did the club house, its facilities and programs.
Fast forward to today where the club is still considered the premier sailing facility on the prairies. The club relies on the time, talent and treasure of its volunteers to help make it a vibrant part of the community. Membership is open to everyone and provides unlimited access to the lake and amenities of the club for as little as $1.40 per day but you do not need to be a member to participate in our programs. The club hosts regattas, sailing education, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and other fitness-related and social activities as well as providing coaching and support for athletes who aspire to compete at a higher level. This year 6 athletes from CYC will be representing Alberta at the Canada Summer Games in Gimli, Manitoba. Several of these same youth are also the instructors for our programs and bring a high level of energy and willingness to share their passion for sailing.
Sailing is a lifetime sport; a unique recreation that one can enjoy for many, many years. The friends, relationships and skills that kids develop in sailing at a young age will last them a lifetime. It’s a complete education sport with both physical and mental demands. This allows youth to grow and expand their knowledge base.
Kids in sailing is a form of creative art. Where else or what else allows kids to participate where there are no boundaries, no walls, no sidelines. Sailing for kids, be it cruising or racing is freedom. It’s joyful!
CYC offers affordable summer programs for youth ages 5 to 17 as well as courses for adults wanting to learn how to sail. Full details can be found at calgaryyachtclub.checklick.com
