Why is this yacht club called “Royal Canadian Yacht Club?” It’s a question many ask about this esteemed institution. The Royal Canadian Yacht Club is a private club in Toronto. It stands as one of the world’s oldest and largest yacht clubs.
Founded in 1852, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club has a rich history. Its summer home is on a trio of islands. These are RCYC Island, South Island, and North Chippewa or Snug Island. They are all located in the Toronto Islands. Since 1984, its winter home has been at 141 St. George Street. This purpose-built clubhouse offers sports and social activities.
Originally, in 1850, eight citizens met informally. They laid the foundation for the Toronto Boat Club. By 1852, the club was formally established. In 1853, it became the Toronto Yacht Club. Later in 1853, the name changed again. On the advice of its patron, Lord Elgin, it was renamed the Canadian Yacht Club.
That same year, the club petitioned the Crown for a Royal warrant. Queen Victoria granted this request. Thus, the club became known as the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. The change signified its regional importance. Toronto was in Canada West. “Canadian” better reflected its broader scope.
The first clubhouse was in a building owned by Sir Casimir Gzowski. It was near the present Union Station site. Later, the club moved to a one-story building on a scow. This scow was moored east of Simcoe Street. It served until 1858. The steamer Provincial replaced it. The Provincial provided shelter until 1868. It then drifted away with winter ice and was blown up as a navigation hazard.
In 1869, the club constructed a clubhouse near the Parliament Buildings on Front Street. By 1881, a new clubhouse was built on the Toronto Islands. Frank Darling designed it. The increasing railway tracks had changed the Esplanade’s character. The club purchased the steam launch Esperanza to reach the island. Landing rights were secured at the foot of Yonge Street.
Racing has always been central to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. In 1876, the club challenged for the America’s Cup. In 1878, the club’s yachts were allowed to wear the Blue Ensign. It was defaced with a crown. This lasted until Canada adopted the maple leaf flag in 1965.
In 1896, the Lincoln Park Yacht Club of Chicago challenged the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. The RCYC yacht Canada won the Canada’s Cup. The owners donated the cup to the club. It became “the Great Lakes’ most prestigious trophy”.
Fires were a recurring problem. The 1881 clubhouse burned in 1904. A new building, completed in 1906, burned in 1918. The present building, a modified version of the Sproatt design, opened in 1922.
During World War I, many members served. Over 450 members enlisted. The club installed a memorial in 1926. It honored the 59 members who died in service.
Today, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club continues to thrive. It promotes sailing and social activities. The club boasts an impressive collection of yacht models. Despite fires, the collection includes over 170 models. These models are displayed at both the City Clubhouse and the Island Clubhouse. The Royal Canadian Yacht Club remains a symbol of yachting excellence and tradition in Canada.