ashbridges bay yacht club photos

Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club celebrates its 90th anniversary year

By ALEXANDROS VAROUTAS

For a community named after its waterfront location, the Beach has understandably embraced Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) as a hub for those interested in getting out on to the water and experiencing the joys of the lake. This year, the club is celebrating its 90th anniversary and looking back at its modest beginnings.

The ABYC was founded in 1932, during the peak of the Great Depression, by Archie Walker, Bob Walker, Rollie Alsop, and Johnny Gibson. With the faltering economy and an uncertain future ahead of them, they found respite by getting out on the open water for sail boat racing with friends.

The club was originally located at Knox and Eastern Avenues and served as a way into Toronto-wide inter-club competitions, which inevitably led to more people wanting to join.

But with little money going around to spend on leisure, aspiring members would opt to contribute in other ways in exchange for a spot in the club. So, in 1936, the first clubhouse was built by the club members themselves, which set off a lasting tradition of member contribution in lieu of high membership fees.

Today, this model carries on, allowing more people to join the club and get involved in sailing.

Carolyn Weckesser, a commodore at the club and the chair of the 90th anniversary celebration committee, explained how this has led to a very diverse group of members today, from around the city and of all different age groups.

“Its a sport that you can take up at any age and do as long as you feel healthy enough to do it,” she said, adding that they have sailors from as young as five all the way up to 95.

They’ve seen a significant increase in membership over the last five years, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic which left many looking for an outdoor hobby.

“No better social distancing than out on the water,” said Weckesser.

One of the more notable club members is Sarah Douglas, who has won multiple awards in sailing competitions around the world and set the best result (sixth) for a Canadian woman in an individual sailing event at the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics. Douglas also plans compete again at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

But members don’t need to be Olympic athletes to join the fun. ABYC’s vision is to open up the shore to the community and enable anyone to participate in watersports.

Even without a boat, members can get on the water through the co-operative sailing program, which lets you sail on one of the club-owned boats.

For those that might be new to the water and don’t want to sail right away, there are also kayak and paddleboard programs that give members a chance to wet their feet, so to speak.

In keeping with its vision of inclusion, ABYC has also partnered with Broad Reach Canada this year, an organization dedicated to equality and inclusion through sailing.

Yachting and sailing has traditionally been seen as an exclusive activity, often associated with those who are wealthy. Through their partnership with Broad Reach and low membership fees, ABYC continues its efforts towards making these activities accessible for all who are interested, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Over the years the club has hosted a number of regional, local and national sailing regattas, and will be hosting many more this year as they celebrate their 90th anniversary.

The celebrations will culminate with the Anniversary Heritage Weekend Sept. 17 and 18.

For more information on the club, please go to https://abyc.ca/

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Table set up.

Early morning on June 20, 2008.

Buzz in our city's busy restaurant scene is usually about new openings or closings, star chefs coming or going, the use of local ingredients, slow food or fast food, however, little emphasis has been placed about the generosity of the restaurateurs or their staff. On June 20, 2008, I had the pleasure of helping out at the annual Set Sail for Hope event raising nearly $150,000 for Camp Trillium. The single day affair benefits children suffering from cancer, where everything enjoyed was donated by 28 well established restaurants from the GTA and participation from chefs, including C5's Teddy Corrado, Executive Chef Emerik Padjan from Fred's Not Here (321 King Street West), Rodney's Oyster House (469 King Street West), Jess Ostlund from Ruth's Chris (145 Richmond Street West), as well as sous chefs and staff from Aqua Restaurante (10 Front Street West, BCE Place) were all voluntary.

www.setsailforhope.com/index.shtml

Project 365 = Day 332 = 28 Nov 2023

© 2023 Jeff Stewart. All rights reserved.

.... Sailboats docked at Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club / Marina

decorate the middle of the Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club table.

ONLINE STORE | CART

COURSE REGISTRATION

ONLINE STORE | COURSE REGISTRATION

Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club

©2024 ONTARIO SAILING • All Rights Reserved •

• Score sheet position
• Significance of events
• Depth of competition
• Overall consistency in performance;
• Recognition and/or ranking achieved outside Ontario and Canada;
• Versatility or scope of achievements;
• Degree of inspiration to others both on the water and on shore;
• Overall contribution to the quality and recognition of Ontario sailors;
• A role model to others in the sailing community.
• Actual race results with particular regard to:
• Noticeable improvement in performance during the current year, indicating the potential for future international results;
• The recipient will normally be in the 23 & under age category;

The Female Junior Sailor of the Year is presented to a female athlete who has achieved results on at least a Provincial and National level (could be International, but not necessary) that demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in their discipline. Must be 18 years or younger as of December 31st in the year ending. SELECTION CRITERIA:

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Hunter Dejean 2018 Hunter Dejean 2017 Clara Gravely 2016 Clara Gravely 2015 Clara Gravely 2014 Not Presented 2013 Olivia Mew 2012 Ali ten Hove 2011 Violet Stafford 2010 Meredith Megarry 2009 Sarah Douglas 2008 Brenda Bowskill 2007 Helen Dam 2006 Emily Hill 2005 Joanne Prokop 2004 Alessandra Herrera Reimer 2003 Erin Kestenbaum 2002 Yolande Gooderham & Katherine MacLennan 2001 Caroline Kaars Sijpesteijn

Female Sailor of the Year is presented to the female sailor who has achieved results on a Provincial, National, and/or International level, which demonstrated a high level of skill and expertise in her discipline. SELECTION CRITERIA:

• No age guidelines;

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 2019 Jodi Munden 2018 Sarah Douglas & 2017 Sarah Douglas 2016 Danielle Boyd & 2015 Brenda Bowskill 2014 Brenda Bowskill 2013 Brenda Bowskill 2012 Violet Stafford 2011 Meredith Megarry & Emily McIlquham 2010 Claire Merry 2009 Joanne Prokop 2008 Katie Abbott, Martha Henderson, Jen Provan 2007 Alanna Foscarini and Alison Ludzki 2006 Victoria Crowder 2005 Amy Cada 2004 Jen Provan & Nikola Girke 2003 Victoria Crowder & Claudia Strobele 2002 Claudia Strobele 2001 Jen Provan & Nikola Girke 2000 Jen Provan

This award is presented to a (current) certified Sail Canada Instructor/Coach who has shown exceptional leadership in a learn-to-sail or racing program. NOMINATION PROCESS:

In order to be considered, a nomination form must be completed and a letter supporting the nomination must be submitted to [email protected] and come from one of the following:

• Employer, Club or Head Instructor (The club/school must be members of OSA/Sail Canada and teach CANSail levels and award CANSail certificates and seals);
• A student or athlete;
• Certified coach from another club, (or Provincial or National Coach);

SELECTION CRITERIA: /p>

• Demonstrates and exudes sportsmanlike behaviour in him/herself and expects the same of her/his athletes/students,
• Is a primary factor in improving the skills and results of his/her students,
• Is a team player and works well with fellow coaches/instructors and supervisors,
• Volunteer contribution to her/his community and/or school may be considered (in a bonus category).

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Ryan Perry & Kristina Harris 2018 Max Robinson 2017 Lauren Laventure 2016 Nigel Crosscombe 2015 Geordie Miller 2014 Max Crothers 2013 Rob Frost 2012 Rob Frost 2011 Cam Lymburner 2010 Ethan Holtzer 2009 Graham Fraser 2008 Samara Crothers 2007 Corey Lynam 2006 Roslyn Dakin 2005 Ashley Lethbridge 2004 Karen May 2003 Will Abbott 2002 Darin McRae 2001 Tim Bishop 2000 Rob Fox

This award is presented to a Member Club or Organization that ran a regatta of exceptional quality during the past year. NOMINATION PROCESS:

n order to be considered, a nomination form must be completed and a letter of recommendation must be submitted to [email protected] and come from either an athlete or a coach who participated in the event.

• Race management (must be certified Race Officer as PRO, Level 2),
• Pre-regatta information package, i.e. Notice of Race
• Reception, registration, billeting, hosting, food & refreshment
• Value for registration fee
• Overall component of fun and fellowship that may include entertainment or special events.

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Blind Fleet Racing World Championship @ Kingston Yacht Club 2018 Canadian Youth Championships @ The Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2017 J24 World Championships @ Port Credit Yacht Club 2016 Sailfest @ Sarnia Yacht Club 2015 Lightning Worlds 2014 2.4mR Worlds 2013 GHRYA 2012 Kingston Yacht Club – Shark Worlds 2011 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club and Burlington Sailing & Boating Club – Mobility Cup 2010 CORK – National Qualifying Regatta 2009 Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario – Mobility Cup 2008 Nepean Sailing Club – Ontario Summer Games 2007 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club- Youth National Championships 2006 Oakville Yacht Squadron – Ontario High School Championships 2005 Sarnia Ontario Sailing 23 & Under Provincial Championships 2004 Brockville OSA 16 & Under Single Handed Championships 2003 Etobicoke Yacht Club – J35 North American Championships 2002 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club – 2002 Europe World Championships 2001 Grand Bend Yacht Club – Canada Games 2001. 2000 Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club – Millennium Regatta

In an effort to recognize the great history of sailing in this province, Ontario Sailing is proud to present the Legends of Ontario Sailing Award … “Honouring the Past to Inspire the Future”. PURPOSE:

To acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contribution of an individual or a group of individuals who through his/her and/or their efforts, have inspired participation in the recreational and/or competitive sport of sailing in Canada.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• A Canadian or Canadians whose primary residence is in Ontario.
• Someone who has donated significant time and energy to improve the quality of and/or participation in the recreational and/or competitive sport of sailing.
• Present members of the Canadian Sailing Team
• Present members of the Ontario Sailing Team
• Anyone currently holding a board position with Ontario Sailing

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Larry MacDonald 2018 Not Presented 2017 The Abbott Family 2016 Jean & Bernie Luttmer 2015 Alex McAuley 2014 John Osborn 2013 “The 12 Founders of CORK”: Roger Green, Bill Cox, Paul Henderson, Lynn Watters, Sandy McPherson, Bart Dalton, Cam Jones, George Goodfellow, Russ Scrim, Harry Jemmett, Jack Orgill and Doug Keary. 2012 The “Ontario-Based, Canadian Flag-Bearing, Olympic Medal Winners”: Terry Neilson, Terry McLaughlin, Hans Fogh, John Kerr, Steve Calder, Frank McLaughlin, John Millen, and Mike Wolfs. 2011 The “Builders of C&C Yachts”: Rob Ball, Erich Bruckmann, George Cassian, George Cuthbertson, George Hinterhoeller and Ian Morch. 2010 The brave crews of Evergreen (RHYC) and Magistri (RCYC) that survived and endured the great storms that hit the 1979 Fastnet race.

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2021 Wendy Loat 2019 Tim Irwin 2018 Not Presented 2017 Pat Lymburner 2016 Edward Graham Dougall 2015 Nicholas Thompson & Ashley Hum 2014 Donna Scott 2013 Irene McNeill 2012 Lynne Beal & Doug Creelman 2011 Marilea McAllister & Ethel Thayer 2010 Carolyn Gagnon 2009 Bernie Luttmer Sr. 2008 George Blanchard 2007 Ron Kobrick 2006 Al Will 2004 2005 Alex McAuley 2004 Mike Vollmer 2003 Laurel Connell 2002 Alan May 2001 Peter Van Buskirk 2000 David Sprague 1999 Keith Hobbs 1998 Leo Reise 1997 Easter Seals Regatta, RCYC

The award has no criteria other than what the title implies. The selection is made by the Executive Director with the approval of the Executive Committee. This award is not open to nominations. If you would like suggest a nominee, please send an email to [email protected]

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 TBA 2018 Andree Gauthier 2018 Jay McKinnell 2017 Tom Bolland 2016 David Starck 2015 Barbara Lyon-Stewart and; 2015 Ben Rabinovitch; YMCA Camp Kitchikewana 2014 Alan Johnson; Windsor Yacht Club 2013 Gary Howard; Canada Summer Games Team 2012 Mike Milner 2011 Derek Hatfield and VELUX Canada 2010 Paul Davis 2009 Laura Jarvis 2008 Rick Watters & Audrey Kobayashi 2007 John Miolla 2006 John Weakley 2005 Linda Waddell & Jenny McEwen-Hill 2004 Lynne Beal 2003 Allan Sparrow 2002 Bruce Bussin 2001 Brian Knoll 2000 Jon Matthews 1999 Tommy Wharton 1998 Loren Richter, Eastgate Ford

To acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contribution of Ontario Sailing volunteers. The contribution can be related to activities over a period of years or to a specific event or program during a particular year. The selection is made by Ontario Sailing representatives.

This award is not open to nominations. If you would like suggest a nominee, please send an email to [email protected] .

• Someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Ontario.

EXCLUSIONS:

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Katie Coleman Nicoll 2018 Not Presented 2017 Mark Searle 2016 Wendy Loat 2016 Kevin Corcoran 2015 John Weakley

To acknowledge and recognize the multi-dimensional aspects of running a club. Criteria such as financial management, policies, governance and community outreach as well as the sailing components of running a club are considered in selecting a club that is demonstrating successes in different ways.

• The nominated club must be a member in good standing with Ontario Sailing.

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2019 Cedar Island Yacht Club

This award is presented to the Club with the best Overall Results from the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results, please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas.

NOTE- This award is not open to nomination. It is based on results

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2018 TBA 2017 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2016 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2015 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2014 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2013 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2012 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2010 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2009 Kingston Yacht Club 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2005 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2002 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2001 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1998 Royal Canadian Yacht Club

This Award is presented to the Club with the best results in single handed classes in the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas

NOTE- This award is not open to nomination. It is based on results.

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2018 Britannia Yacht Club 2017 Royal Canadian Yacht Club & Port Credit Yacht Club 2016 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club & Royal Hamilton Yacht Club 2015 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club 2014 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2013 Port Credit Yacht Club 2012 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2010 Port Credit Yacht Club 2009 Port Credit Yacht Club 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2005 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2002 Island Yacht Club 2001 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1998 Island Yacht Club

This award is presented to the Club with the best result in the double handed classes Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series. To see the regattas included in the results please see the current year’s Grand Prix Development Series regattas

WINNERS INCLUDE: 2018 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2017 Oakville Yacht Squadron & Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2016 Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club & Bronte Harbour Yacht Club & National Yacht Club 2015 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2014 Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2013 Kingston Yacht Club 2012 Kingston Yacht Club 2011 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2010 Burlington Sailing and Boating Club 2009 Kingston Yacht Club 2008 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2007 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2006 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2005 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2004 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2003 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2002 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2001 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 2000 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1999 Royal Canadian Yacht Club 1998 Royal Canadian Yacht Club

This award is presented to the winners of each class in the Ontario Sailing Grand Prix Development Series.

WINNERS INCLUDE:

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Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club

At Home on the Water in Toronto

• Last updated:  May 1, 2024

Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club (ABYC), one of Toronto’s premier sailing clubs for both novice and experienced sailors, is built on activity, on the water and ashore. Our members are involved in racing, cruising, and day-sailing during the boating season and participate in a diverse range of social events throughout the year. We’re a family-friendly club with activities and facilities for all ages.

Known for its spacious clubhouse with bar and restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s Eastern Beaches community, ABYC is also recognized throughout the Lake Ontario region and beyond for running major championship racing regattas , for nurturing sailors young and old through its highly respected junior sailing school , adult keelboat program and intermediate cruising course and for offering great camaraderie through cruising , parties and other events.

Annually we hold an open house for persons interested in joining us at ABYC. At the open house you can learn about our sailing schools for both juniors and adults and other membership opportunities. We welcome those, without boats, who are interested in learning how to crew on a Senior Member’s boat or how to participate in our keelboat and dinghy co-op programs. And of course, we would be delighted to talk with sailors who have their own dinghy, daysailer, cruising keelboat, racing keelboat, kayak or paddleboard. It’s all here for you in Toronto’s east Beaches neighbourhood.

30 Ashbridge’s Bay Park Road

Toronto, Ontario M4L 3W6

• Last updated: 
• Yacht Club location: 30 Ashbridges Bay Park Rd, Toronto, ON M4L
• Latitude: 43.6580437
• Longitude: -79.3111557
• First Night: Free
• Second Night: Free
• Third Night: Pay
• Fourth Night: Pay
• Cost Per Foot: $1.75
• Maximum Stay Length: 5
• Club Website: https://abyc.ca/
• Club Events: https://abyc.ca/abyc-event-calendar/
• --> Visiting Yachts: https://abyc.ca/abyc-visitor-reservations/
• --> Club Weather Station: https://abyc.on.ca/abyc-weather/
• General Club Phone Number: 416-698-4498
• General Club Office Email: [email protected]
• Arrival Details
• VHF‐FM Marine channel Monitored: 68
• Days & Times Monitored: Daily: June to end of August (8am - 8pm)
• Arrival Instructions: Make your way to your confirmed reserved slip and contact us on VHF 68

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Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club

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30 Ashbridges Bay Park Road

Toronto, ON M4L 3W6

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Overall rating

Phoned to inquire about purchasing a membership and storing our boat for the summer. I first dealt with a snooty receptionist, Amelia, who barked at me to go to their website in order to see the pricing. If I'm not mistaken, the job of a customer service person is to provide information. I phoned because I wanted to speak to a real, live person who could add up the costs for me. After going to their website and phoning again, I got amelia again. Upon realizing it was me she angrily transferred me to another woman who at least was friendlier but still had to be coached to give an exact, everything included price for the summer (she kept giving me the individual fee amounts which is useless to me, I need a final figure) and when I gave up she said at the very end of the conversation "make sure we are the right place for you," passive-aggressively and in a snotty tone. Pretty sure I knew it wasn't before that moment. Bottom line is- membership could be a positive experience but because the customer service and attitude towards younger customers is so poor I wouldn't bother.

As a guest I had the privilege of going out to ABYC to go do a little sailing and have a bite to eat and a drink. The club house itself is beautiful with a great menu and bar. The bartender and servers were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They have a nice selection of beers on tap as well to meet all members' needs. The members of the club are friendly and incredibly helpful and contributed to a positive experience at my first Yacht Club in Toronto.

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