Then & Now: Sailing Through Time – The Kingston Yacht Club

The Kingston Yacht Club is a landmark that is part of Kingston’s historic waterfront. This private club is a perfect starting point to discover Kingston’s maritime heritage. It is a good reminder that in the early days of Upper Canada, commerce was by way of water. Shipbuilding in the area was well-developed, and the Kingston Dry Docks were built in 1890.

Informally, there are records of regattas taking place in the harbour in 1865. The first yacht club was known as the Kingston Ice Yacht Club and was formed in 1893. Ice-yachting was not for the faint of heart back in the day. Literally flying on ice at speeds unheard of on land, the sport grew in popularity. Races were organized and ice-boat design was perfected. It quickly became a popular spectator activity on wintry days. The ice yacht club had thirty members and twenty-three ice sloops and lateens. The wind conditions in the area were ideal for the sport. Racers came from all around Lake Ontario to take part. 

In the summer of 1896, a clubhouse was built at the foot of Maitland Street, on the site of the present building. The land and wharf were owned by Colonel Angus Cameron and was leased to the Club. Shares were sold and members incorporated the Club. Eventually, the land was sold to the Club and improvements were made to the clubhouse. 

In August 1932, a fire that started in a boat house paint cupboard destroyed the clubhouse. As reported in the 1932 Kingston Whig-Standard, it must have been a harrowing scene. Club staff and members raced to save trophies, paintings, and anything that could be moved. A piano was saved from a second-floor window. A new clubhouse was opened in 1935, it was splendid. The new building offered plenty of space for social gatherings and nautical events. In 1976, the Club hosted sailing events for the Olympic Games. 

Today, the K.Y.C. has grown to include all manners of boating and sailing activities. Racing and regattas are hosted, along with a radio-controlled club. Sail training for adults and youths is on offer along with paddle boats and kayaks for a relaxing view of the harbour. The club offers indoor and outdoor dining along with event hosting. It is an award-winning club both as members and organizers of meets and races. 

This is a private club, and membership includes full, junior, and out-of-town levels. A temporary membership on a monthly basis is available. There are two ways to arrive at the K.Y.C. by land or by water. Docking is available along with all the marina services. Other points of interest in the vicinity include the Pump House Museum and the Great Lakes Museum.  

Written by Ginette-Guy Mayer; her interest as a writer revolves around history, genealogy and women’s stories within those contexts. Now retired, she lives in Cornwall, Ontario, where she volunteers with various heritage, history and genealogical groups. She is the author of the biography Unforgotten Mary Mack, the Elizabeth Grant Mysteries, set in 1930s Cornwall and the DS Henry Stafford Mysteries series, set in 1980s Winchester/Chesterville.