The Maple Bay Yacht Club is celebrating a century.
"We are very excited to be in our centennial year and have been holding celebratory events throughout the year," said club volunteer Rae Simpson. "It feels amazing to be part of a boating oriented social club that has promoted land and sea events for 100 years, and I’m quite proud of the club’s accomplishments."
First chartered in 1925, MYBC is the third oldest yacht club in B.C. is and currently situated on the protected eastern island shores on Genoa Bay Rd. and led by commodore Anne Clarke.
The club started as a ripple when a small group of Maple Bay residents who had a passion for boating were returning from a picnic on Salt Spring Island and decided to form the club. It was a step in the right direction when the newly formed group organized a a dance to raise funds to convert the building at the head of the government dock from a chicken coop to a dance hall and club house. When the club made its initial splash its main objectives were to not only be a social club, but to also promote boat racing, provide bathing facilities for its members, and to store boats and equipment.
Annual subscriptions were once $5 per person; $8.50 per couple, and $10 for an adult family living in the same household. While the club maintains many traditions, much has also changed including the increase in membership fees.
Continuing tradition, club races still happen every few weeks throughout the year, as does the a popular summer youth training program that teaches sailing and water safety. Some of the 75 to 100 graduates they see each year go on to become international sailors and leaders in B.C.’s yachting community.
The club is well known for its vibrant social events, dedicated volunteers who form the heart of the organization, and, of course, its popular regattas. This year’s Labour Day Regatta Aug. 30-31 will be a highlight of the club’s centennial celebrations. Maple Bay will come alive with colourful boats as sailors compete for trophies and bragging rights in the 78th edition of this long-standing event, which is expected to draw a record turnout.
In addition to the Labour Day Regatta, the club also hosts a spring regatta on Thetis Island in May. Both events attract participants from across Canada’s west coast, filling Maple Bay with vibrant sails, competitive spirit, and plenty of excitement.
"We hope that the regatta will help promote the club and provide sailors with a challenging and memorable event," said Simpson. "Along with the sailing, participants will enjoy rich camaraderie, a delicious steak or salmon dinner plus music and dancing. Anyone with interests in boating or water sports will likely enjoy the spectacle, and hope it will help encourage new memberships which are open to the public."
For more information on becoming a member visit mbyc.bc.ca.
