Biz Of The Month: Open The Door To The Windsor Yacht Club

OF THE MONTH Windsor Yacht Club Celebrates 85 Years Of Races And Social Events

Story And Photos By Victoria Rose

SPECIAL SALUTE TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Sunshine and sailboats were the perfect backdrop to the Windsor Yacht Club’s 85th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Nearly 100 members and staff gathered for a party to honour the club and celebrate growth.

“In today’s economic climate you often hear of those that have not been successful — celebrating is always a positive indicator,” says Windsor Yacht Club’s (WYC) Commodore, Joe Gatfield. “Our membership continues to grow, we are stable, and we are what we refer to as ‘WYC family’ . . . and families celebrate!”

While celebrating with members and looking forward to future growth, the club is also extremely proud of its history and the part it played in making a significant impact on Canadian boaters.

Shortly after the club was established in 1937, it launched the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP). The squadron expanded to a national organization that offers courses for recreational boaters, helping them prepare for both everyday and emergency scenarios (CPS-ECP.ca)

“CPS-ECP has affected hundreds of thousands of Canadians and made our waters safer as a result,” says Gatfield. “CPSECP has been influential with involvement in government agencies and … (similar) organizations that have, and continue to, promote safe and responsible boating in Canada and internationally.”

The club expanded in 1945, adding kitchen and dining facilities to accommodate larger social events and special occasions like weddings. In 1999 the clubhouse was reconstructed as it stands today.

Further improvements were made over time, the most recent in 2016 being a significant upgrade to the harbour, which allows for a total berthing capacity of 158 vessels up to 60 feet in length.

The WYC is a not-for-profit managed by a Board of Directors elected annually by the membership. The Commodore is the Chair of the Board of Directors and is charged with the general supervision of the business and the affairs of the club.

To run the facility, there are approximately 30 employees divided into four areas: Senior Management (Director of Operations, Food & Beverage Manager, Chef, and Facilities Manager); Front of House (bar staff and servers); Back of House (galley staff); and Harbour Staff.

Membership of the private club is by application and, after review, the application is approved by the Board.

There is an initiation fee, monthly dues, monthly capital dues, and an annual minimum to spend on food and beverage. Membership levels vary based on age and, in some cases, the distance one lives from the Club.

Members enjoy access to the pool, showers, harbour bathrooms, barbeques, restaurant

Windsor Yacht Club Commodore, Joe Gatfield (left), and Past Commodore, Chris Colthurst, stand at the harbour at Windsor Yacht Club, during the 85th anniversary party in mid-May. A tradition of culinary excellence at the WYC continues with Executive Chef Stan Spanos and his dining staff. Casual and fine dining experiences from the galley and bar-side are offered for members and guests for special functions.

privileges, social nights (often with live music), weekly races, and access to affiliated clubs in the region and afar.

There is one detail that many people do not know about the club though and it needs mentioning . . . you don’t need a boat to join!

“We often use the statement, ‘No boat, no problem’,” Gatfield indicates. “In fact, most members do not have a boat. It is a community of families who enjoy fellowship and camaraderie in an enjoyable setting.”

The club still partners with CPS-ECP and is also a member of Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association, Inter-Lake Yachting Association, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association and

Ontario Sailing.

The WYC credits the members and “solid staff” with its success and future plans include continuing to enhance the facility and programs for members.

Even non-members can benefit from some of the WYC’s contributions to the region.

For example, the spectacular venue with its amazing sunsets is available for special events that can accommodate up to 180 people. As well, everyone is welcome to watch the end of the Wednesday night sailboat races from Sandpoint Beach or Lakeview Park Marina (boats return between 8 and 9 p.m.).

The club is located at 9000 Riverside Drive East in Windsor. See further information about amenities and membership online at: WindsorYachtClub.com.