Aside from details taken from minutes of past meetings, most information comes from the memories of the men and women of the Richmond Yacht Club. The following, some no longer with us, are acknowledged for their contributions to the development and the history of the club: Dunc Slater, Don Robotham, Edie Cassidy, Joan Archer, Rick Chapman and Jack Hobson.
On August 16, 1961 a meeting was held in an attempt to form a Club among the boaters moored at Richmond Marina. The ideas were to have some socials and cruises. Although a slate of officers was elected the club failed to begin operations.
By 1963 further attempts to form a club were successful. Fred Burch was elected Commodore, the initiation fee was $15.00, annual dues $25.00 and moorage was $0.25/ft.
On March 8, 1963 the Richmond Yacht Club received its charter and the first clubhouse was the top floor of The Surf Club, and what is now Galleon Marine.
The following year the club lost the use of its clubhouse and moved to a temporary location at Francis Road Hall. In 1965 space was leased at Nor-Wes Marina and funds were raised to construct a clubhouse.
A plaque on the clubhouse wall recognizes the following members, who through a holding company, personally provided the funds to permit the erection of the clubhouse: Harold Davis, Art Watts, Jack Churchard, Stan Cassidy, Alf Kent, Al May, Bill Jackson, Burley Sewell, Nic Allen, George Baker and Dunc Slater.
This mortgage was paid in full on March 14, 1970.
The lease expired and could not be renewed. After a year-long search the Executive was able to secure land at our current location. On February 7, 1975, by Special Resolution, the members approved the relocation of the clubhouse.
Float construction began in 1976 and by April the main ramp was lowered into place. Marina development was funded by mooring member five-year debentures. By 1982 the original debentures were being retired.
In 1979 the clubhouse was expanded and various facilities were upgraded. It took two years of members labour before final building inspections were passed.
Member Frank Thomas was very active in soliciting support to have Cowards Cove dredged. The outcome was a Federal Dredging project at Cowards Cove resulting in approximately 75000 cubic yards being removed.
The RYC exchanged burgees with a number of clubs, including: Lahaina Yacht Club (Hawaii), Eastdown Yacht Club (Ireland), Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club,
These burgees, and many others, are displayed on the clubhouse walls. Members are encouraged to exchange burgees with other clubs when they are travelling.
Club Cruises became some of the most popular and well-attended events of the boating season. Favoured destinations were Camp Artaban, Center Bay, Camp Jubilee, Bowen Island, and the Gulf Islands
Participation became more active in The B.C. Council of Yachts and our committee members always attended to get first-hand information. Information includes: changes to fishing regulations, Snag-a-Flag program, debris control in the Fraser River and changes to B.C. Marine Parks regulations. The Council represents over 20,000 boaters from 50 yacht clubs in B.C.
In the early 1980's standard cost of attending a club function was $4.00/person. The newsletter Seagull Gazette was being published on an intermittent basis, 8-10 times per year.
Boat insurance and safety inspections become a higher priority and in 1982 all vessels were required to carry $300,000.00 public liability and property damage insurance. All vessels are now required to pass a safety inspection within 14 days of being notified. In 1984 the public liability requirement was increased to $500,000.00. This has since been increased to $1M.
By the mid-1980s the RYC had reached a plateau. The marina was full, (53 boats) finances are stable and volunteer help is keeping the club running smoothly.
As 1985 draws to a close the clubhouse is in need of some repairs. Stan Cassidy has donated a bar fridge and Bob McMillan donated the safe. Membership is at 146 with 5 applications on hand and 14 new members accepted during the year.
In 1986 the club considers leasing a set amount of footage of moorage space in the Gulf Islands during the summer season but nothing comes of the idea.
Safety inspections are not up to standards with a number of boats failing to pass and even one vessel that did not take the test. The agreement is that the new moorage contracts must provide tougher penalties. Jack Hobson was instrumental in getting the best price and supervising the installation of a new float ramp.
Dunc Slater designed, constructed and installed a safety ladder on the south end of float “A”.
The original design was duplicated by Fred Hubbick in 1998 and the ladders were installed in all critical areas of the marina. In 2006 these were replaced with a stainless steel design.
By 1987 tickets to club events has risen to $10. The top money maker continued to be New Year’s Eve. Memberships remained unchanged. With six resignations and six new memberships the club has 75 members. Primarily due to the problems encountered with having boats safety inspected the position of Safety Director has been created along with Director of Entertainment for the coming year.
1988 was an active year for the Marina. Pilings were replaced on most floats and a lot of members participated in the work parties. Memberships remained at 75 and five Honorary Members were elected. The Bar showed a profit of $3500.00.
With an able bodied executive the RYC enters 1989 with a sound financial position. Bob MacMillan is Commodore. The clubhouse roof will need to be replaced and discussions are expected to take place on possible expansion via a second story on the building.
In 1992 a two-year project to replace the piling was begun and completed in 1994. A shower was installed in the men's washroom and a new main centre float and electrical panel were completed. The galley was remodeled and a new 10 year lease signed with the City of Richmond in 1996.
In 2000 a new main gate was built by Joe Zenith assisted by various members. Installed in time for Sail Past 2000 it was Joe's last contribution to the Club. Joe suffered a massive heart attack and died onboard his boat, At Last, prior to the commencement of Sail Past. 2000 Sail Past was cancelled and the gate renamed Joe's Gate later that year.
Throughout the start of a new century the Club continues to function largely due to many volunteer hours by the members.
In 2002 Fred Hubbick and Bill Mosier undertake and oversee a major refit to the clubhouse interior. Oak paneling, music centre and new carpeting and painting took many hours.
In 2007, long-time caretaker, Don York retired. The position of Wharfinger was created and Garrett Weir was appointed. Garrett lives aboard Sequin at the foot of the main ramp.
After year-long negotiations a new 20 year lease was signed with the City of Richmond in 2008. That same year a committee was struck to review club By-laws and Policy. This was completed in 2009, resulting in new By-Laws and new Operating Rules and Regulations. They are published for the first time in the 2010 Roster.
Improvements continue today. Last year a large entertainment float was built and installed alongside the main centre float. It quickly became the central focus of many weekend pot luck and impromptu gatherings. The City of Richmond is raising the dyke and constructing a floodwall and pedestrian walkway in our area. The anchor and flag pole will be relocated and the parking lots resurfaced.
Now in its 47th year of operation the Club is about to embark on its most ambitious effort. An Expansion Committee is working with the City and Port Metro Vancouver to develop a Five-Year Master Plan to expand the marina facilities and study the feasibility of a new floating clubhouse.
In 2010 the City of Richmond approved the club's expansion plans, paving the way for an application to Port Metro Vancouver for an expanded water lease. A Funding and Budget Committee was appointed to bring forward various options to fund expansion.
The floodwall was completed, anchor and flagpole relocated, and parking lots reconfigured and repaved. Final landscaping will not complete until spring 2011.
The 49th year of the Club saw the passing of a number of members: Joan Archer (1964), Jim Bathurst (1994 and a Past Commodore), Faye Hobson (1976) and Gitte Nielsen (1986).
The Funding and Budget Committee encountered financing difficulties and has opened lease renegotiations with the City of Richmond.
The Membership Chairman was active this year and four persons were proposed and accepted for Active Membership. The marina remains at capacity with a waiting list for moorage.
In order to govern the club effectively, the quorum for meetings was changed at the 2011 Annual General Meeting from 25% to 20%.
In order to offset rising costs, advertising in the Roster is being permitted for the first time.
2012 - The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Richmond Yacht Club also saw election of the first Lady Commodore. Mary Ellen Bullock, also a former First Lady, presided over the club.
March saw the passing of long-time Honorary Life Member Jack Hobson. Jack & Faye joined the RYC in 1976 and Jack was Commodore in 1980. He will be remembered as the mainstay of club maintenance and was instrumental in the design and construction of the boat houses and replacement floats. "Hobson's Bench", facing the marina was dedicated to Jack & Faye in 2012.
Participation in club social events declined even though a full calendar was delivered by the Entertainment Director.
Membership increased, with 10 persons proposed and accepted for Active Membership. At year-end there is a waiting list for moorage.
The nominating committee was unable to solicit a volunteer to stand as the Entertainment Director and the club will enter 2013 leaving one of its key positions open.
Negotiations with The City to review the land lease have progressed and it is hopeful something positive will occur in early 2013.
A major repair to boathouse number five's floatation system should ensure its integrity for years to come.
A major hurdle was overcome in 2013 when the City of Richmond agreed to a new lease based on adjusted land value of our section of property.
One of our last Founding and Honorary Members, Edith Cassidy, passed away in October.
The clubhouse underwent a major interior facelift with the lower area being converted to a lounge with large screen TV, tables, chairs and area rugs.
An exterior upgrade began in 2014 with the lower skirting being replaced late in the year and a plan to paint the exterior in 2015. A new favourable Crown Lease was signed in November. This lease replaced the previous Port Metro Water Lease.
Long time RYC member Mel Frith passed away in January 2015. Mel joined the club in 1984.
Major projects in 2015 included painting the outside of the clubhouse and a sewer upgrade.
During the year, the City of Richmond proposed a zoning change, to accommodate a 10 year lease, for a pistol range across the street, Granting of this lease should mean that development will not change substantially in the area for the period.
After many years at the Hilton, the Commodore’s Ball was moved to the Richmond Country Club.
November 2015, saw the passing of Fran Thompson and Marilyn Yates. Fran was the last founding member, and Marilyn, was also a long-time member.
Membership in 2016 consisted of 79 Active members, 8 Associate members, 6 Honorary members, and 10 Intermediate members. The year saw the Club hosting 7 dinner events and there were 3 cruises: False Creek, Telegraph Harbour and Port Browning. The major projects for the year consisted of: An electrical service and piling evaluation, electrical pedestal fabrication, a major upgrade to the marina water system, and installation of a new non-skid decking for the marina ramp. The electrical service and marina pilings were evaluated by qualified professionals and found to be in good condition.
On August 16, 1961 a meeting was held in an attempt to form a Club among the boaters moored at Richmond Marina. The ideas were to have some socials and cruises. Although a slate of officers was elected the club failed to begin operations.
By 1963 further attempts to form a club were successful. Fred Burch was elected Commodore, the initiation fee was $15.00, annual dues $25.00 and moorage was $0.25/ft.
On March 8, 1963 the Richmond Yacht Club received its charter and the first clubhouse was the top floor of The Surf Club, and what is now Galleon Marine.
The following year the club lost the use of its clubhouse and moved to a temporary location at Francis Road Hall. In 1965 space was leased at Nor-Wes Marina and funds were raised to construct a clubhouse.
A plaque on the clubhouse wall recognizes the following members, who through a holding company, personally provided the funds to permit the erection of the clubhouse: Harold Davis, Art Watts, Jack Churchard, Stan Cassidy, Alf Kent, Al May, Bill Jackson, Burley Sewell, Nic Allen, George Baker and Dunc Slater.
This mortgage was paid in full on March 14, 1970.
The lease expired and could not be renewed. After a year-long search the Executive was able to secure land at our current location. On February 7, 1975, by Special Resolution, the members approved the relocation of the clubhouse.
Float construction began in 1976 and by April the main ramp was lowered into place. Marina development was funded by mooring member five-year debentures. By 1982 the original debentures were being retired.
In 1979 the clubhouse was expanded and various facilities were upgraded. It took two years of members labour before final building inspections were passed.
Member Frank Thomas was very active in soliciting support to have Cowards Cove dredged. The outcome was a Federal Dredging project at Cowards Cove resulting in approximately 75000 cubic yards being removed.
The RYC exchanged burgees with a number of clubs, including: Lahaina Yacht Club (Hawaii), Eastdown Yacht Club (Ireland), Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club,
These burgees, and many others, are displayed on the clubhouse walls. Members are encouraged to exchange burgees with other clubs when they are travelling.
Club Cruises became some of the most popular and well-attended events of the boating season. Favoured destinations were Camp Artaban, Center Bay, Camp Jubilee, Bowen Island, and the Gulf Islands
Participation became more active in The B.C. Council of Yachts and our committee members always attended to get first-hand information. Information includes: changes to fishing regulations, Snag-a-Flag program, debris control in the Fraser River and changes to B.C. Marine Parks regulations. The Council represents over 20,000 boaters from 50 yacht clubs in B.C.
In the early 1980's standard cost of attending a club function was $4.00/person. The newsletter Seagull Gazette was being published on an intermittent basis, 8-10 times per year.
Boat insurance and safety inspections become a higher priority and in 1982 all vessels were required to carry $300,000.00 public liability and property damage insurance. All vessels are now required to pass a safety inspection within 14 days of being notified. In 1984 the public liability requirement was increased to $500,000.00. This has since been increased to $1M.
By the mid-1980s the RYC had reached a plateau. The marina was full, (53 boats) finances are stable and volunteer help is keeping the club running smoothly.
As 1985 draws to a close the clubhouse is in need of some repairs. Stan Cassidy has donated a bar fridge and Bob McMillan donated the safe. Membership is at 146 with 5 applications on hand and 14 new members accepted during the year.
In 1986 the club considers leasing a set amount of footage of moorage space in the Gulf Islands during the summer season but nothing comes of the idea.
Safety inspections are not up to standards with a number of boats failing to pass and even one vessel that did not take the test. The agreement is that the new moorage contracts must provide tougher penalties. Jack Hobson was instrumental in getting the best price and supervising the installation of a new float ramp.
Dunc Slater designed, constructed and installed a safety ladder on the south end of float “A”.
The original design was duplicated by Fred Hubbick in 1998 and the ladders were installed in all critical areas of the marina. In 2006 these were replaced with a stainless steel design.
By 1987 tickets to club events has risen to $10. The top money maker continued to be New Year’s Eve. Memberships remained unchanged. With six resignations and six new memberships the club has 75 members. Primarily due to the problems encountered with having boats safety inspected the position of Safety Director has been created along with Director of Entertainment for the coming year.
1988 was an active year for the Marina. Pilings were replaced on most floats and a lot of members participated in the work parties. Memberships remained at 75 and five Honorary Members were elected. The Bar showed a profit of $3500.00.
With an able bodied executive the RYC enters 1989 with a sound financial position. Bob MacMillan is Commodore. The clubhouse roof will need to be replaced and discussions are expected to take place on possible expansion via a second story on the building.
In 1992 a two-year project to replace the piling was begun and completed in 1994. A shower was installed in the men's washroom and a new main centre float and electrical panel were completed. The galley was remodeled and a new 10 year lease signed with the City of Richmond in 1996.
In 2000 a new main gate was built by Joe Zenith assisted by various members. Installed in time for Sail Past 2000 it was Joe's last contribution to the Club. Joe suffered a massive heart attack and died onboard his boat, At Last, prior to the commencement of Sail Past. 2000 Sail Past was cancelled and the gate renamed Joe's Gate later that year.
Throughout the start of a new century the Club continues to function largely due to many volunteer hours by the members.
In 2002 Fred Hubbick and Bill Mosier undertake and oversee a major refit to the clubhouse interior. Oak paneling, music centre and new carpeting and painting took many hours.
In 2007, long-time caretaker, Don York retired. The position of Wharfinger was created and Garrett Weir was appointed. Garrett lives aboard Sequin at the foot of the main ramp.
After year-long negotiations a new 20 year lease was signed with the City of Richmond in 2008. That same year a committee was struck to review club By-laws and Policy. This was completed in 2009, resulting in new By-Laws and new Operating Rules and Regulations. They are published for the first time in the 2010 Roster.
Improvements continue today. Last year a large entertainment float was built and installed alongside the main centre float. It quickly became the central focus of many weekend pot luck and impromptu gatherings. The City of Richmond is raising the dyke and constructing a floodwall and pedestrian walkway in our area. The anchor and flag pole will be relocated and the parking lots resurfaced.
Now in its 47th year of operation the Club is about to embark on its most ambitious effort. An Expansion Committee is working with the City and Port Metro Vancouver to develop a Five-Year Master Plan to expand the marina facilities and study the feasibility of a new floating clubhouse.
In 2010 the City of Richmond approved the club's expansion plans, paving the way for an application to Port Metro Vancouver for an expanded water lease. A Funding and Budget Committee was appointed to bring forward various options to fund expansion.
The floodwall was completed, anchor and flagpole relocated, and parking lots reconfigured and repaved. Final landscaping will not complete until spring 2011.
The 49th year of the Club saw the passing of a number of members: Joan Archer (1964), Jim Bathurst (1994 and a Past Commodore), Faye Hobson (1976) and Gitte Nielsen (1986).
The Funding and Budget Committee encountered financing difficulties and has opened lease renegotiations with the City of Richmond.
The Membership Chairman was active this year and four persons were proposed and accepted for Active Membership. The marina remains at capacity with a waiting list for moorage.
In order to govern the club effectively, the quorum for meetings was changed at the 2011 Annual General Meeting from 25% to 20%.
In order to offset rising costs, advertising in the Roster is being permitted for the first time.
2012 - The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Richmond Yacht Club also saw election of the first Lady Commodore. Mary Ellen Bullock, also a former First Lady, presided over the club.
March saw the passing of long-time Honorary Life Member Jack Hobson. Jack & Faye joined the RYC in 1976 and Jack was Commodore in 1980. He will be remembered as the mainstay of club maintenance and was instrumental in the design and construction of the boat houses and replacement floats. "Hobson's Bench", facing the marina was dedicated to Jack & Faye in 2012.
Participation in club social events declined even though a full calendar was delivered by the Entertainment Director.
Membership increased, with 10 persons proposed and accepted for Active Membership. At year-end there is a waiting list for moorage.
The nominating committee was unable to solicit a volunteer to stand as the Entertainment Director and the club will enter 2013 leaving one of its key positions open.
Negotiations with The City to review the land lease have progressed and it is hopeful something positive will occur in early 2013.
A major repair to boathouse number five's floatation system should ensure its integrity for years to come.
A major hurdle was overcome in 2013 when the City of Richmond agreed to a new lease based on adjusted land value of our section of property.
One of our last Founding and Honorary Members, Edith Cassidy, passed away in October.
The clubhouse underwent a major interior facelift with the lower area being converted to a lounge with large screen TV, tables, chairs and area rugs.
An exterior upgrade began in 2014 with the lower skirting being replaced late in the year and a plan to paint the exterior in 2015. A new favourable Crown Lease was signed in November. This lease replaced the previous Port Metro Water Lease.
Long time RYC member Mel Frith passed away in January 2015. Mel joined the club in 1984.
Major projects in 2015 included painting the outside of the clubhouse and a sewer upgrade.
During the year, the City of Richmond proposed a zoning change, to accommodate a 10 year lease, for a pistol range across the street, Granting of this lease should mean that development will not change substantially in the area for the period.
After many years at the Hilton, the Commodore’s Ball was moved to the Richmond Country Club.
November 2015, saw the passing of Fran Thompson and Marilyn Yates. Fran was the last founding member, and Marilyn, was also a long-time member.
Membership in 2016 consisted of 79 Active members, 8 Associate members, 6 Honorary members, and 10 Intermediate members. The year saw the Club hosting 7 dinner events and there were 3 cruises: False Creek, Telegraph Harbour and Port Browning. The major projects for the year consisted of: An electrical service and piling evaluation, electrical pedestal fabrication, a major upgrade to the marina water system, and installation of a new non-skid decking for the marina ramp. The electrical service and marina pilings were evaluated by qualified professionals and found to be in good condition.