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The Britannia Yacht Club is located in the west end of Ottawa, at the head of the Deschênes Rapids, providing access to 45 kilometres of picturesque sailing waters on the Ottawa River.

HISTORY

Britannia Yacht Club has its roots as an association of cottagers who spent their summers at Britannia-on-the-Bay. What was known as the Britannia Aquatic Club was formed in 1887 and met for the first nine years in an old saw mill on the water between Rowatt and Jamieson Streets. The name was changed to the Britannia Nautical Club and then to the Britannia Boat House Club, and was incorporated in 1895. The following year the members built a fine building for storing their canoes and rowboats. The club flourished and paddlers won many national championships. Frank Amyot won a gold medal for Canada at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

The members decided that they would like a larger, more elegant place to hold their dances and other social functions. A new clubhouse was built in 1907 on the end of the Ottawa Electric Railway pier at Britannia Park, but was unfortunately destroyed by fire in August 1918. The social affairs of the club were then moved back to the old clubhouse and remain in the same building to this day. At this point the club was known as the Britannia Boating Club.

Gradually paddling declined and we became a sailing club with a few motorboats. Membership reached a peak of 2000 people just prior to the First World War, but dropped off dramatically after the war. With the advent of fiberglass boats, which require far less maintenance than wooden ones, the numbers rose once again in the 1960s.

Over the years the clubhouse has undergone many additions and improvements, although it still retains its historical appearance. In 1950 the name was changed once again, this time to the Britannia Yacht Club, and our yacht basin was built from an abandoned power canal which lay beside the club property. This harbour has been expanded too since its original development. Our Junior Club was founded in 1955 to teach our young people to both sail and race.

Britannia has a long history of volunteer work for the betterment of the club. This extends from the now disbanded Ladies' Auxiliary holding teas and fashion shows in order to raise the money to purchase furniture and draperies, to many members pitching in to build the harbour walls, sandbag the property in times of flooding, build docks and organize and run many regattas

CLUB RACING

BYC offers racing programs for keelboats, dinghies and sailboards. Several options are available in what is the most popular activity at the club. Some races are run in conjunction with other clubs on the lake.

REGATTAS

BYC enjoys an international reputation for running high-quality regattas. Its members include qualified regatta organizers, race committee experts, judges and social conveners. Each year we host the National Capital Regatta, now in its 50th year. Last year more than 200 boats competed. We are also represented at many out of town events. BYC has been represented in the olympics multiple times by world class sailors including laser sailboat designer Bruce Kirby.

YOUTH

If you have never sailed before, or if you want to improve your sailing skills, these courses will develop your confidence and ability. Classes are kept small and stress the practical approach to training with as much on-the-water practice as possible.

Instructors are certified by the Canadian Yachting Association and provide instruction in White Sail 1, 2, 3; Bronze 4 and 5 and Silver 6 levels. BYC will be using the Canadian Yachting Association's new Can Sail program in the coming years.

FACILITIES

Britannia Yacht Club's historical clubhouse has spectacular views of the Ottawa River and is the focal point of trhe Club's recreational and social programs.

The Main Lounge features a huge fireplace, the most unique bar in Ottawa fashioned from a 30' Dragon Class sailboat, and a large TV screen.

The Upper Deck overlooks the outdoor tennis courts and features a dance floor, bar and a covered verandah which overlooks the water.

The clubhouse also has a snooker room, library, boutique, meeting rooms and locker room facilities. Dinners and lunches are offered in the upstairs Sunset Room overlooking Lac Deschênes and outdoor barbeques take place nightly on the patio during the summer.

Clubhouse rooms are bookable for private social functions and business meetings. The Upper Deck is an Ottawa favourite for wedding receptions.

Harbour, house and ground facilities at Britannia Yatcht Club are serviced by a professional staff, and cater to the wide range of recreational and social interests of its members of all age groups.

The Dragon Bar on the ground floor of the clubhouse is the focal point for socializing. Bar meals are available at all times, while dining alternatives are obtainable irom our dining room or BBQ

The Inner Harbour with small keel boats. The harbour accomodates Mediterranean and finger-dock wet moorings; dry-sail launching facilities and secure indoor storage for sailboards, kayaks and canoes.

During the warm summer months, the marquee on the patio, with its spectacular view over Lac Deschênes, is a favourite spot for socializing and enjoying bar or BBQ services.

TENNIS

The club has an active tennis program that caters to all ages and skill levels. There are 4 lighted plexi-pave courts. Activities include tournament play, round robins, single and doubles matches. We are affiliated with the National Capital Tennis Association and participate in inter club competitions. Lessons are available from our club professional. The social activities of the tennis players are renowned for their fun and enthusiasm.

BASKINS BEACH

After World War Two several forward thinking members of BYC purchased an acre of land approximately 13 miles up the Ottawa River from Britannia. This land is referred to as the Baskins Beach Memorial Park. The land is available for use by BYC members, but is held in trust as a separate entity. Every year the club holds two main events at the park, one on the August 1st long weekend and the second on Labour Day weekend.

BYCF

In the past, BYC has received monies from members intended to be used for the betterment of the club or certain programs. These gifts led to interest in creating a Britannia Yacht Club Foundation, detailed reviews of options and the creation of BYCF at the 2010 AGM.

In establishing the BYCF, the club members’ objectives are to receive all present and future donations in a single legal administrative structure so it can accommodate a variety of bequests (legacy funds, funding of specific projects with use of capital or interest or both as directed in deed of gift) and thus serve the best interest of sailing and the river community.

BYC's newsletter Full & By keeps members informed with news of club activities and articles of general interest. We heartily invite you to become a part of Britannia Yacht Club.