Adult Learn To Sail

In late Fall 1945, several West Vancouver residents combined their energies to form a yacht club that would serve the North Shore.

Sid Crowther, Ted Fulcher, Dick Horspool, Don Jordan, Fred Wallace and Frank Weight signed the charter on December 21, 1945 with a membership of 45 people and six boats.

The first official meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Don Jordan.Mr. Jordan became the first Commodore for a brief period of time. After he moved away, Dick Horspool became Commodore, and the tea after the first Sailpast in 1946 was hosted at his home.

The Sailpast occurred in Sandy Cove and had “boisterous wind” but was a success. Social activities for the fledgling Club were mainly wiener roasts and beach parties hosted by the Wallaces at Sandy Cove. By 1947, the Club had grown to 84 members.

Finding A Home - The Syndicate

A possible Club site at Caulfeild was identified, but a clause in old Mr. Caulfeild's will excluded that kind of operation.

As an alternative, the road end at Sandy Cove was secured. Cement was rather expensive at that time, but some was located and purchased for the building of the Clubhouse.

Unfortunately, one member of the Parks Board and a resident of Sandy Cove adjoining the Club Site quashed the agreement. Some of the original cement is still serving as a mooring at Sandy Cove!  

In the following year, Pat Foster was elected as Commodore and tried to secure a site at Lighthouse Park until it was discovered that the Federal Government had the lease and would not release it.   

1949’s Commodore Paul Zuest made another unsuccessful attempt at a Lighthouse Park site. By this time, WVYC had grown to include 138 members and 33 boats.

The International Flattie Championships were hosted by the Club that year.