BETTER BOATING AT the Vernon Yacht Club
Expansion projects, events and many social gatherings are guaranteed to ensure a great summer and fall on Okanagan Lake.
The Vernon Yacht Club (VYC) all began with a founding member base of just 30 individuals in order to receive its charter as a society in 1953. As of March 1, 2020, membership peaked to an impressive 445, encompassing both power and sail boaters, as well as social members.
Over the past 65-plus years the VYC and its membership has been instrumental in enhancing the boating lifestyle and supporting the local community. For example, the club established the Canadian Power Squadron in the Okanagan; has raised approximately $300,000 for the United Way; implemented navigation lights at Rattlesnake Point, Cameron Point, and Grant Island for safer passage; and currently maintains more than 30 buoys at the north end of the Okanagan Lake for its membership and the boating public. The VYC is also a strong supporter of the 'Don't Move a Mussel' invasive mussel campaign and works alongside the City of Vernon for additional signage and awareness at its boat launch.
VYC Boat and Watersports Show
Launched in 1989, the volunteer-based VYC Boat and Watersports Show is one of the club’s pinnacle annual events and attracts an average of 2,000 visitors annually. It’s where boaters meet with dealers, vendors and organizations about various models; discuss watersport trends and learn about boating regulations. The event is organized and operated entirely by volunteers and is free for the public to attend.
Just last year, the event hosted its largest display on the water with 42 slips occupied by vendors. There were a variety of boats from dealers representing Formula, Kingfisher, Malibu, Yamaha, Chaparral and Chris Craft, as well as classics from Hermes, plus wakeboard boats and pontoons. An electric boat was even showcased for the first time.
For 2020, the executive team has approved a $500,000 marina improvement project, which includes the replacing of 'C' dock and updating and replacing 'A' dock with improved electrical, thus providing better experiences and a safer dock system. Unfortunately, due to the projects’ time frame, the boat show has been cancelled for 2020 with plans on returning in 2021 at the updated facility.
More Projects and Events at the VYC
Additionally, the VYC recently completed refurbishing of select areas of the bar and lounge thanks to the assistance of members who volunteered to do most of the ‘demolition.’ Additionally, the club is in the process of replacing the breakwater to better protect moored boats.
With its volunteer board, members, and expert staff, it’s a combined effort to maintain the clubhouse, grounds, docks, and facilities, which further enhances the club’s strong sense of community. Upgraded concrete slips and club services are other highlights, and in addition to having 285 slips, transient moorage is available to members from other yacht clubs.
While the boat show is one popular event, there’s also the Mother’s Day Brunch, VYC Okanagan Sailing Regatta, EndTo-End Sailing Race, and many socials including the Pig Roast, Barbeque’d Ribs Cookoff!, and featured performances/ fundraising events. Weekly summer sailing fleet races including Wednesday Race Night, weekly Women's Racing, regular game days and CPS seminars are also hosted.
“What makes the VYC so enjoyable is its social atmosphere,” says Haight. “We have the perfect facilities for socializing such as a comfortable bar and lounge, dining area plus a recently expanded outdoor deck overlooking the water.
Plus, if boaters need to replace boating gear such as lines or fenders, our on-site chandlery offers many items for a little less than retail. Plus, we have many experienced boaters at the club so if members have any boating issues or questions about the lake, they are more than willing to help.”