Since disposing of the Yacht Club building a number of years ago, the members of the Gibsons Yacht Club (GYC) have enjoyed an extensive program of cruising and social events without the need to maintain expensive facilities or to finance debilitating overhead costs.
Hugh Willson, the club’s commodore, says that “like most virtual yacht clubs, the GYC’s dues are low, fellowship is paramount, the common interest is recreational marine activity, and its members have a blast doing the things that actually appeal to them. Low profile, surely. Snobbish and cliquey, no way! In addition, there is a good mix of sail and power boats among the membership; and a close affiliation with the Canadian Power Squadron ensures the availability of marine training for those who want or need it.”
While some may dream of owning a modern, comprehensively-equipped, floating palace, it remains perfectly feasible to acquire an entry level boat that will provide lots of fun for the adventurous and their families, as they learn how to handle it capably in all sorts of weather and sea conditions. And Willson adds: “Your fellow club members will help with technical advice and mentoring.”
For prospective members whose on-the-water aspirations are more limited to the occasional day sail on other people’s boats, rather than a three week cruise to Desolation Sound, the club offers an extensive social program and the opportunity to crew for others.
The cruise program includes a gentlemen’s cruise to the Gulf Islands in April, a spring cruise usually to Desolation Sound and the Broughtons, a fall cruise typically to the Gulf Islands and various other events such as the sail past, Remembrance Day cruise and the famous Tour de Goose men’s cycling trip. Weekend cruises can easily be arranged in response to demand.
The social program is diverse with regular gatherings for coffee, walks, a book club, and numerous special events, including a St. Valentine’s dance, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the renowned pig roast (following the sail past), the spring cruise send-off party, a Canada Day event, armchair travel nights, Halloween, quiz night, and a Christmas extravaganza.
And there are some great ideas being discussed for the future: co-op boats, adult dinghy sailing, and tying in with other marine activities.
Gerry Nimmo, the club’s membership secretary, said, “If this all sounds attractive to you, new and prospective members should join us for a social evening on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Harmony Hall, 686 Harmony Lane, Gibsons.” A chili dinner and refreshments will be available. Club members will be on hand to make presentations and to answer questions.
For more information and to register for the event, contact the club at [email protected]. For additional information and a membership form, visit the club’s website at www.gibsonsyachtclub.com
The regular annual dues are being discounted by 30 per cent for new members who join on or before March 2 and for previous members who have been out of the club for a year or more.
