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A Brief History of
Westwood Sailing Club
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1967 - Westwood Sailing Club (WSC) was founded largely due to
the efforts of Ron Dean and Bob Winterton. It began as an adult program
of the YMCA in High Park. Our first home was a barn on Centre Island
with a fleet of five rented "Beaver" sailboats. Being a "skipper" (or
experienced sailor) meant you were able to sail a boat from their delivery
site to Centre Island.
1968 - Westwood's fleet of Albacores
started, thanks to Bob Winterton and Betty Muir. These boats are still
the staple of our fleet. We also moved our home to the Toronto Island
Marina. Westwood incorporated separately as an independent non-profit
club in 1969.
1970 - The Club moved to the Algonquin Island clubhouse (where
it stayed for 12 years). During our early years here we added 505's
to our fleet (a boat with spinnakers and a trapeze) and our first "rescue"
powerboat was purchased. Other innovations such as wooden launch ramps
and dollies made life easier.
1980 - A pontoon type committee boat is purchased for running
races.
1981 - Our club rescue boat is upgraded to our present Boston
Whaler.
1982 - Hobie
Cat 16's are introduced to the club and eventually replace the aging
505 fleet.
1983 - We move to the Outer Harbour and take up residence with
the Water Rats, in the area on the closest spit with the wheelhouse
of an old Laker ship. Improvements here were new wooden docks. We hold
our first annual Pig Roast here.
1984 - We move to shared facilities with Hanlan's Boat Club,
where we remain for four years.
1985 - CYA-approved White
Sail and Bronze Sail classes are introduced to the club. Up until this
time, new sailors had been trained exclusively by more experienced members,
a tradition which continues to this day, and supplements formal training.
1988 - Westwood moves to our present home, a site previously
occupied by the Cat Club. A deck is added to the Clubhouse.
1991 - We celebrate our 25th Anniversary.
1993 - Lasers (a single person boat) are added to the fleet.
1994 - "Thursday Night Dinners" (for $5) are established by
Elizabeth Marin. We add a fridge, stove, kitchen cabinets and heating
ducts. The following year gave us a walk-in gear shed for the powerboats.
1996 - brought new sail lockers and a plaque acknowledging those
who served on the volunteer Executive. We celebrate our 30th
anniversary.
1997 - Hydro electricity replaces the use of gas powered generators
at the club.
1998 - The Clubhouse undergoes a number of improvements including
a new kitchen, hardwood flooring, new décor, new furniture and
updated electrical wiring to name just a few. A new concrete launch
ramp is also added.
1999 - Our website is launched.
2001 - The west ramp is rebuilt and ventilation turbines are
added to the changerooms.
2002 - The (dance!) deck is rebuilt to withstand many more years
of partying.
2003 - We add a brand-new, second Boston Whaler to our fleet.
... to be continued... be a part of our history for this year
by becoming a member!
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