Welcome to Britannia Yacht Club

Britannia Yacht Club is located in the west end of Ottawa, at the head of the Deschenes Rapids, providing access to 25 miles of picturesque sailing waters on the Ottawa River. Incorporated in 1887, BYC is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Canada, and with close to 1200 members, one of the largest. The well-protected harbour accommodates 280 keelboats and dry sail facilities are provided for dinghy sailors. As well as our exceptional boating program, BYC also offers active tennis, youth and social programs. The clubhouse features the region's best view of the Ottawa River, fine dining and year round activities. Our monthly newsletter Full and 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.

Club Objectives

The club has over 100 years of history and remains committed to the following objectives:

• To promote yachting in all its aspects including racing, cruising, seamanship and respect for the environment
• To promote other sports and social activities in the interests of the club members generally
• To promote sportsmanship, friendship and co-operation among its members
• To encourage its members to contribute, in every way, to their club

Clubhouse and Grounds

Our historic clubhouse has spectacular views of the Ottawa River and is the focal point of active 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 50" TV. The upper lounge overlooks the outdoor tennis courts and features a dance floor, bar, snack bar and covered front verandah. The clubhouse also has a Snooker Room, Library, Boutique, meeting rooms and changing rooms with showers and lockers. Dinners and lunches are offered in the upstairs Sunset Room overlooking Lac Deschenes and outdoor BBQs take place nightly on the patio during summer.

Lower Bar

The clubhouse is available to both members and non-members for private functions and has ample free parking. Our extensive grounds include flower gardens, picnic areas, five outdoor tennis courts and a children's play area. The grounds are enclosed by a perimeter fence and on-site security is provided seasonally.

The Harbour

Our sheltered harbour offers 280 well-maintained moorings for power and sailboats, most with parking and electricity right at your slip, and a launch area for sailboards. We are the only club in the Ottawa area to have a service dock with gas, diesel, fresh water and pumpout. There are three cranes and a ramp for self-launching.

Spring and fall haulout service as well as winter storage are provided. Workshops and indoor storage are also available.

Boating Program

BYC operates the National Capital's most extensive boating program with reciprocal privileges throughout the world. You are invited to join us and call BYC your boating home.

Racing

Our racing program provides something for everyone, from the novice to the experienced, for the young and the not-so-young. Evening racing programs take place Monday to Thursday. The many classes of competition include: PHRF, JAM, One-Design Keelboat, Women's, Dinghy and Sailboard. Integration with neighbouring Nepean Sailing Club ensures more boats on the start line and friendly inter-club competition. Long-distance events up-river occur almost every weekend.

Regattas

BYC has a reputation for hosting high-caliber local, national and international regattas. We are home to Ottawa's annual Easter Seal Regatta and host of the region's longest running regatta, the National Capital. We are also participants in many out-of-town events.

Cruising

25 miles of cruising are available on the historic Ottawa River from May to October. Our popular Cruise Week, seven days of flotilla cruising and socializing, is held in July. Frequent fleet social gatherings take place at sheltered up-river anchorages.

Boating Education

We offer an accredited CYA Learn to Sail camp for juniors during the summer months and a full range of adult sailing programs. The tall ship Black Jack operates from our harbour helping young people develop skills through challenging sail training . Seminars and skill-building sessions for both racers and cruisers are held throughout the year.

Youth Sailing School in Squadron 13's

   Juniors at BYC

Baskins Beach Memorial Park

Located about a four-hour sail from the club, the park is available exclusively to members for camping and picnics

Tennis

Britannia Yacht Club has an active tennis program that caters to players of all levels and all ages. We have five lighted plexi-pave courts with a tennis machine and practice board. Round robins and numerous social events occur regularly. We are the site of the Tubman Mixed-Doubles Open and we enter a team into NCTA league play. A professional coach is also available for lessons

1998 Tubman Classic Winners

Youth Program

Britannia Yacht Club conducts a sailing school each summer, taught by Canadian Yachting Association certified instructors. We offer programs for children aged 8 to 18, through all sailing levels from White Sail 1 (beginner) to Gold Sail (advanced). Instruction takes place on the water in dinghies and in the classroom. Tennis and social events are also included. The Junior Clubhouse is an extension of BYC's commitment to the development of its junior members.

Junior Clubhouse

Colin Blandy Olympic Fund

Awards are granted to promising young members to help them travel and compete on the racing circuit.

Social Events

BYC has a busy, year-round social schedule. From black-tie functions to BBQs, there's always something to look forward to down at the club. Events include: Friday Night Buffets and Entertainment, The Commodore's Ball, Fashion Shows, Winter Sunday Breakfast Club, New Year's Eve Gala, St. Valentine's Dance, St. Patrick's Day Party, Winter Wednesday Night Movies, Bridge Nights, Clubhouse Bar and Facilities and much more.