About Us
The Barrie Yacht Club (BYC) is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of sailing in a safe, family-friendly environment. Our mission is to foster a love of sailing through skill development, education, competition, and camaraderie.
Founded in 1952 by a group of local enthusiasts, the BYC began as a social club for amateur sailors interested in sailboat building, water safety, racing, and fellowship. While boat building is no longer a central focus, our founding goals remain at the heart of everything we do. The club’s formative years are captured in The History of the Barrie Yacht Club – The First Twenty Years by Daphne Stock (2017).
Over the decades, BYC has grown from a modest sailing venue to a modern yacht club nestled in the heart of a thriving city. Thanks to the dedication of our members, our harbour, clubhouse, and grounds have seen continuous improvement, reflecting both our heritage and our vision for the future.
Today, the Club is home to over 200 members—ranging from weekend cruisers to Olympic medalists and hopefuls—offering seasonal activities for sailors of all ages and experience levels.
Our sailing school is the largest on Lake Simcoe and is widely recognized for its excellence in sailing education. Members enjoy a vibrant calendar of events, including weekly racing, club regattas, and interclub competitions through our Lake Simcoe Interclub Series (LSIS) partnership. As members of Ontario Sailing and Sail Canada, we also enjoy reciprocal privileges at sailing clubs across Canada and around the world.
Club House
The BYC clubhouse features a welcoming great room for members and guests, equipped with a full kitchen, licensed bar, and a waterfront patio. The great room is open for Wednesday night races, special occasions, and is available for private rental by members. Amenities include washrooms with hot showers, wireless internet throughout the property, and rentable lockers.
Racks are provided for secure storage of recreational equipment, and members are welcome to bring picnic dinners or use the club’s BBQs. Social events take place throughout the sailing season, offering opportunities for connection and celebration.
Harbour
The BYC Harbour includes 75 slips for boats up to 33 feet in length, with an average water depth of 5.5 feet (1.68 metres). Most of the fleet ranges between 20 and 25 feet. Water and power outlets are available at the docks, and members have access to an on-site crane and mast crane for launching and rigging.
Dry Sail
The Club offers limited Dry Sail storage for keelboats on trailers, catamarans, boats on dollies, Lasers, dinghies, and other small watercraft. This area supports flexible and efficient access to the water for a variety of boat types.
Winter Storage
BYC provides limited winter storage space in the parking lot for boats on cradles and trailers. Lift-in and lift-out operations are coordinated by members, with the use of a rented crane—another example of our club’s strong volunteer spirit and hands-on community.
Beach & Grounds
The BYC grounds are the ideal place to spend a sunny day or a relaxing evening on Kempenfelt Bay. Our private beach features a gently sloping, sandy shoreline perfect for wading and swimming. Lawn chairs and loungers are available for members, with picnic tables nearby for casual dining. The grounds include a keyless entry gate and are monitored by security cameras.
Limited member parking is available on-site, with additional overflow parking in the adjacent City lot just steps away. Located within walking distance are a grocery store, beer store, and several restaurants, adding convenience to your time at the Club.
At BYC, volunteerism is at the core of our culture. Our members take pride in operating and maintaining the club, fostering a strong sense of community both on and off the water. Whether you’re racing, cruising, or simply relaxing on the docks or beach, you’ll find friendship, mentorship, and a shared passion for sailing. We invite you to explore our beautiful waterfront, connect with fellow sailors, and become part of a club where sailing fun and fellowship are always in full sail.