The story of the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club (RNYC), located on the shores of Conception Bay South, began in 1936 with the opening of the Avalon Yacht Club. At the time, it was noted that club activities would include boating and yachting, mackerel fishing, and boat races, which soon expanded to include sailing.

Just two years later, the club’s early success led to a move into a much larger building on the same site. This expanded facility featured a swimming pool, dance floor, large outdoor deck, roof garden, wharf, dining room, and a members' room for the Avalon Yacht Club. Over the years, the RNYC has experienced many changes—from a fire that destroyed the building in 1943 to club mergers and numerous capital improvements. Despite these changes, it remains a staple of Conception Bay South. In August 2025, the Club will serve as the venue for the 2025 Canada Games sailing events, and to prepare for this, it has recently undergone extensive upgrades.

Supported by the 2025 Canada Games Host Society, the project began in summer 2024, focusing on repairs and enhancements designed to improve the experience for both athletes and spectators.

"There have been significant upgrades to RNYC infrastructure, in part made possible by Canada Games support, to facilitate the hosting of the Canada Games sailing competition," says Captain Kris Drodge, Immediate Past Commodore. 

"There will be further capital investments in 2024 and early 2025 to ensure a second-to-none caliber hosted sailing competition, and a lasting legacy of solid infrastructure upon which the sport of sailing will flourish," he adds.

The existing youth sailing school is undergoing significant upgrades, creating an exciting environment to support the development of the next generation of sailors.

"The Games have also led to a resurgence in youth sailing activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. After Covid, participation in youth sailing was at a low, but since then, we’ve seen growth in the numbers of sailors and participants competing at regional regattas in Nova Scotia in 2024," notes 2025 Canada Games sailing sport representative, Ian Lunt.

While the location of the RNYC is already picturesque, the upgrades will transform the Club into a premier sailing venue. The goal is not only to host a successful Games but leave a lasting legacy for Newfoundland and Labrador's sailing community. 

"The upgrades to the RNYC will also allow continued support to Coast Guard operations and maintain the facility for use by the seafaring and recreational public in Conception Bay and oceangoing visitors from all over the globe," explains Drodge. 

One unique aspect of the 2025 Games is the opportunity for fans and athletes to watch the sailing competition from shore, or anywhere along the T’Railway in CBS. For the athletes, the Conception Bay venue offers a rare challenge.

"These days, many of the provinces that host the Canada Summer Games will have to run the sailing event on a freshwater lake, such as Lake Ontario in 2022. As we look to host the Games on Conception Bay in 2025, the sailors will have to handle strong winds, waves, chilly water, and keep their eyes open for sunfish, whales, and dolphins as well as other sailboats on the race course," says Lunt. 

The capital upgrades at the RNYC are part of 25 projects the Host Society is overseeing in preparation for the Games in August 2025. These efforts aim to ensure that all 22 venues meet Canada Games standards and leave a legacy for communities, clubs, and athletes for years to come.

"Sailing is a great sport to develop independence, resilience, and an appreciation for the power of nature. Every day on the water is special, whether it’s because the sun was beating down on the water all day, or the feeling of pure exhaustion after spending a day trying to keep the boat flat in steep waves and rough weather."