Welcome to the Chester Yacht Club
Chester Yacht Club (CYC) is a private sailing club situated on beautiful Mahone Bay with excellent access to the best sailing in Canada. CYC is host to Canada’s largest keelboat regatta, Chester Race Week, the much anticipated and highly regarded annual Opti Jam dinghy regatta, and is home to robust and internationally respected IOD and Bluenose fleets. Our objective is to encourage Club members to become more proficient in the personal management, maintenance and handling of their boats; to promote safety, proper navigation and seamanship; to provide social and instructional activities in the interests of all Club members and their guests; and to enhance the sport of sailing within our membership and community.
Coming UP at CYC
CYC NEWS
Coming Up at the Club – 2025 Events at a Glance
We’re gearing up for another unforgettable season of connection, celebration, and community at CYC! From casual dinners to special celebrations, speaker nights to sailing awards — we’ve packed the calendar with events for every kind of member.
Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll be sharing more details about each event in our weekly membership newsletter emails!
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:
CYC 2025 Social Calendar Highlights – Mark Your Calendar!
Members — feel free to share these Highlights with friends!
It’s a great way to show what’s happening at CYC this season — and they just might be inspired to join too!
MAY
Thursday May 29
Race Rules Seminar
- Kick off the season by sharpening your skills. A must for racers—new and experienced sailors alike! We will have a few of the new Racing Rules of Sailing 2025–2028 rulebooks available for purchase onsite.
Friday May 30
First Friday Member Social
- We kick off the 2025 season with a Member Potluck!
Bring a dish to share and enjoy good food and great company at our first Friday evening gathering of the year.
JUNE
Friday June 13
NEW Members Social
- Join us in welcoming our newest CYC members! A relaxed evening to connect and kick off the summer season. Watch for new member Deals!
Friday June 27
Friday Member Social – Baked Potato Bar
- Join us for a cozy, casual night featuring baked potatoes with all the fixings. A hearty, build-your-own potato snack perfect for a Friday wind-down.
JULY
Tuesday July 1
Canada Day festivities + Raising the Wharf: A Celebration of Community
- Canada Day Pancake Breakfast & Scavenger Hunt
More than a national celebration—this year, we mark the completion of our new wharf, made possible by the incredible support of our community, the Province of Nova Scotia, and YOU, our members.
Here’s what’s happening:
• Plaque unveiling & donor recognition 5pm
• Food truck on the clubhouse grounds
• Dance to Live music by Rec Room Jams Band, 6:30–9:30pm
Wednesday July 2
Bring, Share, Take & Talk Books – A Book Night at CYC! 7 – 9 pm
- Join us for a relaxed evening of book swapping at the Club. If the weather’s nice, we’ll gather out on the deck — if not, we’ll be cozy inside. Bring a book or two, that you’ve loved, recently read, or can’t stop thinking about. Share a little about it if you like — or just come to listen and leave with some great summer reading ideas! We’ll also have a casual book exchange — you might find your next great read waiting for you! Perfect for those lazy, hazy summer evenings with a good book in hand. Hope to see you there!
Friday July 4
Thank You Appreciation Social for Chester Volunteer Fire Department
- Let’s show our gratitude to the dedicated members of our local fire department with an evening of community and connection. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres as we raise a glass to the everyday heroes who help keep Chester safe. Chester Volunteer Firefighters will be attending, as well as our local MOC Councillors, and the Chester Fire Services Committee. Our community is incredibly fortunate to have the Chester Volunteer Fire Department, a dedicated team that serves with unwavering commitment. This event is our way of expressing sincere gratitude for their service.
Sunday July 6
Afternoon Tea Social
- Return of our cozy afternoon gathering to enjoy classic tea-time fare with friends.
Wednesday July 9
Our summer Speaker Series Begins with:
Breaking Barriers: The First All-Woman Crew in the Marblehead to Halifax Race
In 1979, a determined group of women made history as the first all-woman crew to sail in the iconic Marblehead to Halifax Race. Their journey was one of courage, friendship, and breaking barriers in the sailing world. Join us for an engaging evening as Gretchen McCurdy and several of her crewmates share their stories, memories, and the excitement of that unforgettable race.
Friday July 11
Friday Member Social – CanBoat & Lisa Ross are our Guests
- Member Social special event with guests Olympic sailor Lisa Ross and CanBoat Commander Laura Webber. Lisa will talk about her journey and experience of competing in two Olympic Games and Laura will share some boating safety procedures, emphasizing proper certification for sailors of all levels.
Wednesday July 16
Little Black Dress Social
- Our stylish annual favourite! Members & your guests join us in your dressy black attire for a fun summer evening. Sip, shop & socialize with friends old and new. Your ticket includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, shopping, and socializing. The perfect night out to celebrate summer in style!
- Proceeds from the fundrasing Silent Auction will support:
• Sail to Success Fund – helping high-performance CYC Junior sailors compete
• Shoreham Village Seniors Association – supporting seniors in our community
Wednesday July 23
Speaker Series Continues with:
MICA’s history, acquisitions & ongoing projects (illustrated talk)
Join us for an inspiring evening as Syd Dumaresq and John Meisner share the story of the Mahone Islands Conservation Association (MICA) — how a group of local residents came together to protect the natural beauty and traditional use of the Mahone Bay Islands, and the progress they’ve made over the past two decades.
MICA’s mission: To protect and conserve the natural environment of the islands and shoreline of Mahone Bay, and the traditional, social, and recreational opportunities valued by its various communities.
Friday July 29
Friday Member Social – Build-Your-Own Curry Bowl Night
- Spice it your way! A flavourful evening with as you customize your own curry bowl—featuring a variety of sauces, proteins, and toppings.
AUGUST
Wednesday August 6
Speaker Series Continues:
High Tide, Ben Heisler & The Chester Sailing Society
Brookes Diamond will share stories about High Tide, Ben Heisler and the Chester Sailing Society. You will hear some great stories full of laughter and local lore.
Friday August 8
Commodore Dinner Dance
- Celebrate the season with a night of dining and dancing.
Saturday August 9
CYC/LYC Poker Run
- Cruise around Chester, Chester Basin & Mahone Bay collecting cards with your crew and finish off at LYC. Lots of Prizes! Straight flush, anyone?
Wednesday August 20
CYC Afternoon Book Club – Bring a Book – Take a Book
- A great way to share your favourites and discover something new!
Sunday August 30
Commodore’s Picnic on Quaker Island
- A relaxed day of food, fun, and fresh air on the island. Pack your picnic blanket and join us!
SEPTEMBER
Friday September 5
Friday Member Social – Corn Boil
- Join us for complimentary fresh local corn, a variety of tasty butters, and good old-fashioned sailor-family-friendly fun. Bring your appetite and your crew!
OCTOBER
Friday October 3
End of Season Sailing Awards
- An evening to recognize the incredible achievements of our sailors. Trophies, camaraderie, and celebration.
Saturday October 25
Halloween Dance with Dark & Stormy Band
- Costumes encouraged! Come dance the night away with Dark & Stormy Band and celebrate the spooky season CYC-style.
There’s still more to come!
Dates are still being finalized for a fun fall Trivia social, and we may have a few more surprises up our sleeve.
Be sure to keep an eye on your weekly membership emails so you don’t miss a thing!
We can’t wait to see you this season!
Cathy Ross, CYC Vice Commodore and CYC Social Committee
Chester Yacht Club Junior Sailing Registration is OPEN!
Get ready to set sail this summer! ⛵ Registration for the 2025 CYC Junior Sailing Program is now open!
Spaces fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable summer of sailing, fun, and friendships at CYC! ⚓
REGISTRATION DATES:
⚓ February 15 – Senior & Senior Family Members
⚓ February 22 – Senior Member Grandparents Registering Their Grands
⚓ March 1 – Open to Everyone!
SESSION DATES 2025:
Session 1: June 30 – July 11
Session 2: July 14 – 25
Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Session 4: August 18 – 29
WET FEET PROGRAM (Ages 5-7)
Perfect for our youngest sailors to get comfortable on the water!
⚓ Session 1: June 30 – July 4
⚓ Session 2: July 7 – 11
⚓ Session 3: July 14 – 18
⚓ Session 4: July 21 – 25
⚓ Session 5: July 28 – August 1
⚓ Session 6: August 4 – 8
⚓ Session 7: August 18 – 22
⚓ Session 8: August 25 – 29
Stay tuned for registration links and details! #CYCJuniorSailing #LearnToSail #ChesterNS #SummerOnTheWater
CYC Members,
The note you’ve all been waiting for…The Capital Call
I am pleased to provide a progress update on our collective efforts around the Wharf and the Building restoration work.
Quite simply, much has been accomplished and our team has been extremely focused.
- We’ve confirmed that the service provider for the Wharf project will be Eagle Beach. This comes following significant due diligence and a constructive debate with respect to the path forward.
- The fundraising team has reached a considerable fundraising level of ~$ 350,000. Tax receipt support through the Municipality has certainly helped with this outreach to members.
- Several targeted donations have now positioned us to reduce the capital call amount for our single members so that the charge per member is now equal at $ 800.
Now a look at the numbers so that everyone has an appreciation of the challenges we’ve been working through over the past couple of months.
First, the Wharf and associated components:
- Costs are in the range of ~$ 600K, with an $ 80K contingency established in the event of issues or adjustments.
This is without question a significant project with a considerable price tag but necessary to maintain our wharf and the large role it plays for the club. As you all know, nothing these days comes cheap. The alternative of building a new wharf from the ground up is considerably more expensive, as we have shared previously.
Second, the Building:
- Work will not begin until the fall for two key reasons, the first being access to available contractors and second , in order to qualify for government grants no work can start until applications are submitted. We will be submitting formal grant requests in early 2025.
- We are earmarking $ 120K of the fundraising proceeds for the building repairs, and as has been stated in the past, this is the best estimate given that contractors are reluctant to commit until we are in a position to take shingles off and determine the state of the building condition.
As you can see the tremendous fundraising to date gets us a long way towards the overall cost however, it now comes down to you, our membership. We all need to do our collective part in this overall fundraising process.
The expected funds from the capital call should raise between $ 350-400K. We know this capital call is not popular but it is necessary. Through the success to date of the capital campaign, as stated above we are adjusting the Capital Call to a much fairer per / person charge. Hopefully this addresses concerns raised by many members over the past couple of months.
The Capital Call funds will first be prioritized towards the building repair costs as I know for many this is where your primary interest is. We are listening and we are trying to be responsive to your concerns.
The Capital Call is currently set at $1600 for couples/families and $800 for singles over 30. We will initiate the capital call in 2 parts; 50% now and the remainder in the new year depending on our fundraising levels to address the overall costs. Should continuing fundraising and grant application results position us to reduce the second half of the capital call we will do so.
You will receive an invoice from Kim for the Capital Call shortly and we encourage you to make payment through a cheque or e-transfers so that we can avoid the 3+% credit card bank charges. I know a few have already paid their capital call in full and we certainly appreciate this. It is important that we have the funds on hand to support payments to Eagle Beach.
Our broader fundraising efforts continue as they are critical to our overall success. If you have not been approached individually it is because a small group is working to connect across a broad membership. Please do not wait to be asked. I am available to discuss your donation and answer any questions. We would appreciate any additional help that can be offered at this time in support of this effort, paid as follows:
- Cheques can be made out to the Municipality of Chester. It is very important to memo Chester Yacht Club, and include your name and address for tax receipt information and sent to:
Municipality of Chester, 151 King Street, PO Box 369, Chester, Nova Scotia, B0J 1J0
- E-Transfers can be sent to [email protected] with a note stating this for Chester Yacht Club, plus your name and mailing address for the Tax Receipt.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Jennifer Chandler, CYC Commodore
Chester Race Week | Future Dates
Facebook Feed
Get race-ready by joining us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar with NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Review the 2025–2028 rule changes and sharpen your strategy.
Free to attend. Rulebooks available for...
Join us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at the Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar led by NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Whether you’re new to racing or a seasoned sailor, this is your chance to:
Brush up on the...
Join us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at the Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar led by NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Whether you’re new to racing or a seasoned sailor, this is your chance to:
✅ Brush up on...
CALENDAR
CYC Webcam by Tradewinds Realty
Chester Yacht Club (CYC) is a private sailing club situated on beautiful Mahone Bay with excellent access to the best sailing in Canada. CYC is host to Canada’s largest keelboat regatta, Chester Race Week, the much anticipated and highly regarded annual Opti Jam dinghy regatta, and is home to robust and internationally respected IOD and Bluenose fleets. Our objective is to encourage Club members to become more proficient in the personal management, maintenance and handling of their boats; to promote safety, proper navigation and seamanship; to provide social and instructional activities in the interests of all Club members and their guests; and to enhance the sport of sailing within our membership and community.
Coming UP at CYC
CYC NEWS
Coming Up at the Club – 2025 Events at a Glance We’re gearing up for another unforgettable season of connection, celebration, and community at CYC! From casual dinners to special celebrations, speaker nights to sailing awards — we’ve packed the calendar with events for every kind of member. Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll be sharing more details about each event in our weekly membership newsletter emails! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead: CYC 2025 Social Calendar Highlights – Mark Your Calendar! Members — feel free to share these Highlights with friends! MAY Friday May 30 JUNE Friday June 27 JULY More than a national celebration—this year, we mark the completion of our new wharf, made possible by the incredible support of our community, the Province of Nova Scotia, and YOU, our members. Wednesday July 2 Friday July 4 Sunday July 6 Wednesday July 9 Friday July 11 Wednesday July 16 Wednesday July 23 Friday July 29 AUGUST Friday August 8 Saturday August 9 CYC/LYC Poker Run Wednesday August 20 Sunday August 30 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Saturday October 25 There’s still more to come! We can’t wait to see you this season! Cathy Ross, CYC Vice Commodore and CYC Social Committee Get ready to set sail this summer! ⛵ Registration for the 2025 CYC Junior Sailing Program is now open! Spaces fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable summer of sailing, fun, and friendships at CYC! ⚓ REGISTRATION DATES: SESSION DATES 2025: WET FEET PROGRAM (Ages 5-7) Stay tuned for registration links and details! #CYCJuniorSailing #LearnToSail #ChesterNS #SummerOnTheWater CYC Members, The note you’ve all been waiting for…The Capital Call I am pleased to provide a progress update on our collective efforts around the Wharf and the Building restoration work. Quite simply, much has been accomplished and our team has been extremely focused. Now a look at the numbers so that everyone has an appreciation of the challenges we’ve been working through over the past couple of months. First, the Wharf and associated components: This is without question a significant project with a considerable price tag but necessary to maintain our wharf and the large role it plays for the club. As you all know, nothing these days comes cheap. The alternative of building a new wharf from the ground up is considerably more expensive, as we have shared previously. Second, the Building: As you can see the tremendous fundraising to date gets us a long way towards the overall cost however, it now comes down to you, our membership. We all need to do our collective part in this overall fundraising process. The expected funds from the capital call should raise between $ 350-400K. We know this capital call is not popular but it is necessary. Through the success to date of the capital campaign, as stated above we are adjusting the Capital Call to a much fairer per / person charge. Hopefully this addresses concerns raised by many members over the past couple of months. The Capital Call funds will first be prioritized towards the building repair costs as I know for many this is where your primary interest is. We are listening and we are trying to be responsive to your concerns. The Capital Call is currently set at $1600 for couples/families and $800 for singles over 30. We will initiate the capital call in 2 parts; 50% now and the remainder in the new year depending on our fundraising levels to address the overall costs. Should continuing fundraising and grant application results position us to reduce the second half of the capital call we will do so. You will receive an invoice from Kim for the Capital Call shortly and we encourage you to make payment through a cheque or e-transfers so that we can avoid the 3+% credit card bank charges. I know a few have already paid their capital call in full and we certainly appreciate this. It is important that we have the funds on hand to support payments to Eagle Beach. Our broader fundraising efforts continue as they are critical to our overall success. If you have not been approached individually it is because a small group is working to connect across a broad membership. Please do not wait to be asked. I am available to discuss your donation and answer any questions. We would appreciate any additional help that can be offered at this time in support of this effort, paid as follows: Municipality of Chester, 151 King Street, PO Box 369, Chester, Nova Scotia, B0J 1J0 Thank you for your patience and support. Jennifer Chandler, CYC Commodore 
It’s a great way to show what’s happening at CYC this season — and they just might be inspired to join too!
Thursday May 29
Race Rules Seminar
First Friday Member Social
Bring a dish to share and enjoy good food and great company at our first Friday evening gathering of the year.
Friday June 13
NEW Members Social
Friday Member Social – Baked Potato Bar
Tuesday July 1
Canada Day festivities + Raising the Wharf: A Celebration of Community
Here’s what’s happening:
• Plaque unveiling & donor recognition 5pm
• Food truck on the clubhouse grounds
• Dance to Live music by Rec Room Jams Band, 6:30–9:30pm
Bring, Share, Take & Talk Books – A Book Night at CYC! 7 – 9 pm
Thank You Appreciation Social for Chester Volunteer Fire Department
Afternoon Tea Social
Our summer Speaker Series Begins with:
Breaking Barriers: The First All-Woman Crew in the Marblehead to Halifax Race
In 1979, a determined group of women made history as the first all-woman crew to sail in the iconic Marblehead to Halifax Race. Their journey was one of courage, friendship, and breaking barriers in the sailing world. Join us for an engaging evening as Gretchen McCurdy and several of her crewmates share their stories, memories, and the excitement of that unforgettable race.
Friday Member Social – CanBoat & Lisa Ross are our Guests
Little Black Dress Social
• Sail to Success Fund – helping high-performance CYC Junior sailors compete
• Shoreham Village Seniors Association – supporting seniors in our community
Speaker Series Continues with:
MICA’s history, acquisitions & ongoing projects (illustrated talk)
Join us for an inspiring evening as Syd Dumaresq and John Meisner share the story of the Mahone Islands Conservation Association (MICA) — how a group of local residents came together to protect the natural beauty and traditional use of the Mahone Bay Islands, and the progress they’ve made over the past two decades.
MICA’s mission: To protect and conserve the natural environment of the islands and shoreline of Mahone Bay, and the traditional, social, and recreational opportunities valued by its various communities.
Friday Member Social – Build-Your-Own Curry Bowl Night
Wednesday August 6
Speaker Series Continues:
High Tide, Ben Heisler & The Chester Sailing Society
Brookes Diamond will share stories about High Tide, Ben Heisler and the Chester Sailing Society. You will hear some great stories full of laughter and local lore.
Commodore Dinner Dance
CYC Afternoon Book Club – Bring a Book – Take a Book
Commodore’s Picnic on Quaker Island
Friday September 5
Friday Member Social – Corn Boil
Friday October 3
End of Season Sailing Awards
Halloween Dance with Dark & Stormy Band
Dates are still being finalized for a fun fall Trivia social, and we may have a few more surprises up our sleeve.
Be sure to keep an eye on your weekly membership emails so you don’t miss a thing!Chester Yacht Club Junior Sailing Registration is OPEN!
⚓ February 15 – Senior & Senior Family Members
⚓ February 22 – Senior Member Grandparents Registering Their Grands
⚓ March 1 – Open to Everyone!
Session 1: June 30 – July 11
Session 2: July 14 – 25
Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Session 4: August 18 – 29
Perfect for our youngest sailors to get comfortable on the water!
⚓ Session 1: June 30 – July 4
⚓ Session 2: July 7 – 11
⚓ Session 3: July 14 – 18
⚓ Session 4: July 21 – 25
⚓ Session 5: July 28 – August 1
⚓ Session 6: August 4 – 8
⚓ Session 7: August 18 – 22
⚓ Session 8: August 25 – 29
Chester Race Week | Future Dates
Facebook Feed
Get race-ready by joining us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar with NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Review the 2025–2028 rule changes and sharpen your strategy.
Free to attend. Rulebooks available for...
Join us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at the Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar led by NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Whether you’re new to racing or a seasoned sailor, this is your chance to:
Brush up on the...
Join us Thursday, May 29 from 7–9pm at the Chester Yacht Club for a Race Rules Seminar led by NS Race Judge Luke Porter.
Whether you’re new to racing or a seasoned sailor, this is your chance to:
✅ Brush up on...