Newcastle Yacht Club History

The Newcastle Yacht Club was created in the summer of 1976 and became a Corporation in June of 1977. Despite various growing pains the Club has flourished and has been in continuous operation now for 35 years.

Originally, the marina was owned by a company named Windsweep which claimed bankruptcy in 1983. In the fall of 1985, Agnico-Eagle (a mining company) purchased the marina and operated under the management of Rockwood Developments. Agnico-Eagle was the company that made the Marina into what you see today. At some point, Agnico-Eagle sold the Marina to Bramalea Corporation.

In 1994, the marina owner was once again in bankruptcy. At that time Al Wilson and Chuck Sutherland managed the marina and continued to do so for the receiver. By all accounts, the Club flourished; although membership was never as high as it is today. Al and Chuck, boaters themselves, had created a racing program and different social functions were held around the property.

The Kaitlin Group purchased the marina in 1995 and for a short period of time (1 season) Al Wilson continued to manage the marina. To our knowledge, the relationship between management and the Club was excellent. After a very short transition period, the Kaitlin Group began to manage the marina themselves.

Throughout its 35 years, the Club’s membership levels ebbed and flowed. At one point, the membership dropped so low that the few remaining members (12) assumed board positions in order to keep the Club viable. Largely due to a passion to be successful, the Club pulled together and began to grow again.

In the Fall of 2005, there was a major change in the Board that ushered new members into key Board positions. We were sorry to lose some long serving Board members, some of which had been Charter members of the Club, but as often happens with change, growth and opportunity knocked.

With the introduction of the new Board (with some annual changes), came a re-alignment of focus; recognition of potential, a belief in People, and a true desire to grow the Club in numbers, and to move beyond its historical 6 month operation to a full operational year.

In the fall of 2009, ripples of change were being directed toward the Club by the Port of Newcastle management. As we wrap up our 2010 season, the Club is again experiencing external management initiated change. As you know, for various and sundry reasons, some of our members have left the Port of Newcastle.

We are not happy about having members in various ports along the north shore, but here is what we know to be true: As long as we have direction from our members to soldier on we will indeed soldier on.

This Club has always risen above adversity. We know it will now. With all of your help and support, this will happen once again.

Looking forward to another great year!

Prepared for 2010 Fall General Meeting