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Island Yacht Club
- Accession Number
- 2016-1-4
- Source
- Archival Accessions
- Accession Number
- 2016-1-4
- Material Format
- moving images
- graphic material (electronic)
- moving images (electronic)
- Physical Description
- 9 film reels (ca. 2 hr. 15 min.) : pos., col., si, ; 16 mm
- 4.51 GB of photographs (8 CDs)
- 3 DVDs
- Date
- 1958-2005
- Scope and Content
- Accession consists of moving images and graphic material documenting activities at the Island Yacht Club. Included are film reels, DVDs, and CDs containing photographs. The moving images document various sailpasts from 1958 through to 1970 as well as club activities during this time, such as fashion shows, the fishers, a can-can show, birthday parties and other celebrations. Also included is footage of the interior and exterior of the IYC clubhouse and members relaxing by the pool. One DVD contains a promotional video for IYC likely from the 1990s.
- The photographs document club activities and events from 2001 through to 2005. Included are images of the IYC Juniors, sailpasts, BBQs, competitions, and the clubhouse fire and reconstruction.
- Custodial History
- The records were donated to the OJA by Hartley Robins. Hartley Robins has been a member of the Island Yacht Club since 1956 and served as commodore from 1973 to 1976; Hartley's wife, Brooky Robins, served as archivist for the Island Yacht Club.
- Administrative History
- The Island Yacht Club (IYC) was founded in 1951 by a small group of Jewish sailing enthusiasts at a time when Jewish applicants were denied membership to Toronto's yacht clubs. The founding members included Cecil Yolles, Dr. Bernard “Bunny” Willinsky, Ben Dunkelman, John Bussin, Eon Gilmore, Mel and Irving Gould, Mark Speyer, Norm Kerzner, Joe Kitz, Boris Adelberg, and Bill Ackerman. The group obtained a lease from the City of Toronto for a parcel of undeveloped land on Mugg's Island in Blockhouse Bay. They then obtained a provincial charter incorporating the Island Yacht Club as a non-profit corporation. A board of directors was elected, with Bunny Willinsky as its first Commodore.
- In 1952, the original group had grown to approximately 35 members. Work parties were formed from among the members to clear the land and a prefabricated building was purchased by the club which served as the early clubhouse. A generator was donated by member Al Jacobs for electricity and two floating docks were built. As the club membership grew, more land was acquired; the original clubhouse was expanded; grounds were landscaped; a swimming pool, lockers, dining room, lounge, docks, and marine railway were installed; and a tender was purchased. By 1956, the membership had grown to 350 with a fleet of eighty sail and power boats and the IYC was accepted into the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA), the oldest association of its kind in North America.
- In 1957, the IYC hosted its first open sailing regatta for the seven Toronto area yacht clubs and has since hosted many other regattas including four LYRA events. In order to accommodate its more junior members, a Junior Sailing Club was founded by Commodore John Zeldin in 1958, which has played a large role in the development of the IYC. In 1964, an adult sailing program was instituted to teach members and non-members racing tactics and rules. Racing competitions have been an important part of the IYC’s history. IYC sailors have been members of Canada’s Olympic sailing team and have competed in the Pan-American Games, Maccabiah Games, CORK regattas and other competitions in Canada and the United States.
- Over the years, the purpose of the IYC has changed from a racing club that has developed champion sailors, to a more recreational club, oriented to family and leisurely activities. The IYC has also played a large social role in the lives of its membership, hosting galas, auctions, fashion shows, theme nights, bowling events, anniversary parties, the Commodore's Ball, and other activities during both the sailing season and off-season months.
- The IYC has suffered from two fires in its fifty-five year history. The first fire occurred in 1986 in the IYC’s boat yard, destroying several boats. The second fire occurred in 2004 and destroyed the IYC’s clubhouse and its contents. A new clubhouse was officially opened on June 18th, 2006 and the IYC continues to serve its members in boating, socializing, dining, and marine services.
- Name Access
- Island Yacht Club
- Source
- Archival Accessions