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Toronto Island Sailing Club |
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Thursday, 01 May 2008 |
Welcome to the Toronto Island Sailing Club, the waterfront’s best-kept secret!
If you want to sail without the expense and hassle of owning your own boat, then the Toronto Island Sailing Club is the place for you. TISC is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit sailing club on Centre Island, just minutes from the downtown core. Our members have full access to our fleet of Albacore and Laser sailboats and Hobie catamarans. We also offer CYA-approved sailing lessons, an exciting racing program, and scheduled social sailing nights that are unique to TISC.
When you come off the water, you can relax and enjoy all the other special features of our urban cottage — from the lakeside hammock and makeshift movie screen to our great parties and the best view the city has to offer.
Whether you are a seasoned sailor or someone who is brand new to the sport, you’ll find what you’re looking for at TISC. Download and complete our membership application then mail it to the address on the form.
Sailing
All TISC sailing members get a spot in our social sailing program as part of their membership fee. When you first join the club, you choose a social sailing night (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), which guarantees you at least one evening of scheduled sailing a week from late May to September. You’ll be assigned to a boat with a TISC skipper and usually one other novice member. Your skipper will then spend the summer months teaching you everything he or she knows about sailing. It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to advance your skills and unwind at the end of a stressful day. And best of all, each social sailing night is followed by a huge potluck barbecue under the setting sun. (To learn more about social sailing and other off-the-water activities of the club
Racing:
Racing Albacores is a fun and exciting challenge for those both new to sailing and old sea dogs. Throughout the summer, TISC actively participates in Albacore racing in Toronto, which includes a fleet of over 70 boats. Events include Friday Night Races, the Sunday afternoon Harbour Master Series and several Regattas (multiple races over one or two days, hosted by a sailing club and followed by a party) on weekends. All members of TISC (yes, even beginners) are encouraged to get involved in the Friday Night Race Series. Racing skippers are pleased to have new volunteers - skippers only get good crew by teaching them. And if you're learning how to sail, it's the best way to pick up skills quickly.
On Friday Night Races, to ensure that everyone is given a chance to be crew, skippers are matched with a crew by a random draw. To participate in a Friday night race, all you have to do is add your name to the crew list or email the Racing Director no later than the Tuesday night prior to the race. The Racing Director then assigns each skipper a crew by a random draw. For other races and Regattas, skippers and crew can choose to race together.
You don't have to race to help out with racing, however. There are plenty of other jobs available, which help make the racing season a success. Whaler boat drivers and spotters are always in demand and are much appreciated by the TISC racing fleet. In addition, when TISC hosts its annual Regatta or other races, party planners and committee boat members help to make the event successful.
Location:
TISC has one of the most idyllic locations of any sailing club in Toronto. The TISC clubhouse is located west of the Toronto Island Marina on the north shore of Centre Island, with an incredible view of the city skyline. Turn right when you get off the Marina tender (boat) or Centre Island Ferry.
You can take the Centre Island Ferry from the foot of Bay Street or the Toronto Island Marina Tender (the preferred method of travel for TISC members) from the foot of York Street, inbetween the Second Cup and Queen's Quay Terminal Mall. The tender docks right by the first set of steps, near the north east entrance of Queen's Quay.
By TTC, the LRT system hooks into the subway at Union and Spadina Station. The underground "Queen's Quay" stop is the closest to the ferry docks. For the Queen's Quay terminal (and the tender stop) wait until you come out from underground. The driver usually announces the building.
The best place to park if you travel by car is the municipal parking lot (the Green "P" lot") on the north-east corner of Lakeshore Blvd and Bay Street. It is situated between the Toronto Island Ferry docks and Queen's Quay Terminal and has the most affordable rates.
CLUB HOUSE
TISC's clubhouse is the centre of land-based fun. It's equipped with kitchen facilities, change rooms, a sitting area and private cubby holes to leave your gear while sailing. The kitchen includes three fridges, a microwave, coffee maker, telephone and stereo/cd player. There are several bulletin boards located inside that are worth checking out for annoucements, sign-up sheets and other sailing information. One of the fridges is carefully (and dutifully) stocked with beverages which are available for a modest fee. Reusable glasses, utensils, plates, other kitchen accessories and supplies are available for the BBQ's. It's your cottage in the city.
Contact:
Toronto Island Sailing Club
P.O. Box 81022
47B Harbour Square
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2V3
For details :Toronto Island Sailing Club
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