The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) is a private yacht club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1852, it is one of the world's older and larger yacht clubs. Its summer home is on a trio of islands (RCYC Island, South Island and North Chippewa or Snug Island) in the Toronto Islands. Its winter home since 1984 has been a purpose-built clubhouse located at 141 St. George Street in Toronto (just north of Bloor Street), which includes facilities for sports and social activities. In 2014, the club had approximately 4700 members, about 450 yachts (95% sail) and a number of dinghies, principally International 14s. Objects The objects of the club are: to encourage members to become proficient in the personal management, maintenance, control and handling of their yachts, in navigation, and in all matters pertaining to seamanship; to promote yacht architecture, building and sailing in Canadian waters; to promote excellence in competitive sailing; and to promote such other sports and social activities as may be desirable in the interest of members generally. History From founding to 1896 At an informal meeting in 1850, eight local citizens laid the foundation for the Toronto Boat Club. The Toronto Boat Club was formally established in 1852. In 1853 the club changed its name to the Toronto Yacht Club. The club later in 1853 on the advise of its patron Lord Elgin changed its name to the Canadian Yacht Club. That same year the now Canadian Yacht Club petitioned the Crown for a Royal warrant. The petition was granted by Queen Victoria, as the “Royal Canadian Yacht Club”. Although there is conflicting evidence of the reason behind the change to Canadian Yacht Club, the most credible explanation was that the club wished to signify its regional rather than merely local significance, and as the City of Toronto was then located in Canada West of the British Colony of the Province of Canada, “Royal Toronto” gave way to “Royal Canadian”. The first clubhouse was established in a building owned by Sir Casimir Gzowski, near the present site of Union Station. After a short tenancy, the club moved to a one-storey building erected on a scow moored just east of Simcoe St. This served from 1853 until 1858, when it was replaced by the steamer Provincial. The Provincial provided shelter until the end of 1868, when it escaped its mooring, drifted away with the winter ice