It's another sweetheart deal for the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club.
The group renewed a 30-year lease on its waterfront property on Tsehum Harbour this month for $1 a year - or $30 in total - thanks to landowner Bob Wright, president of the Oak Bay Marine Group.
The original lease was signed in 1982 and the new deal continues the tradition until 2042. "We are ecstatic that our club has been given another long-term lease by the Oak Bay Marine Group - especially at a dollar a year," says Commodore Gordon Mains.
Mains joked that several years ago the club forgot to submit the dollar and they received a tongue-in-cheek 'Notice of Arrears - Amount: $1.00' from Wright. "We rectified it pretty quickly," said Mains.
"It's an incredibly generous deal. We have had great support from the Oak Bay Marine Group since 1982 and we look forward to that continuing for the next 30 years."
The club was founded in 1981 by a group interested in boating. From the outset, it was designed to be an affordable and accessible club serving both the powerboat and sailboat communities.
The club now has about 800 members and a very active and evolving junior program. The distinctive and well-appointed clubhouse, converted from an old family home, is located on the west shore of Tsehum Harbour in a park-like setting of lawns, gardens and trees.
Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club's Summer Sailing School offers 91原创 Yachting Association courses for all levels of sailors, ages eight to 18 years inclusive. CYA certified instructors teach both theory and on-the-water skills in a fun, positive atmosphere.
Oak Bay Marine Group's Susan Barcham called the yacht club a special place.
"It's casual, welcoming, full of great people and really has something for everyone," she said.
