History - Since 1894
The Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club derives its origin from the Saint John Yacht
Club which was founded during two meetings of yachting enthusiasts in May of 1894.
Frank Whelpley, Albert McArthur, Howard Holder and Fred Heans believed that the
sport of sailing could be better encouraged in Saint John through the organized
structure of a formally established Club. The Squadron of the new Club consisted
of only six yachts. Initial dues were one dollar per year and one dollar for the
entrance fee. During the first sailing season in 1894, the club's anchorage was
at Indiantown. Indiantown, however did not provide sufficient room for expansion,
and after debate it was decided that the new anchorage would be located in Millidgeville.
The first Clubhouse was constructed in 1895.
The Club membership decided at a general meeting on April 5,1898 to adopt the name
of the river on which its races were sailed. The organization was to be called the
"Kennebecasis Yacht Club". The membership also consented to the application for
the Royal Warrant which would permit the Club to use the prefix "Royal" in its name.
Only three other yacht clubs in North America enjoyed this privilege in 1898. Notification
that Queen Victoria had granted the Royal Warrant was received and the Club officially
became the "Royal Kennebecasis Yacht Club" on July 5,1898. It is interesting to
note that because of a spelling error in the Royal Warrant "Kennebeccasis" was spelled
with two c's, and thus the spelling of the Club's name is slightly different from
that of the river. The R.K.Y.C. executive also applied for the Admiralty Warrant
on behalf of its membership. It was granted on February 12,1899. Each yacht of the
R.K.Y.C. Squadron which was granted an Admiralty Warrant had the right to fly the
Blue Ensign of Her Majesty's Fleet, often called the "Blue Duster". Possession of
an Admiralty Warrant was a considerable distinction for any yacht belonging to a
Royal Yacht Club.
The second Clubhouse, which houses the present club, was opened in August of 1901. It was built by contractor John Duffy at a cost of three thousand dollars. In its day, it was an ambitious project. Today, this grand structure dominates the Millidgeville skyline. The Clubhouse tower stands seventy feet above ground level and has a commanding view of Brothers Cove. Its unique architecture serves as a focal point for the community. The Clubhouse is an integral part of the identity of the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club and its light is recognized as a beacon of hospitality by those who visit Saint John.
