From the captivating book “Prevailing Westerlies – A History of Sailing in Saskatchewan” by Terry Pugh, we dive into the intriguing origins of the Regina Beach Yacht Club (RBYC)

The tale begins on May 3, 1913, when four visionary gentlemen — Charlie Brewster, Dr. G. A. Charlton, W. T. Daniel, and F. G. Green — set out to establish a new sailing hub. They approached the Canadian Pacific Railway Company with a proposal to lease waterfront land for a yacht clubhouse. Their persuasive pitch earned them a lease at the remarkably modest fee of one dollar per annum.

With their cherished location secured, the quartet swiftly crafted bylaws and a club constitution. The RBYC was incorporated under the Benevolent Societies Act on May 24, 1913, with Charlie Brewster honored as the first Commodore and Archie Trotter stepping into the role of timekeeper, signifying that racing would be central to the club’s activities.

The club’s purpose was clear from the outset, articulated in its bylaws as two primary objectives:

1. To foster proficiency in all members in the management, control, and navigation of their yachts, and in all aspects of seamanship.
2. To advance yacht architecture, building, and sailing within Canadian waters.

In terms of financial planning, the bylaws declared that funds — after covering debt and necessary expenses — would be dedicated to prizes for sailing competitions, as determined by the Sailing Committee.

From the club’s inception, the founders were keen to keep the focus on sailing rather than political or religious debates, stating, “Politics and religious questions of every kind shall be absolutely excluded from open discussion in the Club.”