1661 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 1N3

(604) 682-3292

FCYC@FCYC.COM

About

A Proud Pioneering History in the Creek

FCYC was born on July 23, 1981 when a group of interested local boaters applied to the BC Government under the Society Act to create the False Creek Yacht Club. The next year, 1982, the first club executive members were elected and Barbara Carstensen was chosen as FCYC’s first Commodore. 1983 marked FCYC’s first official sailpast.

At this point in the early 1980s, all FCYC had to show was a group of interested boaters and not much else in the way of facilities. So, the club made the decision to invest in a barge, called the Tantor, which was supposed to serve as a temporary home. A tiny little event got in the way of this grand plan – Expo 86! After Expo, a group of club members attempted to lobby the various levels of government to try to get a permanent spot in False Creek.

The challenge was daunting! FCYC was competing with 30 other organizations, many of which were large commercial operations, for rights to prime real estate in False Creek. With only about 15 signed-up members at that time, the chances of FCYC being successful were very small. The Board decided the only way this ambitious plan would succeed is if the plans for the proposed building were so expertly done that FCYC was positioned with banks and potential lessees to appear much more solid than the Club actually was. So, they decided to commission the same designer and architect responsible for the Calgary Olympics to create the plans and design a three-dimensional mockup of the proposed FCYC building. His name was John Sproule.

To engage such a distinguished architect was incredibly ambitious for such a fledgling club. Essentially, FCYC had no money to pay his fees. So, the Board turned to the membership with a unique offer. For those members who would put up a substantial sum of cash on the slim chance that this money would help FCYC secure the building rights. It was understood that this was a long shot, however, those members would thereafter be considered Honourary Life Members with dues prepaid, and not have to pay any more dues for the remainder of their membership if the bid was successful.

A small portion of the Club members agreed to participate in this scheme and enough money was raised to hire John Sproule to create the plans for the FCYC Clubhouse.

The Result? The designs and mockups were so professionally done that all the approving bodies were convinced that FCYC deserved a place in the Creek. On February 23, 1985, FCYC was able to announce that the Club now had a lease on the parcel of land known as Lots 141 & 142 for the home of the proposed False Creek Yacht Club.

As of November 20th, 1986 when outgoing Commodore Bob Logan handed over the gavel to incoming Commodore, Stan Wilson, FCYC had 248 members. Andersons Restaurants were prospective tenants for the lower floors and since they had to repay the 65-year lease, the design of the building was to be their choice. Bing Thom Architects submitted drawings and a model was presented on March 2, 1987.

On June 11th, 1987 the Hon. Grace McCarthy, accompanied by Mayor Gordon Campbell, officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony on the site of the new FCYC Club building. The Club Lounge was unofficially opened by the members in December 1989. The official grand opening was on May 5th, 1990. Included are some pictures which I took during that time.

Since that date, the False Creek Yacht Club has flourished and is now widely recognized as the “Star of False Creek.”

This is a brief history of the creation of the club and how our beautiful clubhouse came into existence with the foresight of the small group of forward thinking members and the few Life Members who were willing to take the risk for all of us.

Written By: 
Stephan & Terri Smolar

FCYC Intends to work Towards Achieving Clean Marine Certification

Clean Marine BC is an innovative eco-certification program that recognizes marinas, boatyards, and other boating facilities for their implementation of environmental best practices. As part of our Marina Revitalization Plan we are evaluating how we can achieve certification under the Clean Marine BC policy.

Volunteer and Make New Friends

Volunteering is the heart and soul of any non-profit or club, and one of the best ways to meet other members who share your interests and to expand your circle of friends. Those who do often speak to the great camaraderie that the fun and friendly folks at the Club enjoy while working together. Its not uncommon for a spontaneous party to start!

Whether you have expertise in a specific area or you’re looking to learn, whether you’re time-strapped or want to step up to a higher level of commitment, your involvement is always welcome. We all enjoy the benefits of belonging to our wonderful club, so don’t be shy!

Don’t have much time?

Contact FCYC@FCYC.com to volunteer “occasionally” on a Committee that speaks to your interests, or simply to find out how to get more involved:
  • The New Member Ambassadors make a point of welcoming new members, getting to know them, and introducing them to others so that they quickly feel part of the Club
  • The Cruising Committee plans all of our boating events – it’s a great way to meet fellow boaters and learn trip planning and more
  • The Social Committee plans all of our on-shore Clubhouse events including theme parties, décor, potlucks, Sailpast, and the Commodore’s Ball
  • The Kayak/SUP Committee brings together enthusiasts who are happy to teach others or looking to learn, and it creates groups who want to paddle together
  • The Dock Committee makes sure that our water facilities, including the Party Dock, are kept neat, clean, and safe for the enjoyment of all. The annual Spring cleanup is a great way to engage with fellow members
  • The Clubhouse Committee helps make sure our facility looks great, with seasonal planting, seasonal décor, and small chores

Have a bit more time and want to have more say in the Club’s future?

  • The Finance Committee meets on a regular basis to look for opportunities to improve the Club’s short term results, and also looks at how to provide for Capital Expenses in the future. Contact: Treasurer@FCYC.com
  • The Nominating Committee helps identify suitable Board of Directors Candidates and ensure they are well-prepared for these very important roles in the Club. Contract: nomcom@fcyc.com

 

  • The Board of Directors is always looking for committed members to help ensure the club thrives today and in the future. Please see the table below for the different roles and responsibilities available, and if you are interested, reach out to:  Commodore@FCYC.com if you are interested

Meet your Board of Directors

Craig Douglas

Commodore

Commodore@FCYC.com

This role is Captain of the ship, charts the course of the Club, and herds cats as required to stay on track.

Tea Nicola

Vice Commodore

ViceCommodore@FCYC.com

This role is the First Mate, who takes on a variety of duties as required to ensure smooth sailing, and steps in if the Commodore is unable to fulfill their duties.

Secretary

Secretary

This role could best be described as the Navigator, heling to keep a record of the course (Board Minutes) and recommend how to navigate around hazards such as member disciplinary issues by having thorough knowledge of the Rules, Regulations, and Bylaws.

Paul Schmidt

Treasurer

Treasurer@FCYC.com

Someone needs to keep an eye on the rum rations being handed out. The treasurer not only keeps an eagle eye on the day-to-day Club finances, but skippers the Finance Committee to assess and plan the financial requirements of the future.

Stesha Gruttner

Rear Commodore House

Rear Commodore House

Everyone loves a shipshape Clubhouse, and this role achieves just that, from scheduling routine maintenance and identifying capital improvement projects to working with the Club Manager to optimize the food and beverage services.

Chris McGillivray

Rear Commodore Marina

Rear Commodore Marina

Every yacht club needs safe, secure, tidy docks, and that is what the RCM overseas, from dock clean up parties to repairs to replacement under a Capital plan, to the Club assets on the dock including the kayaks, SUPs, and Folkboat.

Phil Beaty

Fleet Captain

Fleet@FCYC.com

Someone has to make sure there’s adventure on the high seas, and Fleet works with the Cruising Committee to plan each of those adventures, ranging from Sailpast to Opening Weekend to year-round cruises. This role also oversees the Bowen Outstation and the Cruising Station Program.

Robin Parsons

Member at Large

memberatlarge1@fcyc.com

The Member at Large positions are often reserved for members who are new to the Board and/or have an interest in taking on special projects.

Mick Daviduk

Member at Large

memberatlarge2@fcyc.com

The Member at Large positions are often reserved for members who are new to the Board and/or have an interest in taking on special projects.

Greg McCullough

Member at Large

memberatlarge3@fcyc.com

The Member at Large positions are often reserved for members who are new to the Board and/or have an interest in taking on special projects.

Tim Slater

Past Commodore

PastCommodore@FCYC.com

This role is the proverbial “Old Man of the Sea” – mentor to the new Commodore, a steadying hand on the wheel, the one who tempers a new Board’s enthusiasm, and the keeper of wisdom from days gone by that is invaluable to any Board.