Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
376 Purcells's Cove Road
Halifax, NS, Canada   
Telephone 902-477-5653

RNSYS WEB SITE                                            Directions                        

History of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron

The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) dates back to 1837. The first clubhouse was built in 1860, the year that the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII visited Halifax. A keen yachtsman himself, he presented us with our most treasured trophy, the Prince of Wales Cup. The Prince later added his name to the application to Queen Victoria to use the prefix "Royal" to the club's name. This was approved a year later and we became the Royal Halifax Yacht Club (RHYC).

The Club underwent a great deal of upheaval and change between the years 1875 and 1922 when the RHYC became the present RNSYS, and relocated it's clubhouse to the breakwater of Halifax Harbour. The RNSYS moved again to make way for the new container terminal in 1966, and relocated to the present property on the Northwest Arm which farseeing leaders of the Squadron had acquired some years earlier.

Recent years have seen the Squadron involved in many significant achievements. With the Boston Yacht club we sponsor the biennial Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, first sailed in 1905. We were club-of-record for "True North" and "Canada II" the 1984-1987 America's Cup hopefuls. The Squadron holds the annual a match racing event begun in 1976 which sees participants from several countries participating in this ISAF sponsored Omega World Match Racing event. Our members continue to achieve distinction in national and international competition.

The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron has been committed to providing its clientele with a unique and luxurious way of life since it's establishment in 1837. Globally recognized as a premier sailing and highly reputable social club, "the Squadron" continuously thrives in its own traditions and innovations alike.

Conveniently nestled within breath-taking Purcell's Cove, the Club's prime location provides a superior urban seclusion, creating the perfect sea setting guaranteed to entice the most passionate of sailors. Although a nautical background is not a pre-requisite to membership, the Club's vast cruising schedule and friendly, competitive Wednesday night races and annual regattas promise to intrigue everyone.

The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron boasts outstanding facilities with both formal and casual. In addition to our historic Clubhouse, our Spar Loft designed to accommodate up to three hundred people, is waiting for transformation into a picture-perfect setting for that special event. Their refreshing swimming pool and cozy fireplaces round out a very receptive atmosphere year round.

The Club has many social opportunities suited for all ages. The Squadron's social calendar is carefully planned and developed with creativity and enthusiasm. With such popular annual events as Venetian Night, Turkey Bowl and the New Year's Eve gala, lasting memories are formed, and anticipation is heightened once again, for the following year.

The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron takes great pride in the recruitment and personal growth of its membership. Our hope is that your association with the Squadron is satisfying, rewarding and successful and that it will become an integral part of your life, as it has for several others for so many past generations.