The Wi-Fi is finally up and running on the Island - it became active early last week. Bell came a week later than they indicated (after delaying more than a month due to their labour dispute) but at least we have the base infrastructure up and running now
Presently the one access point that is up and running is located at the south end of the Upper Verandah. I checked the signal at the end of last week and received 100% coverage on the Upper Verandah. Though the goal of this access point was just to get the Upper Verandah light up, there is good coverage as far east as the pool from the north side of the North Island to the north side of the South Island. I have had people tell me they are able to access a very, very weak signal from as far away as the docks in front of the Cottage.
There is another batch of equipment on order which is expected any day.
Now that I know how far the base signal goes, when I have some spare time in the next two weeks I'll start stringing together some more access points to expand the coverage area. We will need Bell to make one more trip to the island before we can get 100% coverage, so I can't promise when the docks by the Cottage or the south side of the South Island will get good coverage (these two areas are dependant on Bell flipping a few switches). Within the next two weeks (as long as I can spend enough time on the Island making cables and installing access
points) the lagoon between the North and South Islands should be 100% covered. Areas outside this will get weak coverage until I can get Bell to make another trip.
Many thanks to Mary Chan for dealing with a very difficult Bell, Mark McIntosh for having his team help with the physical setup, and to club member Doug Farrand for configuring the DSL modem while I was away on vacation.
We have already had positive feedback from members who have used the Wi-Fi and the next J-Mail will announce the go-live, so we should get more happy customers then.
Racing at RCYC
- Racing will take place approximately 2 miles south of "T1" buoy located at the Eastern entrance to Toronto Harbour
- The Royal Canadian Yacht Club is one of the premier yacht clubs in the world. Conveniently located in Toronto Island the RCYC has all the facilities necessary to run any international event.
- Proximity of other large fleets (Chicago, Detroit, New York Area, Eastern Seaboard). There is every possibility that the 2005NA’s if hosted in Toronto would attract the largest fleet of J105’s ever.
- Fresh water, fresh air and a taste of the great Canadian late summer winds.
- The RCYC is the host club for the 2005 Eight Meter's World
- The RCYC was host club for the 2004 Mumm 30's.
Championship racing, an RCYC Tradition
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club was founded in 1852, in the British tradition of a recreational yachting club that would serve unofficially as an auxiliary to the navy. Established under the name of the Toronto Boat Club, in 1854, with Queen Victoria's permission, the club was renamed the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Long associated with the Toronto Islands, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club did not move there until 1881, first occupying various locations on the Toronto waterfront. The first island clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1904. Its successor, officially opened in 1906, was also irreparably damaged by fire in 1918. On August 25, 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales laid the corner stone for the gracious two-story Southern-style clubhouse that has been the RCYC's summer home ever since.
Since 1873, the Club has maintained winter quarters in the city at a variety of locations. Just over a hundred years later, in 1974, the Carlton Club merged with the RCYC, an amalgamation that provided members with swimming, badminton, squash and other recreational facilities. In 1983, winter activities were moved to a newly constructed building on St. George Street, which has itself just undergone expansion to accommodate the burgeoning interest in fitness activities.
But primarily, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club has been associated throughout the years with sailing, and more particularly with yacht racing. Its racing sailors have gained prominence at home and around the world, from Lake Yachting Racing Association races on Lake Ontario to the Olympic Games. Its members compete annually for cups held by the Club - the Prince of Wales Cup, donated by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1861, the Alba Trophy, and the Breithaupt Cup, to name just a few. The RCYC also plays a prominent role in the battle for a series of traveling trophies, such as Canada's Cup, the Freeman Cup and the Richardson Trophy. The hosting of international regattas for a wide variety of boat classes occurs on an annual basis.
From its beginnings almost 150 years ago, with a fleet of perhaps 25 yachts, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club has grown into a large active year-round facility with a club fleet of over 500, that continues to successfully maintain its objective of promoting sailing in all its varied forms.
Club Facilities
- Docks and dry sailing for over 450 boats .
- Complete marine repair and servicing .
- Four tennis courts .
- Lawn bowling .
- 25 meter outdoor swimming pool .
- Formal and informal dining and social areas .
- Private parking and launch service .
- Competitors and guests will have club privileges throughout the regatta.