Question 1

How does a sailing club operate in a natural habitat park?

Accepted Answer

Aquatic Park is located within Tommy Thompson Park. 
 
As such, it is home to a large number of bird species and animal species.  We feel privileged to have our club within a beautiful park, home to numerous species of birds and other animals on the edge of downtown Toronto. We try to ensure that the club’s impact on the environment is minimized and we view ourselves as unofficial Park stewards. We share the parking lot at our clubhouse with the Tommy Thompson Bird Research Station.
 
As the Club is located within the Tommy Thompson Park, we require all guests and members to keep their pets on a leash while utilizing the clubhouse area. 
 
We are thrilled to share our mooring cove with herons, swallows, swans, beavers and other creatures.  It is one of the things that makes APSC unique.

Question 2

What Facilities are available?

Accepted Answer

APSC offers a comfortable clubhouse with wood stove & everything you need to cook inside or BBQ outside.   With no monthly bar and restaurant fees, Aquatic Park reduces costs and enables you to save.  See About Us (javascript:void(0))for more information

Question 3

I am a new sailor.  Is Lake Ontario a good place to learn?

Accepted Answer

Lake Ontario is the perfect place for both beginners and experts alike, with the location of APSC being especially good.  
 
The inner harbour is protected by the Toronto Islands, allowing you to have a fun day sailing on windy days that otherwise might be a bit too much for beginners.  The area around the club is projected by the Leslie spit, which also offers much calmer waters than the open lake.  
 
Lake Ontario,  has pretty much no navigational hazards once you are away from the shoreline. Check the weather in the morning and if no storms or strong weather are predicted for the day, you should be safe for a fun day on the water.  
 
Always have all your navigation equipment in good working order, but it's comforting to know the CN Tower can be seen from a very far distance - your beacon home.

Question 4

What is it like to use mooring balls?

Accepted Answer

Landing a sailboat on a mooring ball and departing from a mooring ball is easier than landing on a dock and departing from a dock. A short dinghy ride from our docks to your mooring ball starts the adventure.  With a  mooring ball.  your sailboat will always be pointed into the wind for easy launches and well-ventilated sleeping comfort.  This solves the problem with docks where the direction of the wind is often unfavourable for the purposes of docking or departing.   It is also very easy to raise your sails right on your mooring ball when you depart – because the boat is always facing into the wind.  It is a very forgiving experience.  It is much less stressful than the experience of being blown around as one departs from or arrives at a dock and the concern of crashing into a neighbouring boat is not there.
 
If you need a dock (for example to pick up guests or to work on your boat), the club has a dock with a number of slips available on an as needed basis.  We keep the face of the main dock open for dropping off and picking up passengers.

Question 5

How can I access the club on week-ends?

Accepted Answer

As the Aquatic Park Sailing Club is located within the Tommy Thompson Park we cooperate with the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation and Toronto Regional Conservation Authority to facilitate the general public’s use of the Park.
 
As weekends and holidays bring large numbers of nature lovers to the park, we responsibly restrict motorized access between 9:00 am – 6:00pm on weekends and holidays. The Aquatic Park Sailing Club operates a member operated golf cart shuttle service exclusively for members and guests that provides hourly transportation to and from the main parking lot at the Park entrance  directly to the APSC Clubhouse, a distance of approximately 2 kms.
 
Sit back, relax, enjoy the view, and let us do the driving for you.

Question 6

Don’t you need shore power for your boat batteries?

Accepted Answer

Solar power technology has come a long way.  Most of our members are self-reliant through the use of solar panels on their boats.   APSC members take pride in being able to fulfill their power needs by use of renewable, clean energy.

Question 7

Where do Aquatic Park boaters keep their boats in winter?

Accepted Answer

Many APSC members with boats less than 27’ winter at local sailing clubs close by at Cherry Beach.  Club members with larger boats use the services of various Port Lands area boatyards and marinas. 
 
The Club has made efforts to secure our own storage yard in the Port Lands area to provide a low-cost winter storage solution for members.  To date, however, the Club has found that the aforementioned options provide lower cost winter storage than could be provided by an in-house storage yard.

Question 8

How do I get to my boat on an Aquatic Park mooring ball?

Accepted Answer

Aquatic Park members use two methods:  (i)  rowing out in a dinghy; and (ii) motoring out in a motorized inflatable dinghy.  The Club has a dinghy compound and oar shed on shore and a launch ramp for those who row.  The Club also has dedicated dock space for those with motorized dinghies. We are a club that promotes sustainable renewable energy and promotes rowing and trolling motor power.

Question 9

Does Aquatic Park have a racing programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We have an active race program.  Races are held Wednesday evenings throughout the sailing season and occasionally on weekends.

Question 10

What does it cost to join Aquatic Park Sailing Club?

Accepted Answer

APSC is very reasonably priced.  There is a one time initiation fee to join the club, and a yearly mooring fee which depends on the size of your boat. See membership(javascript:void(0))
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for more information.

Question 11

Do I need a license or certificate to sail?

Accepted Answer

By law, you need your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)(https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/operator-card-pcoc-faq) for any boat in Canada with a motor, no matter the size.   As the club is within the Port and Harbour of Toronto, you must also have a Powered Vessel Operator's Permit.(https://www.portstoronto.com/port-of-toronto/permits-and-authorizations/powered-vessel-operator%E2%80%99s-permit.aspx)  Last, anyone using a marine VHF radio or other marine radios you need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate Marine ROC(M).(https://www.cps-ecp.ca/ecommerce/course-calendar/?cps_show_course_details_id=204) If your boat's motor is more than 10hp, your boat needs to be registered (https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/vessel-licensing-registration/find-out-if-you-need-license-register-your-vessel)with Transport Canada.
 
To moor your boat at APSC, you will also need to have at least $1,000,000 liability insurance. 
 
There is no sailing certification required, but it is highly recommenced to take the appropriate courses (https://ontariosailing.ca/cruising/learn-to-cruise/)or gain experience by being a crew on a comparable boat to the one you will be sailing on.

Question 12

Can I sleep on my boat

Accepted Answer

To truly experience the magic of the APSC , you should spend the night. APSC offers a true cottage experience.
 
Many members spend the night tethered to their mooring ball.  The protected harbour ensures you will be gently rocked to sleep.  The cool lake breeze acts like an air-conditioner, keeping you cool even on hot days. A mooring ball always ensures your hatches are pointed into the wind.

Question 13

Can I go swimming?

Accepted Answer

APSC has many options for swimming.  We have a nice sandy beach right by the club. Many members enjoy swimming right from their moored boats.

Question 14

How can I talk to a real person?

Accepted Answer

Please view our contact page.(javascript:void(0))

Question 15

What is the difference between a yacht club, sailing club and marina?"

Accepted Answer

Marinas are places where you can dock your boat, and often have services for boaters.
 
Yacht and Sailing clubs, in addition, have club houses and offer social events and other programs.
 
Per the Lake Ontario Club Cruising Association (LOCCA)(https://locca.org/) a club must:
 • Must be a registered Not-For-Profit
 • Must have an active cruising and / or racing program(javascript:void(0))
 • Must provide for a facility (javascript:void(0))for members and visitors to use
 • Must offer a reciprocal program (javascript:void(0))to other clubs
 • Club must be a member of Sail Canada/Ontario Sailing (https://ontariosailing.ca/)or US Sailing
Aquatic Park Sailing Club is considered a yatch club.