Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club

The first record of sailing on Lake of the Woods dates back to 1845, when the Hudson's Bay Company introduced York boats dawned with sails in order to transport their furs. The first camps were built on Keewatin Beach. For round twenty years, canoeing, rowing and sailing were the only means of transportation. The first motorboats were introduced in the late 1890s.

Keewatin Beach campers participated in sailing, rowing, and gymkhana events. By 1898, cruising races were run on McMillan Island. One of the earliest forms of these cruises was via the Keewatin Channel to Galt Island where the G.F Galt family hosted a picnic lunch. In 1903, sailboats became popular and motorized boats were introduced. A building was subsequently developed on McMillan Island and became the first clubhouse. George William Northwood designed the club house for Lake of the Woods Yacht Club in 1909 ^[2]

The first officers of the yacht club were: Commodore G.W. Baker, Vice Commodore W.E. Macara, Captain Fred Phillips, Measurer H.F. Forrest and Treasurer R.H. Mulock.

In 1914, Prince Arthur and his daughter Princess Patricia visited the club. They suggested that it apply for the title of "Royal".^[3] The privilege was delayed because of World War I, but was later granted in 1925 with The Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club Incorporation Act. Commodore G.F. Galt was notified that King George V had granted the use of Royal to the Lake of the Woods Yacht Club.

In 1979, Robert Whitla Richards wrote 'Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club : history to 1978' to commemorate RLWYC's 75th anniversary 1903-1978.^[4]

CJ Conway and Lori Nelson wrote "Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club: A Century of Summers" to commemorate RLWYC's 100th Anniversary 1903-2003.^[5]

The following list of past commodores is published by the club on its official website.^[6]