Community Involvement
The Vernon Yacht Club takes a great deal of pride in being able to support community organizations with activities on Okanagan Lake. By providing complimentary moorage, the VYC effectively aids several community minded organizations.
Heaven-Can-Wait is a 24 foot pontoon boat operated by volunteer captains on behalf of the Okanagan Quality Life Society. The boat is used primarily to take live-in seniors and disabled persons for an on the water experience throughout the summer months. In addition to moorage, the parking, loading and clubhouse facilities provided by the VYC, significantly contribute to the success of “Heaven-Can-Wait”.
The VYC is deeply concerned for the safety of persons operating watercraft and therefore provides moorage to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Fire Department, which operates a 21 foot fire and rescue boat specifically to provide its services in the Landing area. The volunteer firemen train on the boat and they respond to fire and other emergencies on or near the water. Close proximity to the Fire Station helps to reduce response time. The VYC ensures that the firemen have the needed facilities to use the fire and rescue boat.
Annually the VYC sailors hold the “Okanagan Charity Sailing Regatta”. Upwards of 50 boats participate in the regatta, with each boat raising funds for the United Way campaign. The VYC fully supports this event and makes its clubhouse and marina facilities available to all participants for an entire weekend of sail racing.
Additionally, The Vernon Yacht Club also provides and maintains 30 mooring buoys in popular locations of Northern Okanagan Lake. These are provided for public overnight use and are not to be used for extended moorage.
In December, members decorate their boats in festive lights and cruise around the bay for the enjoyment of all on shore. This event usually takes place over several nights in mid to late December.
On the newly built North-Eastern dock, the club provides a holding tank pump out station. This service is available to all boaters, club members or not, for a nominal charge. Vernon Yacht Club is committed to protecting our pristine boating environment.
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