"Believe me, my young friend there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

Club motto from Ratty, in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind In The Willows

Welcome to the Water Rats Website

Founded in 1969, Water Rats Sailing Club provides low-cost community based sailing and paddling to over 200 members of Toronto and their families. Water Rats Sailing Club is not-for-profit organization and is operated and managed by our members on a volunteer basis.  Boats are owned by members and include dinghies, catamarans, kayaks and canoes.  Water Rats has one of the largest Laser fleets in the world.

Announcements

December 24, 2011 - Happy Holidays

Additional Notices:

1. All boats MUST be de-masted for the winter storage.
2. All canoes and kayaks must be securely tied to their rack at the bow and stern. Winter storm winds can blow an improperly secured boat off its rack and into other boats.
3. It is recommended that other boats should also be tied down for the winter.
4. All signed work or pay chits should be submitted at the club prior by November 12 (deposit in mailbox at Toad Hall).

Trailer Jacks Required

All trailers (except purpose built trailers for Lasers) must have a retractable trailer jack for ease of movement during lawn maintenance. Trailer jacks are available at all marine stores including as West Marine, Fogh and Canadian Tire. Prices range between $25 and $50. If you have a trailer, please install a trailer jack as soon as possible. Trailers must have jacks by the end of June. This new rule was passed during last November's AGM.

Important Notice for All Members Who Keep Boats on Racks

Recently, a sailing member's boat was severely damaged by a canoe that had fallen off its rack in high winds. In response the Executive urges all members who store canoes or kayaks on racks to securely attach their boats to the racks at both the bow and stern, at all times. We hope this simple measure will help to prevent such incidents in the future. If you have questions, please contact our Paddle Rat at katelazier@gmail.com.

Complete Your Volunteer Hours

Volunteer opportunities are available. See the work or pay jobs list for details.