History of the Club

1967 The Seed is Sown


Early Days: Taming the Wilderness (1967-1968)

  • March 22nd, 1967: The Wildwood Sailing Club is officially established. A lease was secured for five and a half acres of undeveloped land on the south shore of Wildwood Lake. A vision shared by a group led by Jack Payton of St. Marys, who sought to create a sailing haven close to home.
  • Road Construction: Paul Hovey, a club member from St. Marys, takes the lead, securing a bulldozer. With Jack Payton blazing a trail with his scythe, carves out the initial roadway through the dense brush. This marks the first step in transforming the wilderness into a usable club site.
  • Clearing and Launching: A small clearing is created to serve as a parking lot. A rough path is bulldozed to the lakefront. With no proper launch ramp, members rely on the ingenuity of Pete Newton. He uses his tow truck to haul boats out of the water in the fall.
  • The Ten Dollar Clubhouse: The club acquires a small, dilapidated cottage for ten dollars. It is transported to the site on a flatbed trailer. This unassuming structure serves as the club’s first clubhouse and remains a testament to the club’s humble beginnings.

1967 – 1968 Carving a Path to the Water


Undeterred by the challenges, the pioneering members embarked on the monumental task of transforming the wilderness. Paul Hovey secured a bulldozer, and with Jack Payton leading the way with a scythe, they carved a roadway through the dense vegetation. This first road, respecting the natural contours of the land and preserving select trees, remains the scenic entrance to the club today. A small clearing was created, marking the beginnings of the club’s parking lot. From there, a rough path was bulldozed to the lakefront, providing rudimentary access for launching boats. With no proper ramp, Pete Newton generously offered the use of his tow truck to haul boats from the water each fall

1968-1970: Building a Foundation:


Shelter was a priority in these early years. The club acquired a small, dilapidated cottage for ten dollars and transported it to the clearing on a flatbed trailer. This humble structure, which still stands on its original spot, served as the club’s first clubhouse. Meanwhile, the arduous task of clearing the land continued. Arnold Pearson, armed with a backhoe, led the charge against the dense thorn trees. “Chain Saw Day” events became a regular feature, with members contributing to the gradual transformation of the landscape into the manicured lawns enjoyed today.

1970-1975: Expanding Horizons:

Infrastructure development took centre stage. A 125-foot launching ramp, constructed in three reinforced steel sections, was a significant milestone, providing safe and convenient access to the lake. A sandy beach, with sand brought in from Lakeside, was created for the enjoyment of younger members. The club even undertook the dredging of the bay to improve sailing conditions. During this period, Peter Case made significant contributions to the club’s development, notably spearheading the dredging project that greatly enhanced the sailing experience for all members.

1975-1990: A Culture of Competition and Camaraderie:

Alongside the ongoing development efforts, a vibrant sailing culture flourished. Competitive races became a regular feature, fostering a spirit of friendly rivalry amongst members. The annual moonlight sail evolved into a cherished tradition, embodying the club’s unique blend of competition and camaraderie. Even when the lack of wind one year necessitated the boats being strung together and towed around the lake, the festive spirit remained undimmed. Rex Parker and Lorne Mulholland, both from the St. Marys area, played pivotal roles during this period, serving long tenures as race directors and ensuring the smooth running of the club’s racing program.

1975-1990: A Legacy of Dedication:

The early years of the Wildwood Sailing Club were marked by a remarkable spirit of dedication and resourcefulness. The founding members, with their vision and unwavering commitment, transformed a wilderness into a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Their legacy lives on in the thriving club we see today, a testament to the power of shared passion and collective effort.