Fanshawe Yacht Club & Sailing School

8 Bells: Fanshawe Yacht Club has learned that Spike Boston has sailed over the Horizon. Many of our members knew Spike and had their sails made by he and his crew in Sarnia. We send our deepest condolences to his family and those who treasured his friendship. Fair Winds Spike!

Below is the notice about Spike's passing from the Doyle Boston Sailmakers page

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our leader, father, grandfather and brother, Spike Boston. He was the proud owner of Doyle Boston Sails in Point Edward since 1968 and a respected figure in the sailing community. He was proud of his nearly 40 year relationship with Doyle Sails, where his family loft is the oldest loft within the worldwide sailmaking group other than Robbie Doyle’s personal loft.
Spike, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia. A skilled sailmaker and lifelong sailor, Spike dedicated much of his life to the craft of sailmaking and to the water he loved so much. His hands built more than sails—they built friendships and a reputation for quality, determination, and pride in his work. Sailing was not just something he did; it was part of who he was. As Commodore of Wednesday night racing, Spike found great joy in the race shack and took pride in seeing each race through to the finish week after week. He was also a dedicated mentor to many young people—not just in sailing, but in life. The lessons he shared reached far beyond the water, helping shape individuals who have gone on to become professionals, leaders, and contributors in their own fields.
Spike was known for being stubborn at times, but also incredibly generous, always willing to lend a hand or share his knowledge with others. Above all, he loved his family deeply and was a proud grandfather who cherished time spent with his grandchildren. His favorite saying, “Keep Smiling,” reflected the attitude he carried through life and the message he leaves behind to those who loved him."

From the S2 7.9 Class on Facebook:
"Yesterday our S2 7.9 community lost a truly special soul, Spike Boston. To many of us, Spike wasn’t just a fellow sailor; he was the heartbeat of our class - a kind of “founding father” who nurtured this group with a warm generous spirit. For over 40 years, Spike and his family have been our biggest champions, opening their hearts to host regattas, lead impromptu dockside trim and race clinics, and always offering a friendly tip to help a sailor find a little more speed. The water won’t feel quite the same without him, and he’ll be sorely missed.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Spike’s family, and hope they know we will always treasure the impact he had on our sailing community."

A Celebration of Life for Spike Boston will be tomorrow - Saturday, May 2 at the Sarnia Yacht Club from 1:00 - 6:00pm

Here is a Link to his obituary: https://www.mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com/obituarylist-1/boston%2C-william-%22spike%22mccormackfuneralhome

*Photos from the Doyle Boston Sailmakers and S2 7.9 class FB pages

Did you know that London has a Sailing Club where you can learn to sail or bring your own sailboat if you are new to our city? Fanshawe Yacht Club & Sailing School is a small, casual club that has been on Fanshawe Lake in East London since 1953!

Our annual Open House is coming up on Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24 from 10:00 to 4:00pm. We'd love to have you come by, tour the club and if the weather is good ... you can try sailing!

This year we are also accepting Donations to the London Food Bank. https://www.londonfoodbank.ca/

FYC is located within the campground of Fanshawe Conservation Area.

Click on the QR Code in the photos or on the link for more info and hope to see you at Open House! https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/fanshawe-yacht-club-open-house/

*The phone number on the Poster should read 519-451-8989

Why join FYC? Not just for casual sailing and twice weekly racing on Fanshawe Lake (a hidden gem in London), but also for fun events such as:
- The Commodore's Reception
- Open House
- The June Bug Regatta
- The 2026 Y-Flyer Internationals
- Pirate Day
- Golf & Burgers Outing
- The Club Championships & Corn Roast
- great views of Air Show London
- The Puddle Duck Regatta
- The Pumpkin Regatta & Turkey Dinner
- Winter Dinners Out @ The Fireside Grill
- FYC Badminton @ Ascend during the off season (we're the Net Navigators and wow do we look good - thanks for the great shirts Marla!!)

.. and much more!

Even our Work Parties in the Spring and Fall are hard and messy but fun as we all work together to make FYC great club to be a part of!

Click the link to learn more about Fanshawe Yacht Club...encouraging sailing in London since 1953! https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/

Hi Sailors! Today is the final day to get in on Discounted Membership before they go up tomorrow (March 1st).
Click on the Link to take you to the FYC Membership website page: https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/membership/

Hey Sailors! Don't forget to get onboard with the Early Bird Membership Fees! They're only in effect until February 28, then the fees increase.
https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/membership/

Want to join FYC? Early Bird Membership Fees are in effect until February 28*!!

*New Member Initiation fees will apply

Click on this link to our website for more info: https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/membership/

Happy New Year from all of us at Fanshawe Yacht Club!! Wishing you Fair Winds and Following Seas for 2026.

Fanshawe Yacht Club's 2026 Membership Fee Portal is now Open!

**Early Bird Specials for membership are in effect through February 28, 2026!! Then the Fees will increase!!**

The Sailing School Registration Portal for sailing lessons is also open!

To Register & for more Info, follow the Links below:

FYC Membership = https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/membership/

Sailing School = https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/sailing-school/

Photos are from some scenes and some of the events at FYC in 2025 such as fun on the Main Dock, the harbour, Wednesday night informal racing, sailing school regatta, Pirate Day, etc.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Fanshawe Yacht Club! Wishing you Fair Winds and Following Seas in 2026!

(it's possible there's a sailboat in this display in Ilderton, but we're not sure🎅)

Sailing School Registration for Summer2026 is Now Open!

Here’s a great present for your favourite sailor… OR forward this message to Santa if Sailing Lessons are on your Wish List!

The 2026 sailing season is calling! Register directly on our Sail Canada Checklick platform (click the following links):

Youth Sailing Lessons: https://londonsailingyouth.checklick.com/

Adult Sailing Lessons: https://londonsailingadults.checklick.com/

Have a Joyful and Merry Holiday Season!

Your friends at the Fanshawe Yacht Club & Sailing School

More Questions? Contact Us: sail(atsymbol)fyc.on.ca

✨🎅🎁⛵🎄

Over the years, several FYC Members served our country. Thank you for your Service. Let us always honour and remember those who served, and continue to Serve. Lest We Forget.

🎉 Fanshawe Yacht Club Annual Banquet 🎉

***Members - Please RSVP! Vice-Commodore Emily needs to give the Inn numbers for the Dinner by this Friday!! Thanks!***

Come celebrate another great season with us!

📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025
📍 Chelsea Room, Lamplighter Inn, London, ON
🍸 5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
️ 6:00–10:00 PM – Buffet Dinner, Presentation & Awards
💵 $50 per person

➡️ Pay at the Door (but please RSVP to Emily Before this Friday, November 7!!)
OR
💻 Pay via E-transfer: fycpmnts(at symbol)rogers.com
(please note who the tickets are for in the e-transfer comments if paying by E-Transfer)

Please RSVP Before this Friday, November 7 to Emily at emilyangus7(at symbol) gmail.com

Let’s toast to another amazing year at FYC — see you there! ⚓️

Thanks for Signing Up!

FYC Board of Directors

Happy Halloween Everyone!