In the RCYC archives there are trophies awarded at these events dating back to the early 1900s and in May 1926 Major Windeyer reported in The Globe that the event was for “yawls, schooners, dinghies, etc.” although dinghies seemed to predominate during that period.

By 1950 the RCYC Open regatta was described in Mayfair Magazine as an important social event “American Yachts Visit R.C.Y.C. for Big Regatta”, the headline read. In 1968 the club annals note that a “record-breaking 364 entries sailed” in the Open and “more than 1,500 sailors were present for the evening ceremonies”. It must have been quite a party!

Sometimes other events have been included such as the Ideal 18s North American Championship in 1991 but in 1993 the Open was cancelled because of rain, fog and no wind.

The RCYC Open Regatta is traditionally a Saturday and Sunday event held in mid-June. The first race on Saturday is called “the Prince of Wales’ Race” and the first race on Sunday is called “the Governor General’s Race.” Many of the trophies that are awarded during the event date back to the earliest days of the club such as the Prince of Wales’ Trophy, 1861, donated by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales to commemorate his visit in 1860. The Prince of Wales race has changed it course and date over the years but it is one of the oldest traditions in the club.