AYC is located on a small peninsula called Melville Island which is situated at the Head of the Halifax Harbour’s Northwest Arm in Nova Scotia (NS). Its Clubhouse sits atop Melville Island which boasts a spectacular view of the Northwest Arm. AYC has been a yacht club since 1947; however, the club’s property has a history that can be tied to events dating back to at least 1732. Since the arrival o
f the Europeans, the beautiful Melville Island has been a family estate, hospital, quarantine station, military prison, prisoner of war camp, recruit training station for the British Foreign Legion, ammunition depot and a yacht club. Wayward soldiers and sailors were jailed here as early as 1803. Beginning in 1808 French prisoners began arriving during the Napoleonic Wars. American prisoners captured during the war of 1812 also paid a reluctant visit to Melville Island. The burial ground for prisoners is on the adjacent Deadman’s Island, just a short walk from Melville Island …read more about our history on the AYC web site at www.armdaleyachtclub.ns.ca. Melville Island combines history with old buildings. The Clubhouse, standing on the island’s highest point was built in 1808. In addition to the Clubhouse, four buildings of its historic past remain: firehall/coal building (spar shed with newly added top for sail training); cellblock (rented as lockers to members); gymnasium (Yard workshop); and icehouse. In a breathtaking setting replete with history, AYC finds no equal in Canada. The Armdale Yacht Club offers a complete range of facilities and services to meet the needs of today’s yachters, as well as their friends, family, and guests. AYC is conveniently located on a bus route, close to marine suppliers and shopping areas, and near the heart of the city of Halifax, NS. The facilities of our Club are extended to visiting yacht owners and their guests. The facilities include dining room and bar service, shower, ice, water, and a fuel dock. Other goods and services are readily available from local merchants and marine suppliers in the immediate area. We have guest marinas, and additional marinas are frequently available when our members are away from the Club. We also have a number of moorings if there is no room on a marina, or a mooring is preferred. AYC’s Tender Service runs on demand daily until dusk and provides safe passage to and from shore. All guests are warmly welcomed and we always work to accommodate all visitors. Visit our web site at www.armdaleyachtclub.ns.ca or call our Office at 902-477-4617 for information about daily marina and mooring rentals.
