We offer a beautiful view, safe anchorage and a wide range of boating facilities & services. AYC is the second oldest yacht club in NS.
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.
06/26/2026
Registration is open for the AYC DOUBLE HANDER CUP, taking place Saturday July 25, 2026
Join us for this summer tradition where teamwork meets thrilling competition on the water.
Open to all PHRF-rated boats from any club, the Double Hander Cup is all about great sailing, fun vibes, and sailing with friends.
AYC Sailing School’s WetFeet program is a fun, safe, and accessible introduction to sailing for ages 5–8.
Kids build confidence on the water, learn basic sailing skills, play games, take part in fun summer activities and experience Halifax’s Northwest Arm like never before.
Can you believe we’re only 10 days away from our first race at AYC?
We can’t wait to kick off the season with our weekly Spring PHRF and One Design Series, happening Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout May and June.
Then, later in the month, we’ll be venturing out of the Arm and into Halifax Harbour during the Ice Breaker Regatta on Saturday, May 30. It’s a great way to shake off the rust—just make sure to dress warm!
We’d love to see your boat cross the finish line with us. Find more details and register through the links below.
Is sailing something you have been wanting to learn?
Are you interested in learning how to sail in a fun, friendly and accessible environment?
Come join us!
AYC Sailing School’s Adult & Family Keelboating Program is intended to introduce people to the sport of sailing by learning the basics and getting on the water in a fun and accessible format.