What is the difference between public mooring facilities and private yacht club access at Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch?

Detailed answer

The Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch offers public mooring facilities that are accessible to everyone. However, adjacent to these public facilities are the private yacht clubs, namely the Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club and the Toronto Hydroplane and Sailing Club. These private clubs have highly restricted access controlled by card-key protected gates, limiting entry to authorized members only. The public mooring area is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum stay of 24 hours at no charge. In contrast, members of the private yacht clubs can dock their boats within the club's secured premises, enjoying additional amenities such as clubhouses, social events, and organized sailing activities. For instance, the Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club has over 400 members and offers various sailing programs, with annual membership fees ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the category. Visitors can access the public mooring facilities 24/7, while the private yacht clubs typically operate from 8 am to 10 pm during peak season (May to October).