IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Patricia
• Vessel Type: P-Class Sloop
• Designed By: George Owen
• Year Launched: 1912
• Owner: Thomas K. Wade, Past Commodore of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC)
• Location of Sinking: Lake Ontario
• Date of Sinking: June 27, 1965

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Patricia was a P-Class Sloop, an iconic class of early 20th-century racing yachts. These vessels were celebrated for their sleek design, speed, and precision craftsmanship, reflecting the golden age of competitive sailing. Designed by the esteemed naval architect George Owen, Patricia exemplified elegance and performance, serving as a distinguished representative of the RCYC fleet.

HISTORY

Owned by Thomas K. Wade, Patricia was a beloved member of the RCYC fleet for over five decades. Wade, a prominent figure in Canadian yachting and a dedicated Past Commodore of the RCYC, commissioned Patricia to reflect his passion for sailing and commitment to the club. Launched in 1912, Patricia quickly became a symbol of RCYC’s maritime heritage. It was used for racing, social events, and showcasing the art of yacht design.

Legacy of Thomas K. Wade: Following Wade’s sudden death in January 1965, his heirs decided to honor his memory by ceremonially scuttling Patricia in Lake Ontario. The event also established the “Patricia Memorial Fund,” commemorating Wade’s contributions to yachting. On June 25, 1965, Patricia was stripped of its masts and gear, which were donated to the STV Pathfinder, a sailing vessel for youth training. These components continued to serve until 1977, further extending the vessel’s legacy.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On June 27, 1965, Patricia was ceremonially scuttled in Lake Ontario during a solemn ceremony. The event was attended by RCYC members, clergy, and maritime enthusiasts.

Towed to its final resting place, Patricia had its seacocks opened by Ben Colenbrander and Gordon Nortone, flooding the vessel. A dignified farewell was officiated by Cannon Guy Marshall, and Commodore Paul Phelan paid tribute during the RCYC Sailpast event.

This ceremonial scuttling marked the end of an era for the RCYC, saluting the contributions of both the vessel and its owner, Thomas K. Wade.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The exact location of Patricia’s wreck in Lake Ontario remains undocumented. It is presumed to rest undisturbed on the lakebed, a quiet memorial to its owner and the era it represented.

The site may interest divers, though its location would require confirmation through historical research or underwater exploration. As it was ceremonially sunk, the wreck is likely intact and preserved in a respectful state.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC): Insights into the history of RCYC, Thomas K. Wade, and the ceremonial scuttling of Patricia. RCYC Website
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels, including ceremonial sinkings like that of Patricia. Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Wrecksite EU: Information about shipwrecks, including intentionally scuttled vessels like Patricia. Wrecksite EU

KEYWORDS

Patricia | P-Class Sloop | Thomas K. Wade | RCYC | Royal Canadian Yacht Club | George Owen | Lake Ontario Shipwreck | Ceremonial Scuttling | Maritime Heritage | Great Lakes Sailing

CONCLUSION

The Patricia remains an enduring symbol of the golden age of sailing and the dedication of individuals like Thomas K. Wade to the maritime community. Its ceremonial sinking was not merely an act of disposal but a tribute to its rich history and its owner’s legacy. The story of Patricia is a reminder of the beauty and craftsmanship of early 20th-century yachts and their role in shaping the traditions of clubs like the RCYC.