The NStYA was originated to provide an avenue of camaraderie amongst fellow yachters who ply the unruly waters of Northumberland Strait. The Northumberland Strait is the stretch of water lying between the three Canadian Maritime Provinces . Prince Edward Island on the north, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to the south. For cruising and racing purposes, NStYA has extended its boundaries to include the Miramichi River to the north and the west side of Cape Breton Island to the east. All other islands are attached to shore either by sandbars or shoals, and although they all provide lee-side shelter in case of inclement weather, most, for all intents and purposes, cannot be rounded.
Fog is a rare occurrence.
There is presently one ferry service crossing the Strait from Wood Island, PEI to Pictou, NS and return. At the narrowest point Confederation Bridge, commonly known as The Link has spanned the gap since it was opened June 1st, 1997.