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AT THE HELM | JUNE 2021 MANAGING EDITOR Andy Adams 416-574-7313 • aadams@kerrwil.com PUBLISHER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Greg Nicoll 877-620-9373 • gnicoll@kerrwil.com VICE PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Jill Snider 705-527-7666 • jillsnider@kerrwil.com CREATIVE DESIGNER Jillian Hardy 705-527-7666 • jhardy@kerrwil.com ADVERTISING John Armstrong 289-962-1310 • johnarmstrong@kerrwil.com Sarah Campbell 289-969-7569 • sarahcampbell@kerrwil.com John Matheson 705-527-7666 • johnmatheson@kerrwil.com CONTRIBUTORS Andy Adams, Denise Miller, John Morris, Zuzana Prochazka, Marianne Scott CIRCULATION Elissa Campbell 705-527-7666 • elissacampbell@kerrwil.com AD & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Sarah Hurst 705-527-7666 • sarahhurst@kerrwil.com Canadian Yachting is published by ADASTRA MEDIA INC in association with KERRWIL PUBLICATIONS LIMITED your marine market resource

HEAD OFFICE 538 Elizabeth Street Midland, ON L4R 2A3 Tel: 705-527-7666 fax 705-527-7662 www.kerrwil.com ADASTRA MEDIA John W. Kerr Jr. - Director and Managing Partner Canadian Yachting is published six times a year. Subscription rates: 1 year $31.95 + tax ; 2 years $47.95 + tax. Outside Canada: 1 year US $52.00 Prices include GST Registration number R102819539 The contents of this publication are the property of Kerrwil Publications Limited and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written consent. We encourage letters to the editor, submissions and query letters from writers and our readers. For material to be returned, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope. Occasionally, we allow the use of mailing lists to firms offering products and information that we feel may be of interest to you. If you do not want your name made available, please return your mailing label to us marked DO NOT RELEASE

Send all address changes, post office returns and subscription inquiries to: Canadian Yachting 538 Elizabeth St. Midland, ON L4R 2A3 Tel: 705-527-7666 Fax 705-527-7662 Email: elissacampbell@kerrwil.com Canada Post Mail Agreement 40065481 ISSN 0384-0999 return postage guaranteed

YIPPEE! Summer is starting and so is boating season across Canada. After a year of COVID-19 and lockdowns, I don’t think I have been this excited about the summer since public school let out!

We hope you are planning a great boating season and we wanted to open with our invitation to share your opinions, experiences, best destinations, boating anecdotes, pet photos…in fact, anything boating-related that you care to share about this summer.

Our sister publication, Canadian Yachting OnBoard (CYOB) is an online digest that is read by about 20,000 Canadian boaters twice a month. Your opinions, experiences and adventures should be part of it.

CYOB prides itself for being up to date with everything that’s going on in the Canadian boating landscape and invites YOU to be part of it. Send your news, photos, opinions and yarns to cyonboard@kerrwil.com. Let’s share the good times this summer!

And, let’s avoid the bad times by making sure you never put E15 gasoline in your boat.

We always recommend that you buy your gas from a proper marina and take that extra step by asking them if their fuel is ethanol-free – before you put it in the tank. In many areas of Canada, E10 gasoline is what most people regard as “regular” gas but in fact, E10 has up to 10% ethanol (which is an alcohol) blended into the fuel.

With the presidency of Joe Biden in the United States, climate change and clean energy has vaulted to the top of the priority list—second only to defeating COVID-19 and getting America’s economy back on its feet. In Canada, the Trudeau government has signalled a similar focus on climate and conservation. Among the environmental policies being advanced on both sides of the border is a move to less carbon-intensive fuels, including upping the ethanol content in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15) or more. Ontario is the latest jurisdiction to commit to phasing-in E15 by 2030.

On the face of it, E15 makes sense: increasing the ethanol content in gas results in a cleaner burn and fewer harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the atmosphere. However, high ethanol content has a severe downside: while it may be fine for modern automobiles, E15 is highly destructive to non-road engines, including marine, lawn and garden, snowmobiles, ATVs, generators, and more. Misfuelling with E15 increases risk for both consumers by voiding product warranties and manufacturers by increasing warranty and liability claims, which harms companies’ reputations and ultimately hits their bottom line.

The effect of E15 on boat engines warrants a short explanation. The more air that is added to the combustion chamber, the hotter the engine runs—which increases nitrogen oxide emissions and quickly leads to engine damage. E10 is 2.5% oxygen; E15 is 5% oxygen. NMMA (the National Marine Manufacturers Association) studies have confirmed serious and well-documented human safety, environmental, and technology concerns associated with E15.

For boater safety, you should know that ethanol is hygroscopic – it can easily combine with water and in open vented marine fuel tanks, moisture in the air can bring water into your fuel tank. The biggest risk is that a blob of water and ethanol gets drawn into the engine causing it to stop and potentially, leaving you stranded. Either at home in Canada or if you travel to the USA, do not put E15 in your boat. In fact, carefully avoid E10 at highway gas stations. Fuel up at a marina that sells marine fuel.

It’s worth every cent!

Andy Adams – Managing Editor

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CONTENTS

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FEATURES 8

SARAH DOUGLAS: A ROLLER COASTER RIDE TO TOKYO For all the members of the Canadian Sailing Team, COVID-19 has been an unprecedented challenge, but our eyes are on Sarah Douglas, Canadian Olympic Team member in the Laser Radial class, who won the Laser East Midwinters in Key Biscayne Florida. In the fleet of 89 boats, Sarah scored four bullets and her drop was a 4. Can she win a medal in Tokyo?

By John Morris

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FEATURE: X-SHORE EELEX 8000 Electric boating is fast becoming a viable alternative that does not require compromises and that brings some bold new styling and ideas. We profile the X-Shore Eelex 8000 as one of the first pure electric boats in Canada. Compiled by Andy Adams

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DESTINATION: DESTINATION VICTORIA, BC’S CAPITAL CITY Be intrigued by the colourful history and classic architecture of beautiful and balmy Victoria, BC. If you have never been there, it belongs on your post-COVIOD travel list. Story and photos by Marianne Scott

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FEATURE: VIA-MARA – “WOOD” YOU LOOK AT THAT…..

Let Denise Miller guide you through VIA-MARA, the 1967 Trojan 42 Flybridge Motor Yacht owned by Dave and Barb Gamblin. This wooden classic is gorgeous! Story and photos by Denise Miller

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MARINA: QUEEN’S COVE MARINA – AN INVESTMENT IN ENJOYMENT – REGULAR BOAT MAINTENANCE PAYS DIVIDENDS In the madness that was the summer of 2020, getting great service was really essential to a great boating experience. We visited Queen’s Cove Marina in Victoria Harbour to discuss the price value relationship of boat maintenance with owner / operator John Swick. By Andy Adams

DEPARTMENTS 3 44 31 62

AT THE HELM: YIPPEE! SAIL REVIEW: DUFOUR 530 THE PORT HOLE: JUNE 2021 CROSSING THE LINE: NFTS AND CRYPTOBOATING - A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

ON THE COVER: Our cover image is the game-changing X-Shore Eelex 8000 electric boat from Sweden that will be arriving in Canada this summer.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY X-SHORE

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @canadian.yachting

SCAN ME or visit subscription. canadianyachting.ca

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CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

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FEATURE

SARAH DOUGLAS a Roller Coaster ride to Tokyo By | John Morris et’s take a look at the daunting list that it is taking for Sarah Douglas to: 1) get to this level of excellence, 2) get to the starting line in Tokyo. To say the least, this has been a complicated journey with a lot of speed bumps. The normal complications and stresses of an international level sailing campaign have been multiplied to staggering levels by Olympic postponements, plus unpredictable, never-before hurdles due to COVID19.

Winter is cold in Canada – we know that. Earlier this year, with paperwork and meticulous documentation in hand Sarah headed to Florida with her boat in tow to do some work with her training partner,

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top-tier US Olympian Paige Railey, then compete in those Midwinters, which she eventually won. At the border, she was turned back as non-essential. On to Plan B - shipping her boat and car and flying south, which cost a fortune and created a lot of unexpected headaches. Getting the coaching boat to the regatta involved almost losing a trailer wheel, plus a second flat tire incident.

These comparatively minor blips are on top of last year’s complete change of plans when Canada’s Olympic Committee was among the first to pull out of the original Tokyo 2020 event. A total re-tooling was required when the Games were postponed

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

by a year with an on-again-off-again cloud looming during the dozen intervening months.

Training in the winter against the world’s best, who will have to be beaten if a medal is on the agenda, requires traveling.

Traveling during COVID19 requires intricate flight logistics, plus risk mitigation followed by lengthy quarantines each trip.

THE WORK IS PAYING OFF Currently, the goal is in sight. Sarah is in Portugal competing against the tough Europeans and readying herself for the biggest stage of her competitive career.

If there’s a sailor who can do this, Sarah

Sarah Douglas has developed into a skilled and focused competitor for the Canadian Sailing Team.

Sarah and her brother Greg Douglas who is a two-time Olympian in sailing.

has earned the right to try. Born in Burlington, ON, Sarah grew up in Barbados where she started sailing at 7.

She flipped back to Canada for school with her brother Greg (Greg Douglas is a two-time Olympian in sailing who represented Barbados at Beijing 2008 and Canada at London 2012.) A young Sarah won the Canadian Optimist Championship in 2007 then moved up the ranks and continued to train. In 2010, an opportunity was presented to qualify Canada and represent the country at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

For a few years Sarah lost her love of competing, but got re-inspired in 2014. In 2015, she volunteered at the

Toronto Pan Am games (raking the Beach volleyball court), which she feels contributed significantly to her understanding of top tier events. At the 2018 Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark her sixth-place finish qualified Canada for an Olympic Laser Radial berth for Tokyo 2020.

THE PREPARATION – A CLOSER LOOK You probably never thought otherwise, but talking to Sarah you learn that getting to the Olympic podium is an endless schedule of hard work, much of it not particularly glamorous. Sarah and her coaches take an holistic approach

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Sarah with her Laser Radial in Toronto

combining competition, conditioning and mindset to achieve winning conditions.

Competition is self-explanatory – eating bad air in the back of the fleet for years then fighting to match the top tier, especially from beyond North America, is humbling but necessary.

Conditioning is a matter of hard work; sailing and hiking for long periods needs to become easy so the sailor can concentrate on wind shifts, strategy and the competition. You can’t achieve top-three dominance for ten straight races in a 90-boat Midwinters fleet as Sarah did this winter, without putting in a lot of work. This is a particular tribute to Sarah who has had to work though being diagnosed at age 14 with the genetic blood disorder Alpha-thalassemia, which reduces the amount of hemoglobin her body can produce. Having less oxygen carried throughout her body could put her at a competitive disadvantage, but she works hard in the gym to ensure that her endurance level is up to gold medal standard.

This will be particularly important in Tokyo where the heat is intense and dehydration is a perpetual hazard. When the Canadian team sailed in Japan previously, members were issued ice-vests to mitigate the unbearable heat.

That brings us to mind and attitude, the factors that separate the winners from the pack. “The credo of ‘let’s not complain, let’s not make excuses, embrace the pain’ has helped me make the big jump,” Sarah explains, noting this is an ongoing process supported by the Team sports psychologist and her coaches.

OUTLOOK FOR JAPAN Sarah plans to win, then to use that experience to “lead by example” and grow the sport in Canada. Canada’s Olympians have all dedicated years and years of intense preparation to getting to Tokyo. For Sarah, who was Rolex Sailor of the Year in 2019, it is both a beginning as well as a goal in itself.

Will she plan for Paris 2024? “I am not even close to being done. The Olympics is big and tough, but a

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After a day sailing…to compete at these levels, Sarah needs to be on the water as much as possible and that is very expensive for a Canadian training for the Olympics. Photo Credit: Helly Hansen.

bronze is not good enough. I want to be dominant.”

In this country our sailing Olympians often are neglected compared to those competing in other sports. The Canadian team has had an uphill battle and when, as we hope and expect, Sarah puts on her medal this July, we Canadians should deliver the broad appreciation that she has worked for.

Epilogue: Sarah Douglas is one of nine members of the Canadian Sailing team. To learn about the other members and news about the team, go to: https://bit.ly/3toj38O https://bit.ly/3xPKfRu https://bit.ly/33iduyg https://bit.ly/3b3ONty

POWER REVIEW

X-Shore Eelex 8000 By | Andy Adams o longer an outlier or a flash-inthe-pan idea, electric boating is fast becoming a viable alternative that does not require compromises and that brings some bold new styling and ideas. One of the first builders to offer a pure electric boat that is big enough for offshore use, fast enough for most reasonable performance expectations and that offers significant cruising range as well, is from X-Shore in Sweden.

We got a Zoom call organized with one of the X-Shore founders, Abozar K, joining with Patrick Hardy, President @ BCI Marine, Canadian distributor.

The first X-Shore model is a 26-foot centre console that clearly expresses the founders’ commitment to design technology and sustainability with features like cork decking and flooring and the option of flax fibre in the composite construction and recycled plastics used wherever practical. This first model is the Eelex 8000 and the styling is handsome, distinctive and at the same time, a visual representation of the founders’ ideas.

The lines are very clean with three inboard-mounted cleats and fairleads on each side. Generous freeboard eliminates

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The interior supports modular furniture that can accommodate many different activities.

the need for deck rails and the transom is left open to support a wide range of accessories and activities.

Abozar was direct about how they were inspired by Elon Musk and Tesla.

The X-Shore Eelex 8000 is a fully electric powered boat with a 300 hp electric engine and a high degree of tech in the boat’s systems. Just as Teslas are actually quite fast, the X-Shore Eelex 8000 cruises at 25 knots, tops out at 35 knots (over 40

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

mph) and can deliver a 100 nautical mile cruising range. Acceleration is more than sufficient for towed water sports going from 0 to 20 in 4.2 seconds and the load capacity is 2,500 kg. A combination of factors like the light-weight company-developed electric drive train and advanced composite construction help keep the boat’s weight down to 2,600 kg.

The hardtop is light-weight carbon fibre construction.

The 24” Garmin screen dominates the helm and there are three storage compartments seen in the foreground.

The carbon fibre hardtop can support a roof rack for your toys.

The 225 kW engine is very compact and drives a shaft and propellor layout with a rudder – rugged and proven components that in combination with a bow thruster system, make the X-Shore Eelex 8000 easy to steer and dock.

Battery charging has to be a part of the good news and X-Shore claims full charging in 6 hours on 32A for the two Kreisel KBP 60 Lithium Ion packs. The batteries are liquid cooled and heated as well. The boat will come with a selection of changing adaptors, so you can charge almost any place and there is a fast charge option to take the batteries from 20% to 80% quickly.

The automotive style wheel carries several controls.

The parallels to Tesla are even more noticeable at the helm. A 24” Garmin screen “is” the connected helm with all functions displayed there using all in one software. A Garmin Captain’s Watch is available that helps to deliver a totally integrated experience. Utilizing an “Internet of Things” solution, you can securely start your X-Shore with the Garmin MARQ Captain Watch. This includes a Man Overboard sensor for safety and the Our Watch App can send out support information in the event of any mishap.

Then, an App lets you stay in synch with your Eelex 8000 from anywhere to check real-time battery updates, available

range and charging countdown as well as other functions.

In addition to all the high-tech features, there are numerous clever design aspects in the interior including dual aluminum mounting rails in the floor. These flank the floor sections that lift for service access.

The rails can also secure a selection of interior furniture such as seating, storage bins, sun lounge and other accessories greatly enhancing versatility. Under the hardtop you find a smart picnic table with three storage compartments including a cooler / chillbox and the covers make a surface to lay things out on. Above, on the hardtop are massive speakers that will let

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A compartment in the bow accommodates the cables including the fast charger.

you make the most of the silent running you get from the electric drive.

There is a lot more detail that we didn’t have room for this time, but we can’t wait to actually drive an X-Shore Eelex 8000 and report on the performance first-hand. The founders are building a super-factory in Sweden and have further plans to establish a US factory in short order. They anticipate significant sales globally. It seems the time has come for electric boating, so prepare to get onboard! See the X-Shore video at: https://bit.ly/3xLkAte

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A Garmin Captain’s Watch gives the owner a remote connection to many of the X-Shore’s functions.

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DESTINATION

VICTORIA, BC’S CAPITAL CITY Story & Photos By | Marianne Scott e bobbed in the brisk winds while rounding the breakwater into Victoria Harbour BC, then lowered sail immediately. As the harbour is crisscrossed by full-sized and miniature ferries, pleasure craft and commercial vessels—the whole supplemented by a stream of arriving and departing seaplanes—sailing is strictly forbidden.

We left the yellow buoys to port (the east side): the west side is reserved for floatplanes. For safety, the Public Port of Victoria (Transport Canada) keeps a close eye on all this traffic: 23 always-on-thejob cameras cast their eyes over the entire port, feeding large screens.

Victoria Harbour is well protected from strong winds and Coast Salish people flourished in the area for several thousand years. In 1843, the Hudson’s Bay Co. set up a stockaded fort in the area near today’s Bastion Square with the goal

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of trading with the Indigenous people.

Neither HBC nor the successive settlers that farmed, traded, created sawmills and other industries, built schools and a hospital, asked for permission to occupy the land. Instead, Queen Victoria, who bestowed her name on the city she never saw, gave them permission to seize it.

We slipped past Fisherman’s Wharf filled with all manner of vessels interspersed with float homes and restaurants. Two historic structures popped into sight: The Empress Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1908 as one of its Canada-wide chain of luxury hotels, and the BC Parliament Buildings.

Both these much-photographed structures were designed by Frances Rattenbury, who arrived in Victoria from England at age 25 and turned the architectural community upside down.

Moorage in downtown Victoria is

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

An image of the Hudson’s Bay fort.

available at several locations: The Causeway in front the Empress, Ship Point that accommodates yachts 60 feet and more, and at the Wharf Street Floats.

Moorage for yachts 65 feet and up can also berth at the Victoria International Marina. These docks are centrally located and have security gates (see sidebar).

We tied up at the floats in James Bay directly in front of the Empress. A bronze, bewigged Capt. James Cook, the first westerner to set foot on Vancouver Island, greets boaters by the staircase leading from the docks, which lie in the midst of the Causeway usually filled with street artists and buskers. And, you’ll see an art-deco building at the top of the Causeway—the Visitor Centre— with much information and maps.

Floathomes at Fisherman’s Wharf

Kwakiutle Bear Pole by Henry Hunt

HISTORIC VICTORIA Victoria, as the oldest city on Canada’s west coast and BC’s capital, is home to a lively downtown with many of its historic buildings preserved—wonderful sightseeing, museums, theatres, shopping, dining, antiquing, tours, totems and flower gazing begin right at the harbour and extend over a wide and very walkable area. Visitors can easily spend several days wandering around. I advocate that you don’t just keep your eyes at street level—look up to the buildings’ façades to enjoy the gargoyle-like sculptures and other decorations.

If you look up at Old Town buildings you’ll find all kinds of gablestones and sculptures

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A good place to begin learning about BC’s present and past history is at the Parliament Buildings. The impressive structure opened in 1897 and cost a scandalous $923,882.30, including the usual huge overruns. Historic art, a giant Indigenous canoe, the commemorative stained-glass windows and a glimpse of the Legislators’ chamber are impressive. The gilded gentleman guarding the top of the dome is Capt. George Vancouver.

Parliament, known for its lighted outlines, was first illuminated to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee on June 21, 1897.

Across the street, the Royal BC Museum is hosting an exhibit on orcas this summer, the iconic marine mammals once hunted to preserve fish stocks, now revered and endangered. Besides that special exhibit, the Museum is home to marvelous collections of First People’s art and totems, dioramas of the Ice Age, BC’s natural and human history, and realistic depictions of life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Thunderbird Park, filled with brightly painted totems, called a “Place of Cultural Sharing,” is located next to the Museum. Also check to see if IMAX, part of the Museum, has reopened.

The Empress Hotel is worth a visit even if you don’t indulge in the popular, but pricy high tea. Outside, a bronze Emily Carr along with her dog and monkey and one of BC’s iconic painters, greets people. Recently revamped, the hotel’s tearoom and Palm Room with its magnificent stained glass ceiling glow with Edwardian elegance. Shops and an arcade lead to the Victoria Conference Centre with some outstanding totems. The sleek structural arches remind me of a Renaissance church.

After exiting the hotel’s lobby, turn north and stroll up

The BC Legislature Building completed in 1898

The formal entrance to the Legislature

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Statue of Emily Carr with her monkey and dog in front of the Empress Hotel

Inside Munro’s Books, one of Canada’s most famous independent bookstores, housed in a former bank

Inside the Legislature- the BC crest in stained glass

Government Street. Its collection of period buildings contains a flock of

specialty shops, clothing emporiums, bookstores and pubs. Munro’s Books is a justly famous bookstore for its huge selection; it’s elegantly housed in a former bank. Lovely, hand-woven tapestries by Carole Sabiston decorate the bookstore’s high walls. Right next door is Murchies

with the best teas and pastries in the world.

And while feeding our sweet tooth, we should visit Roger’s world-famous chocolates in its authentic 19th century setting.

Two former banks, impressive with their former solidity and façade sculptures, now host pubs.

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THE CHINESE INFLUENCE A few blocks further north, you’ll find the Gate of Harmonious Interest flanked by two hand-carved stone lions—it’s the Fisgard Street entrance to the oldest Chinatown in Canada (the second oldest in North America after San Francisco). The gate was constructed in 1981 as a “a permanent monument to mark the harmony of the multicultural society which all Canadians enjoy.”

Between 1881-84, Victoria became a hub for Chinese migrants with nearly 16,000 passing through to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1900, about 3,000 Chinese lived in this part of town, and ran schools, theatres, shrines, opium factories and gambling dens.

Opium production, sale and export were legal.

Many buildings of the era remain and are highlighted with imperial gold and mandarin red enamel. I love ambling among the curio shops, herbalists and Asian grocery stores— their juicy veggies displayed in crates on the sidewalks. Spreading my arms wide, I can finger both walls of Fan Tan Alley—claimed to be the narrowest street in Canada—which runs between Pandora and Fisgard; it was once home to a host of gambling dens but now features boutiques.

Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley, named after a Chinese gambling den

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EATING IN STYLE We especially enjoy Victoria’s outstanding variety of restaurants: the city claims to have the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America. Just about every type of cuisine—in all price ranges—can be found strolling from the Inner Harbour. Among the upscale, the Q at the Empress is known for great dining and is an oenophile’s delight. Il Terrazzo on Johnson cooks Italian. There are many Japanese restaurants; our favourite is Ebizo on Broughton and we’ve gobbled dim sum at Fisgard Street’s Don Mee. If you like tasty vegetarian cuisine, you can’t go wrong at Rebar next to Bastion Square.

If your feet have walked enough, you can have a fun excursion by taking a mini green-and-gold harbour ferry and whip across the Harbour to Spinnaker’s Brewpub with its delectable microbrews (don’t use your dinghy—there’s no public moorage).

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ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE UP THE GORGE We like to explore coves and harbours by dinghy which allows us to get close to shore and look at things in greater detail. The sinuous contours of Victoria Harbours invite such journeying.

We first skimmed across to eat at Barb’s famous fish-and-chips at Fisherman’s Wharf where visitors from everywhere eat at picnic tables while sparrows pick at crumbs around their feet (there are other eating places here). You can also motor or paddle right under the Victoria International Marina’s buildings and dine in one of them—the Boom and Batten.

The next day, we used our inflatable dinghy to slowly wend our way through the Upper Harbour and watched the cars zoom overhead on the Johnson Street Bridge. We passed the Canoe Brewpub, reconnoitered the Point Ellice Bridge, then pointed northwest into the Gorge. Sneaking through the timbers of the Selkirk Trestle, we left the city centre behind seemingly entering a broad, tranquil river, with undulating eel grass and other water plants swaying in the weak current. At low tide, the Gorge is shallow enough that a dinghy can ground in certain spots. Don’t speed. Tree branches dangled from the home-studded shores and a concert from unseen birds accompanied our peaceful meander. We zigzagged on through to Portage Bay and then leisurely retraced our trail.

In the late afternoon, I stepped back onto bustling Belleville Street—one of Victoria’s oldest streets—and into the 19th century. A horse-drawn carriage carrying a starry-eyed young couple holding hands clip-clopped down the street. If it hadn’t been for the cars zooming by, I might have spotted a bewhiskered captain who’d just brought in a ship loaded with tea and china, or men seeking their fortune in the British Columbian gold fields.

The Marina in front of the Empress and the BC Legislature Building

The Causeway Marina in front of the Empress

ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE UP THE GORGE SIDEBAR Victoria Information and websites Please check websites below and individual attractions during Covid restrictions. Across from the Empress, the Visitor Information Centre dispenses walking maps, dining guides, guides to bike and kayak rentals, and other useful information, such as visits to the Butchart Gardens. victoria-bc.com andvictoriabc.com offer good overviews of activities. heritagevictoria.org describes historic venues and tours. tourismvictoria.com lists attractions and events.

Marinas managed by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, gvha.ca Causeway, 30-amp power, showers at the Broughton Street Pier.

Ship Point, for larger yachts.

Wharf Street Public Wharf, 50-amp power, 1,780’ of dock space.

Other Marinas Coast Harbourside Hotel Marina, coasthotels.com/coast-victoria-hotel-and-marina-by-apa Victoria International Marina for yachts 65 feet and more, vimarina.ca Victoria Harbour is a no discharge zone; pumpout at Fisherman’s Wharf, end of B dock.

Fuel: Victoria Marine Fuels Ltd., at Fisherman’s Wharf, victoriamarinefuels.com

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CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

FEATURE

VIA-MARA “Wood” You Look at That…

Story & Photos By | Denise Miller

T

he Saint John River, located in New Brunswick, Canada, is world-renowned for its scenery and beauty and is truly a mecca for boaters from all over North America and beyond. The river can be accessed via the Reversing Falls in Saint John Harbour and Bay of Fundy and it stretches 673 km long through the province of New Brunswick, into Quebec and Maine. Once known as the Wolastoq, the system is revered, as are some of the vessels that traverse the rivers and tributaries; none more so than the VIA-MARA. You would be remiss if travelling between Saint John and Fredericton, you have not come upon the 1967 Trojan 42 Flybridge Motor Yacht. Berthed at the Oromocto Boat Club, the VIA-MARA is truly a sight to behold, towering over other boats. It comes with a story that is equally compelling.

Dave and Barb Gamblin are

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VIA-MARA’s current owners. Married in 1970, Dave, trained in engineering technology and a successful serial entrepreneur and Barb, a lifelong teacher and administrator, are the glue that keeps VIA-MARA together. Once that task got more time-consuming, the Gamblins retired happily and were able to dedicate more time to their boat and other hobbies, including flying. Dave and Barb also own a private four-seat aircraft. Both have been volunteers with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than 35 years, Dave volunteers as an instructor with the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons and still occasionally teaches the VHF Radio course. The couple have no children, but have had a succession of ship’s cats; the current kitty is Smokey. Neither came from boating families; they were deciding between a cottage, RV, or boat, and do not regret the choice they made.

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

The Gamblins had several boats prior to the Trojan 42: a 14-foot runabout, a 19-foot cuddy cruiser, 28-foot Express Cruiser, a 31-foot Trojan Flybridge Express cruiser, then like many boaters… got a major case of “10 foot-itis” and were on the hunt for their next vessel, a Trojan 42.

This did not come on a whim. A lot of research and a “feeling” as Gamblin explained, caused the couple to save an advertisement of the 42-foot Trojan from the back page of a 1972 boating magazine.

The picture served as the incentive for a 10-year goal. Eight years later, they went shopping for a Trojan 42 and the story continues.

Ironically enough, the Gamblins initially went to see VIA-MARA in Ontario but passed her over at the time, due to the fact the aft cabin in that particular boat had twin berths. They found another in

Baltimore, MD, with the design they wanted, made an offer, and the offer was accepted. However, the seller started modifying the terms of the agreement, the broker had some discomfort about the deal and returned their deposit. At that point, Dave and Barb took their 31 Trojan off the market and continued their search.

That coming winter, as fate would have it, brought them back to the VIA-MARA. During that time, Dave did some research and realized he could convert the aft cabin to the double berth layout they preferred, and VIA-MARA was purchased in Port Credit, Ontario, in March 1981. After sea trials and surveys, they started the 1,340 nautical mile trip home and on May 30th, 13 days later, VIA-MARA arrived at her new homeport in Oromocto, welcomed by friends ready to celebrate the arrival of what was likely one of the largest boats on the river system at that time.

The Gamblins have enjoyed extensive travel with their 42 Trojan including many excursions in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, and down the coast of the United States to places like Belfast, Maine and New York. Her full plaining hull gives her fantastic sea ability with cruising speeds of 14-16 knots. The boat can easily tow a water skier and is able to tow large boats that have encountered issues - and has done so as part of the couple’s volunteer work with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxillary. Prior to retirement, the Gamblins both had busy careers and little time for downtime due to mechanical issues, so they have extra shafts, props, ignition parts and such to ensure every minute on the water counts.

One such issue occurred on a trip out on the Bay of Fundy. The boat, originally powered by twin Ford 427s, broke a connecting rod. Barb thought at the time

they may have hit a whale. They returned home on one engine and made the decision to repower both engines. This was the end of August. Dave ordered new twin 454 (7.4 L) MerCruisers, MIE 340s. Upon their arrival, everything was ready to go and the new engines were running a mere 11 hours later. Dipsticks and water pumps were modified to fit and within two weeks of going down with a broken engine, they were back on the water and put in enough hours to complete the break-in time on the new engines just in time for haul out that October. Dave credits the well-thought-out design of the Trojan 42 that enabled seamless removal of the engines through a factory roof hatch without much hassle at all.

Perhaps it is the maintenance schedule of the VIA-MARA – that Dave describes as “rigorous” – that keeps it in its current stellar condition. Be it the exterior or running gear, nothing is left to chance. Some

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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The saloon with the spacious and very original galley in the background

The saloon with the original Trojan table now adjusted to coffee table height

of the maintenance that the Gamblins do religiously includes oil changes and filters, done once a season or after 80 to 90 running hours. Fluids are checked at regular intervals and the impressive, carpeted engine room allows easy access to check belts, pumps and such. Another major part of the maintenance plan is that every season, an oil sample is sent away to get Spectra Tested. This analyzes the engine oil for trace wear metals, water, coolant, or other foreign entities, providing an early warning for signs of premature engine wear. The dependable Velvet Drive transmissions are original. Dave describes them as “old but doing great” with clean oil and maintenance to seals.

Interior-wise the Gamblins take a balanced approach to upgrades for convenience, comfort, and efficiency, but they are very careful not to take away from the original look of the boat. One major upgrade five years in the making were the new headliners. As many boat owners know, even newer headliners tend to fade, sag, and look dated with age. Finding the proper white vinyl with small, perforated holes was a difficult task, but necessary

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The aft master stateroom that was converted to a double berth

to keep the factory look. Finally, a local company, Flyer Products, sourced just the product they needed; one without the foam backing so it could be attached to a wood structure. There was no fast way to do this daunting job, which required hidden seams and special fittings. But, the added time allowed for proper cleaning, resealing, vacuuming, and the addition of new LED lighting that is vintage in appearance but much more efficient. Beacon Marine in the United States specializes in old Timber Trojans and was able to source fittings, and other items including a new/old Trojan flag that proudly adorns the boat.

The roomy galley still has the original Princess Stove that gives it that retro look.

An upgraded 2-way fridge four years ago was necessary, but is complimented by custom wood trim that makes it look like it was always there. The cupboard area has a versatile set-up with a lazy susan and pull-out banquet table. The saloon has a stock Trojan table that was built especially for this boat, which converts from a coffee table size to a complete dining room table in a few easy steps.

The electrical panel is another project

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

that Dave took on himself. Using his own design, he upgraded to a new Blue Sea panel that swings out 90 degrees. Discreet in its placement but affording easy access, it rivals that of most newer boats on the market today. Much the same can be said for the addition of air conditioning: a new MarinAire 16,000 BTU system that will run off a 15-amp breaker, which is what many clubs in the area are limited to. Even the venting system panels that were sourced or constructed keep the vintage look consistent throughout the boat. Everything in this boat works as it should, right down to the original autopilot. During the Gamblin’s travels, people commonly approach the boat to run their hands down her hull. They are usually in awe of the condition and finish and find it incredible that she is a wooden boat – let alone from the 1960s. A lot of credit goes to maintenance, especially storage.

VIA-MARA is stored in her own boathouse. Years ago, the couple purchased old railway tracks from another club.

Dave designed a custom cradle not unlike the factory shipping cradle, to move her onto the tracks which lead from the boat

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The view from the flybridge with most of its original instrumentation and equipment

The special boathouse and cradle that preserves VIA-MARA in such excellent condition

Moored out in the moonlight

yard into the building in Lower St Mary’s. This facilitates the move into her off-season home. It takes four able-bodied volunteers and some heavy equipment to get this done annually, but it pays off in dividends. The storage allows for Dave and Barb to work on the boat in the off-season. The boat is essentially painted every four years and one would question whether the finish is wood or ‘glass due to its pristine condition. The teak deck and railings are in outstanding condition.

As time rolls on, the voyages stay closer to home, and the inevitable question is asked. Dave’s own words sum it up nicely: “I always wished to have something different than others, and in the words of another Trojan 42 owner, “It’s a good boat that does most everything reasonably well”.

“A boat is a collection of compromises, and the right compromises for you become the right boat for you. It worked out and VIA-MARA has exceeded our expectations. We have cruised her a lot, and she seems to attract people wherever we take her. The wood construction, once common, is now rare and only seen with custom-built boats”.

“There have been very few vessels I would trade her for and all these years later, if I did not have her, I would want her. Faster than most, the hull is easily driven, has a good ride and can flatten most seas you would not want to be out in. We have had thoughts about upgrading, but the longer we have her, the harder it will be to let her go. The day will come, it’s getting closer all the time, and we are NOT looking forward to it. I hope we can find someone to take care of her as we have when the time comes…”

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CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

• 1967 Trojan 42 FBMY built in Elkton, Maryland, USA • Length of hull – 42 feet 5 inches plus swim platform etc. Overall length about 45 feet with a 14-foot, 10-inch beam. Dry weight 28,000 lbs.

• Main drives – Twin MIE 454, 7.4 L MerCruisers • Genset – 6.5 MCCK Onan Notable additions – A/C, laptop navigation systems with repeater, backup camera, hour meters, fire suppression system in engine room.

Cool fact – In 1985, Prince Andrew was aboard for a cruise while a guest of the city of Fredericton. It has been said this is the only time a private vessel was utilized for a Royal Visit in Canada. The Gamblins have a thank you letter from Buckingham Palace in a scrapbook with lots of details.

To see a 50 photo Slide Show tour of VIAMARA, follow this link: canadianyachting.ca/ boat-reviews/6183-via-mara

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www.hanseyachts.com

Hanse Yachts US Newburyport MA | Douglas Brophy | Ph: 1- 978 239 6568 | dbrophy@hanseyachts.com Alameda CA | Anacortes WA | Annapolis MD | Chicago IL | Dartmouth MA | Huntington NY | Huron OH Manchester MA | Mamaroneck NY | Newport RI | The BVI | San Diego CA | Seattle WA | Toronto ON | Vancouver BC

June 2021

IN THIS ISSUE WINDSHIFTS

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DUES UPDATE 33

ONLINE COURSE INSTRUCTION HAS COME A LONG WAY 39-40 The pages of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons | Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance Send your photos to: theporthole@cps-ecp.ca

Cover image by Athena from Pexels

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Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Published by Authority of the Board of Directors Editor-in-Chief Paul Rellinger

Art Director

PAUL M. RELLINGER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THE PORT HOLE

Vanessa Schmidt Graphic Designer Nour Bawab

Proofreaders Louise White, SN Donald Macintosh

As I read NAO Don Macintosh’s contribution featured in this edition of The Port Hole, three words in particular exploded off the page: quality of life.

That’s really the goal, isn’t it? Finding those moments that are special to you, the Don Butt, AP things that bring you joy, and doing what you can to make them a regular part of Published 6 times per year: February, April, May, June, October, December, Copy your routine as opposed to the exception. deadline is ten weeks prior to publication. As Don so clearly expresses, his quality of Editorial copy and correspondence should life features as a major component his inbe sent to theporthole@cps-ecp.ca volvement with CPS-ECP. Photographer

Patron H.R.H. The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T.

Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance 26 Golden Gate Court Toronto, ON M1P 3A5 1-888-CPS-BOAT F. 416-293-2445 theporthole@cps-ecp.ca www.cps-ecp.ca

Based on what we all know now, it’s safe to say Don has no issue with coming up ZLWK WR FRYHU WKH ˉUVW &36 (&3 GXHV increase in close to 10 years. In fact, I’m willing to bet he feels guilty for having so much fun, for having gained so much, for VR OLWWOH ˉQDQFLDO RXWOD\

%HVLGHV WKH WDQJLEOH EHQHˉWV KLV &36 (&3 DIˉOLDWLRQ KDV EURXJKW KLP ȝ HDV\ DFFHVV to the latest courses in boating navigation DQG VDIHW\ HGXFDWLRQ IRU H[DPSOH ȝ 'RQ notes the lifelong friendships that his involvement with our organization has spawned. He says those relationships have brought him “unique role models” and, as a bonus, produced “some riotous occasions.”

I can’t speak for Chief Commander Bolton or anyone in a position of CPS-ECP board or national staff authority but my jaw will OLWHUDOO\ KLW WKH ˊRRU LI WKH GXHV LQFUHDVH proposal is defeated. Not considering what , NQRZ WR EH WUXH ȝ WKDW VLQFH &36 ECP has enriched the quality of life for thousands upon thousands of members, past and present. Who’s willing to give that up for the sake of 15 cents a week? Some At the risk of the entire tree coming down perhaps but most? on me, I’m going to go out on a limb and boldly suggest that Don’s experience is We should always be evaluating what’s imshared, to varying degrees, by most all portant to us, what’s key to maintaining our CPS-ECP members. After all, there has to quality of life, and what cost we’re willEH DQ RQJRLQJ EHQHˉW WR RQHȠV DIˉOLDWLRQ ing to pay, in sweat equity or hard cash or with any club or organization. It’s the mag- both, to keep it a part of our lives. As such, net that keeps pulling us back. , LPSORUH HDFK RI \RX WR UHˊHFW RQ ZKDW your CPS-ECP membership has brought to So what’s my point? Good question. Some- \RXU OLIH ,ȠP FRQˉGHQW WKDW \RXȠOO ˉQG WKLV times I ask myself that as well. decision is really no decision at all.

Well, in this same edition, you’ll read Chief Commander Peter Bolton’s well-reasoned rationale for a proposed CPS-ECP membership dues increase. He answers the anticipated “Why now?” question as well as breaks down what the real cost of the increase is. Are you sitting down? It’s about $8 annually.

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A membership vote on the proposed dues increase will be on the table at this fall’s AGM. In the meantime, take some time to ponder what CPS-ECP has brought you and, of relevance here, your quality of life.

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

As always, your contributions to The Port Hole are sought. Email your articles and photos to me directly at: communication-chair@cps-ecp.org and/or to theporthole@cps-ecp.ca J

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CPS-ECP’S PROPOSED DUES INCREASE: SAME GREAT VALUE FOR PENNIES A DAY - BY PETER BOLTON, SN, CHIEF COMMANDER CPS-ECP

For all that has changed over the close to 154 years since Confederation, one undeniable truth remains intact: there is something uniquely special about being Canadian.

Since 2012, all this value has come members’ way upon payment of a $52 annual fee - $1 a week. The breakdown has seen $37 of that go towards the national operational budget with the remainder going directly to the squadrons and districts.

Here’s a challenge for you. Name something – anything - that hasn’t risen in cost since 2012. We’re as stumped as you are.

Further, according to Bank of Canada figures, $37 in 2012 is the So, it follows that there’s equivalent of $42.40 in today’s money. something both compelling and satisfying about belong- The ongoing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a ing to an organization that has at its core like-minded Cana- strain on CPS-ECP’s ability to cover the normal expenditures for dians. our not-for-profit existence. Assuming the retention of 12,500 members, membership fees pay for about 70 percent of our Since 1938, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons – Escadrilles day-to-day expenses. Combine that with a marked declined in Canadiennes de Plaisance (CPS-ECP) has been that unifying revenue from in-person course sales as people pivot and adapt not-for-profit organization for thousands of Canadians coast-to- to taking online courses and the picture is clear: CPS-ECP’s coast-to-coast; the tie that binds being a shared commitment continued viability is reliant on a membership fee increase. to, and advocacy for, boating safety and on-water courtesy.

In the meantime, we respectfully ask that you reflect on what As a CPS-ECP member, or as someone who is seeking member- your CPS-ECP membership has brought you and, by extension, ship, you are wise to ask yourself ‘What’s in it for me?’ yours over the years – the safety and navigational training, and the peace of mind and confidence that has brought; the For sure there are benefits, from simple and full access to any discounts you’ve tapped into; the lifelong friendships that you one of a number of boating-related courses to sizable wal- have been blessed to make; and your affiliation with an orgalet-relieving discounts on a number of boating products and nization for Canadians created by Canadians. services (visit https://www.cps-ecp.ca/membership-cps-ecp/ member-benefits/ for an up-to-date list).

Let’s start the conversation now before you vote at October’s national AGM. We value your time and welcome your comments.

Still, intangibles, such as the above-noted bond between like-minded Canadian boaters, must be added to the equation Send comments to theporthole@cps-ecp.ca. Watch for feedto get a full sense of the value of your CPS-ECP membership. back in monthly issues of On Board.  That’s on top of the many cherished friendships made and those yet to be nurtured. NAO Don Macintosh has said it best: “My CPS-ECP friendships have provided me with unique role models, social support and some riotous occasions.”

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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BY HER SIDE: CPS-ECP MEMBERS IN THE SWIM OF THINGS - BY ANNE TAYLOR, AP, PAST COMMANDER, NORTH BAY POWER AND SAIL SQUADRON

Marathon swimmer Marilyn Korzekwa wanted to swim across “It’s amazing. This is a lady from southern Ontario who’s willing Lake Nipissing in Ontario in 2020. to come up and swim Lake Nipissing. She’s willing to do that to support special needs kids here in North Bay, in our area.”

The 63-year-old Hamilton psychiatrist had swum some of the Taylor added the extra money will help the Trackers create most difficult bodies of water in the world, including the English more memories for its participants.

Channel, setting records along the way.

“We have kids who we take kicking and screaming onto a ski In 2019, Marilyn contacted Andrew Taylor, North Bay Power and hill, literally. After six weeks, we take them kicking and screamSail Squadron’s administrative officer, looking for boaters to ing off the ski hill because they don’t want to stop." help with her swim. She then met with Rick, Anne and Andres Taylor, all NBPSS members, as well as boater Jim Mainville in Taylor said he hoped that Korzekwa’s swim will also help spread North Bay, to discuss possible routes and dates. They decided awareness about the Trackers. the best and safest route for the boats and swimmer was from Campbells Bay at the mouth of the French River across Lake But then COVID-19 hit and Marilyn was not able to access Nipissing to Marathon Beach on the North Bay waterfront – a swimming pools or beaches, losing two and a half months of swim of 28 kilometres. training. Due to the late start, the swim was postponed to late August with weather and water conditions being the deterThey also discussed which organizations could benefit from mining factor. any donations received from the swim. An avid skier, Korzekwa decided to use the swim to fundraise for the Nipissing Trackers, Also as a result of the pandemic, the two boat captains, Rick a free downhill ski program run out of Laurentian Ski Hill in Taylor and Jim Mainville, kept their 30-foot boats and dinghies North Bay for special needs children that is supported by the in dry dock for the year. We sent out appeals for boats and capNipissing Association for Disabled Youth (NADY). tains. As a result, Andy Geseron and Tim Shurgour of the North Bay Power and Sail Squadron (NBPSS) stepped up, providing In February 2020, Korzekwa spent the day in North Bay skiing boats and dinghies to help Korzekwa with her swim. with the Nipissing Trackers. Rick Taylor is the former coordinator of the Nipissing Trackers program. He was touched that NADY spearheaded the donation logistics of the swim, with Korzekwa had chosen to swim for the Trackers.

NADY president Jim Stewart getting help from the City of North

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CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

Bay to welcome Korzekwa to Marathon Beach. Stewart was what happened so close to shore under the darkness of night touched by the volunteers who stepped up to assist in the swim. “Three different people ended up in the water. One was in the kayak and it ended up filling up with water so the rear boat “The community itself is phenomenal. It is evident every time brought him aboard. At the same time that was happening, we have anything to do with the Trackers that the community one of the dinghies with the solo swim official flipped over really comes together. It leaves me speechless.” so the lead boat had to rescue her and let the wind take the dinghy. Because of the waves it was quite a challenge to get Korzekwa and the team left the North Bay government dock her on board.” on September 2, 2020 around 5:30 a.m. She started the swim at the beautiful sand beach of Campbells Bay near the French The second dinghy also flipped over but the rear boat was River at approximately 7:15 a.m. The weather started out with able to tie it to the stern and tow it to shore upside down. All a bit of rain and the lake lived up to its reputation for being an equipment and gear on both dinghies was lost including the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous lake. camera with photos chronicling the day.

As they were heading towards the Goose Islands, the winds started to pick up. When Korzekwa reached Cross Point, the wind was coming from all directions. It was so cold with the wind and the rain blowing. She was fighting three to four foot waves that were really hard on her shoulders. It died down for a period but started up again.

The winds were strong enough to cause two dinghies and a kayak, part of the flotilla that had been guiding her since the morning, to capsize, sending people into the cold dark water.

The waves were at times up to 10 feet and the winds were up to 65 kilometres an hour for the last two hours. These conditions were not in the forecast and the storm came out of nowhere.

After 15 hours of swimming, the combination of powerful winds and strong choppy waves ended Korzekwa’s attempt to complete her swim of the lake. She was within two kilometres of shore when the swim was called off.

Organizers Anne Taylor AP and Rick Taylor AP and the shore crew, as well as a crowd on shore with some out of town people, waited at the beach. When the sun set, they could see the boat lights but then the lights would disappear with the wind and high waves. Geseron, captain of the lead boat, explained

Ending the swim was the right thing to do as it became a safety issue. It could have easily been a tale of tragedy when the swim suddenly turned into a rescue mission of the dinghies and kayak.

Although Korzekwa didn’t finish the swim, as far as the organizers were concerned, she did finish.

“With the conditions that were thrown at me, it was certainly international calibre. I was having flashbacks to the English Channel between the high waves and the winds and the cold,” said Korzekwa, who is considering tackling the lake again this summer.

The lost dinghy was located the next day in the daylight down the shoreline. A month later, a Good Samaritan, Nicole Simard, found the lost camera. Anne Taylor was able to meet up with Marilyn to get it back to her.

Proceeds from the swim will go from NADY to the Nipissing Trackers to provide downhill skiing lessons to children with disabilities. Donations to the swim can be made at www.nady. ca. Reference “swim” on your donation. 

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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YOUR WORDS, PHOTOS ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE HERE – PAUL M. RELLINGER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THE PORT HOLE

The Port Hole remains a most effective vehicle for getting ȩ 'R QRW XVH ˌDVK LQ GD\OLJKW the word out nationally on CPS-ECP programs and, by • Test the camera to understand what you need to add or extension, members’ involvement in those initiatives. eliminate from the settings.

• Take several shots until you’re happy with the result.

I encourage you to take full advantage of my invitation to submit your articles and images for publication. I’ll Camera cross the T’s and dot the I’s but otherwise will alter little, • Turn on grid view. if anything, of your contributions. As I’ve preached since • Use the rule of thirds (framing your image on the grid).

I came ashore here in fall 2019, this is your publication, • Use your camera strap or tripod to reduce motion blur. not mine.

• If you’re shooting in the dark, consider using longer exposures or increase your ISO. For articles, 300 to 400 words Beware of noise in the image if works best. Please ensure your you raise your ISO too high. full name as you would like • If you’re shooting in bright it to appear is noted as well daylight or under cloudy DV \RXU &36 (&3 DIˋOLDWLRQ skies, beware of clipping your such as your home squadron highlights or over-exposing the and, where applicable, your bright points in your image. position.

Email your written submissions, As for images, your submissions in editable text format (PDFs are must be of high quality. An image of less than 300 dpi a challenge to edit), and/or your images, to one of two will not be conducive to good printing quality. Photos addresses – theporthole@cps-ecp.ca or to me directly must be 300 dpi or 3968 x 2976 pixels. at communication-chair@cps-ecp.org What also makes for a great image is a stable, straight If you have any questions about what’s required that’s frame that is achievable by turning on the grid in either not covered here, or anything for that matter, email me your mobile device or camera. To achieve that, you have and I’ll help you. J a few options: Mobile Device • Set your camera settings to the highest resolution possible.

• Set up a guiding grid to help centre your composition.

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Photo by Väinö from Pexels

FUEL FOR THOUGHT: NOTHING MUNDANE ABOUT FILLING UP - BY JEFF EVANS, SARNIA POWER AND SAIL SQUADRON

In 1978, my summer job was at a marina in Port Severn, So would you think I learned an important lesson that day?

Ontario.

Fast forward 30 years and my family are aboard our 36-foot Sea Ray having cruised from Goderich on Lake Huron to Amongst other duties, I was a dockhand assisting boaters Tobermory en route to the North Channel. I had fueled the needing gas, pump-outs and overnight slips. I had a great boat in Goderich prior and topped up in Tobermory on arrival. time serving locals and transients cruising the Trent-Severn At both locations, I smelled gasoline fumes shortly after fuelWaterway. In addition, spending a summer pumping gasoline ing but could not pinpoint the source. While crawling around provided a firsthand education as to the risks when fueling the bilge, I noticed both fill hoses feeding the gasoline from boats. It drove home the need to pay attention to what seems the deck fittings to the fuel tanks were cracked and there a mundane task. was a slight sheen on one hose. Fortunately there was no liquid pooling. I immediately shut down all systems on the I remember one speedboat arrived at the dock and the owner boat and the family went shopping while I quickly sourced asked me to fill it up rather than a specific amount. He then a new hose from a local facility. We were able to continue proceeded into the store. The filler cap was in the centre our holiday, albeit a little shaken from our experience. of the forward deck with the fuel tank below. To fuel, I lay across the bow and proceeded filling. As I was pumping gas, Our current boat has diesel engines and I continue to inspect I listened for the telltale whistling from the vent or the auto the fuel fill hoses each spring as part of preventative mainshutoff of the nozzle to know when full. tenance. This spring I noticed they are due for replacement soon and have been added to my job list. I recommend you After a short while, the boat owner returned to the dock and take five minutes and inspect your hoses today. became very agitated as I had already put more gasoline into the boat than the tank held. I stopped the pump and checked Epilogue: Back to 1978, later that summer, a boat at the adjainside the boat as to where the fuel was going. We noticed cent marina exploded while at the fuel dock. I remember the gas running down the carpeted cockpit into the aft bilge. sound and the black plume that rose from the marina. The boat operator had not used their blowers prior to starting Some quick decisions needed to be made and we towed the the engine. Fortunately, the operator’s injuries were miniboat away from the docks and anchored it a safe distance mal, but it was a dramatic example of the risk taken when away while emergency services were called. Fortunately, the bypassing the use of blowers. fuel did not ignite. I went off shift prior to the boat being recovered but learned afterwards that the cause of the leak There is nothing mundane about fueling your boat.  was a split in the fuel filler hose feeding the gasoline from the deck fitting into the tank below. > Photos courtesy of Buchanan Marine Appraisal

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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Photo by Valentin Bacalu

MY CPS-ECP STORY: A NAUTICAL CLOSE CALL OPENED THE DOOR - BY DONALD MACINTOSH, NAO, CPS-ECP

For 50 years, crossing from the mainland to our island cot- After taking the course, I volunteered for all manner of tage was a regular event.

CPS-ECP tasks and activities. One after the other there were consecutive roles – newsletter editor, course instructor and Neither the hour of the day or night nor the weather – clear, many other positions. Twenty years later, I am very grateful calm or stormy – deterred the two-mile crossing. Cross- for my being a member of CPS-ECP. ing the open lake was a common occurrence from April to December. Most often the crossing was routine, save As a CPS-ECP member, I’ve learned plenty about boats and for one trip. boating. As a volunteer, I’ve met many similarly interested people, often from other squadrons and districts as well as Late in the season, it was raining and nightfall was immi- from across the country. There have been many different QHQW 7KHUH ZHUH ˋYH RI XV LQ WKH IDPLO\ ERDW D *UHZ SURMHFWV DQG HYHQWV DOO ERDW RU ERDWLQJ UHODWHG 5HˌHFWLQJ hardtop with a deep V hull. Its ample dead rise made it a now, it has been simply good fun. serious rough water boat.

Additionally, over the years, there have been many CPSWe were travelling with the wind, plowing repeatedly into (&3 IULHQGV 6TXDGURQ GLVWULFW DQG $*0 HYHQWV ZHUH IXQ moderate sized waves. For protection the camper top and and enjoyable. Many times I was invited aboard all manner side curtains were in place. There were life jackets for all, of other members' boats, both sail and power, large and and the running lights and windscreen wipers were on. small. The largest boat was the 110-foot Prescotont and the smallest boat was a 12-foot ‘rubber duck.’ Both were I was at the helm. The throttle was at about half as my thrilling rides for much different reasons. elderly parents were aboard. Stowed away was a moderate amount of food for the weekend with only a little luggage. By being a CPS-ECP member, there have been, and still are, Despite the rain and the windblown spray the island's land- many learning moments and an equal number of wonderful PDUNV ZHUH YLVLEOH :H ZHUH SHUKDSV OHVV WKDQ ˋYH PLQXWHV RSSRUWXQLWLHV VRPH HYHQ LQYROYLQJ ERDWV 6XIˋFH LW WR VD\ from the boathouse. Almost there! each experience was valuable in one way or another.

Suddenly a small open boat appeared. It was approaching rapidly on the port quarter. It was very close and running at a high rate of knots. Quickly pulling the helm hard over to starboard and pulling back on the throttle caused our boat to turn very sharply before it settled.

As the open boat, without running lights, raced across our course it was less than a boat length from our bow. The two people aboard, their heads down, kept right on their track.

Unbelievably it did not slow down. It was, and remains, an absolute certainty neither the driver nor the passenger were remotely aware of how narrowly a serious boating accident had been averted. The following week I signed up for CPS-ECP's Basic Boating course.

38

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

CPS-ECP has provided me various ways to support worthy FDXVHV 7KDW LQ WXUQ KDV EHQHˋWWHG P\ TXDOLW\ RI OLIH DV well as my community. Such things are very important to me.

My CPS-ECP friendships have provided me with unique role models, social support and some riotous occasions. I believe this to be a two-way street. My sense of voluntarism is very rewarding, helping keep me focused while providing PH ZLWK D FOHDU DQG GHˋQLQJ SXUSRVH With this well in mind, I wholeheartedly encourage all manner of boaters to not just become a CPS-ECP member but to also become actively engaged by volunteering. J

Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels

ONLINE COURSE INSTRUCTION: WE’VE COME A LONG WAY INDEED - BY BRIAN REIS, DEO, GEORGIAN TRENT DISTRICT AND SEO, OWEN SOUND SQUADRON

Wendy and I joined Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons in then visited the Kitchener Squadron weekly for its ‘Junior 1977, just a year after our hometown Stratford Squadron Navigator’ course. had been formed by a small group of local boating enthusiasts.

In 1989, Wendy and I retired to the Bruce Peninsula and joined the Owen Sound Squadron. Shortly after, I was back If you were a boater in those days, belonging to Canadian in front of a class of ‘Boating’ students. For a few years, we Power Squadrons, as it was known then, was considered an used the Wiarton Airport as a satellite instruction centre in KRQRXU DQG GHˋQLWHO\ D PXVW 7KH HQWU\ OHYHO FRXUVH ZDV DGGLWLRQ WR D KLJK VFKRRO LQ 2ZHQ 6RXQG ,Q WKDW ˋUVW \HDU ȡ%RDWLQJȢ DQG WKH ELEOH IRU WKH FRXUVH ZDV *DUWK *ULIˋWKȢV with two instruction centres, we registered 23 ‘Boating’ %RDWLQJ ,Q &DQDGD D WHUULˋF ERRN WKDW ZRXOG EH DV UHOHYDQW students in Owen Sound and 14 in Wiarton for a nice total today as it was then if a chapter on electronic navigation of thirty-seven students. However, change was in the air, aids was added. and not long after, we were starting to see student registrations slip a bit.

In addition, many instructors would make reference to Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Han- The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) had been introGOLQJ *36 ZDV XQNQRZQ WKHQ EXW /RUDQ & ZDV VWDUWLQJ WR duced and as far as many new boaters were concerned, come into use as a navigation aid for recreational boating. WKH 3&2& VDWLVˋHG WKHLU QHHGV &RPSXWHUV ZHUH ˋQGLQJ However, for the most part, dead reckoning, supported by their way into most homes, and portable tablets and smartFRPSDVV EHDULQJV WR ˋ[ D SRVLWLRQ ZDV WKH RUGHU RI WKH GD\ phones were becoming everybody’s standard equipment.

To no one’s surprise, a study commissioned by CPS-ECP Even for a small but very active start-up squadron like indicated that younger people had found a quicker, easier Stratford, we were averaging 12 to 15 enthusiastic stu- way to get knowledge without having to sit in a classroom dents in the ‘Boating’ class in those early days. Everybody for 10 weeks or so. So, led by then NEO Carolyn Reid, CPSenjoyed the course and looked forward to those once-a- ECP launched itself into the world of online course delivery week get-togethers in class with fellow boaters. I started instructing in 1978, and was still taking courses myself, so VOiP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, a system that prowithin a short time I had passed ‘Advanced Piloting’ and vides voice communication via the Internet, was developed

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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in the late 1990s and has become a most important platform for online meetings, instruction and many other uses.

For many years now, it has been the prime instruction and mass meeting platform for CPS-ECP. 0\ ˋUVW IRUD\ LQWR RQOLQH LQVWUXFWLRQ ZDV VHYHQ RU HLJKW years ago teaching a ‘Weather’ course using a PowerPoint slide presentation I had put together. Other than a few minor technical glitches, it worked very well. I took another step and did the same thing with a couple of ‘Boating 2’ and then ‘Boating 3’ courses.

the guidance of ANEO Eric Phinney, head of our Outreach Committee, the country is divided into two basic regions, with online activity for squadrons in the west being coorGLQDWHG E\ %DUU\ 6PLWK LQ 3ULQFH *HRUJH % & DQG LQ WKH east, by Tom Beaver in Ottawa.

Our courses are being mounted on the Moodle LMS (Learning Management System) and students have access to the system 24 hours a day. It’s all there: the material from the student manual, links to tutorial videos and access to the examination that is marked as the student works through it.

Each student is assigned a tutor from his or her local area, and all students meet weekly as a group with the instructor to discuss any problems as well as go through a set of review questions and answers. If squadrons just want to instruct online courses locally, that is also encouraged.

There have been some misgivings about students missing out on the social interaction that comes with a live classroom course but I am happy to say that has not been an issue. I try to keep online sessions as informal as possible, let the students discuss and ask questions amongst themselves, and I relate personal experiences of my own Fortunately all this was in place and running when GD\V DV D VKLSȢV RIˋFHU WKDW DUH UHOHYDQW WR WKH FRXUVH ,ȢP COVID-19 restrictions came along. We urge squadrons instructing. that are a little shy about online delivery to join the ever-growing crowd. It’s easy. I personally love it. I encourage From those earlier days, we can look at how CPS-ECP on- any reader thinking of taking a CPS-ECP course to join us line instruction has evolved to going Canada wide. Under online for the fun. J

BOATSENSE: LESSONS AND YARNS FROM A MARINE WRITER’S LIFE AFLOAT PUBLISHED BY SEAPOINT BOOKS + MEDIA LLC, 2019 | 117 PAGES, $22.95 - BY BRUCE CONRON, FRENCHMAN’S BAY POWER AND SAIL SQUADRON

The intent of this book is not to emulate Sea Sense (1972), Richard Henderson’s classic on seamanship and all matters to do with life afloat. Rather it’s a brief elaboration of Doug Logan’s (picture above) creed about boating, particularly but not exclusively aboard sailboats.

That creed or attitude (he would probably wince if I called it his philosophy) might be summed up best by the following sentiment highlighted in the introduction: “If your idea of a comfortable boat is one with air-conditioning, a washer-dryer, satellite TV, and a generator that needs to run for hours a day, we’re of very different mindsets. You might think of me as some sort of hair-shirted masochist, and I might think of you as…exactly the same thing. Clearly, we solicit our pain from different ends of the spectrum.”

You will gather the drift of his thinking from a few of the FRQWHQWȢV VXEKHDGV *LYH 0H (QRXJK 5RSH ,Q 3UDLVH 2I 7KH Bucket and Not Your Mom’s Kitchen, for example. There’s a nice breezy conversational tone to the writing; excellent writing that does not sermonize and is touched with a winning, self-deprecating sense of humour.

athwartships at bow and stern. Try hard to make the boat hit something because that’s what wind and tide will try to do. Then you’ll know if your lines are set up right. And it’s good entertainment for the neighbours.”

The book’s stiff, glossy pages will resist wear and tear and stand up well over a number of seasons’ reading below deck.

Doug Logan has been managing editor, technical editor and executive editor of Sailing World, webmaster for Cruising World, contributing editor of Powerboat Reports, editor-in-chief of Practical Sailor, and senior editor for the websites of the Boat Group. He has written hundreds of articles, and edited dozens of books about boats, sailing, and the sea. He lives in Stony Creek, Connecticut. J

For example, about seamanship and the necessity of having D ZDWFKIXO DZDUHQHVV DˌRDW Ȥ7KHVH KDELWV DUH ERUQ RI D constant, low-grade paranoia that comes from having met Murphy many times.”

Another passage I fancy is Logan’s thoughts while out on his Laser one late fall day: “The boat didn’t have to be trimmed perfectly and I didn’t have to think furiously about my next move. What I noticed, but without any particular sense of urgency, was that wonderful dynamic of the wind ˌXLG DQG WKH ZDWHU ˌXLG DQG WKH UHVSRQVLYH ERDW PRYLQJ between them.”

Interspersed throughout the chapters are ten “technical sidebars” in shaded boxes, each one an informative lesson about the boat’s nature, performance and care. One I’ll copy and mount near the companionway is entitled Checklist For Leaving the Boat. After tying bow, stern and spring lines correctly, don’t leave it at that. Logan advises you “to lay hold of that gunwale and haul away, forward, aft and

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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SAIL REVIEW

DUFOUR 530 TWO BECOME ONE By | Zuzana Prochazka

F

rench sailboat builder, Dufour Yachts, has, for a long time now, marketed two lines: Performance and Grand Large – the first was speedy and the second swanky (read: comfort-laden).

Their new launch, however, refuses to be pigeonholed. It’s a type of hybrid that debuted in Dusseldorf last year and then made its way across the Atlantic. Is this a strategy shift for Dufour and is it likely to bring two markets together successfully?

We tested one mid-pandemic to find out.

DESIGN Dufour stuck with their well-tested design team of Felci Yacht Design. Maybe that’s why the 530 still looks like a typical

44

Dufour cruiser, with a plumb bow, a hard chine that builds interior volume, and a low coachroof. But below the waterline, the 530 has the same rudder and keel as Dufour’s performance models and despite the boat’s 16-foot beam, there’s a single rudder which is a departure from most of today’s design thinking.

and performance (9’ 1”).

The 9/10s fractional rig has a tapered, deck-stepped Z-Spar mast and double aftswept spreaders. The mainsail can be fully battened or furling and although an overlapping genoa is available, the best sail plan for short-handed sailing would be the self-tacking jib with a Code 0 attached to the sprit.

CONSTRUCTION The construction includes a solid fibreglass hull with an integrated structural grid topped by an infused deck. The bow is blunt and the drop-down transom is snub, maximizing waterline length.

Below the waterline, there’s a choice of three keels, shoal (6’ 4”), standard (7’ 5”),

CHOICES There are three versions offered with the rig, keel and some deck features changing depending on your choice. The “Easy” version is fairly bare-bones and is destined for charter. The “Ocean” interpretation is for distance cruising and has

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

By placing the galley forward, Dufour has placed the saloon aft, maximizing the space at full beam.

the standard mast and a choice of keel depth. Finally, the “Performance” version is targeted at the club or offshore racer and comes with a taller mast that adds a third set of spreaders and the nine-foot keel.

Experienced cruisers may opt for this version as well.

ON DECK With this new model, Dufour’s focus was the on-deck experience. When sailing, everything is within easy reach. The optional German-style mainsheet leads back to two primary winches near the wheels. Two more winches for the jib sheets are on the cockpit coaming and halyard winches are on the cabin top near the companionway. All winches can be made electric and all lines are led aft.

The cockpit is large, A-shaped and fairly standard for Dufour. Twin helm stations are set on sexy, minimalist pedestals with 12-inch Raymarine HybridTouch MFDs. Engine controls are to starboard and are mounted on the pedestal, which is ideal when docking and needing to keep your eyes up and forward instead of staring down at your knees.

As is typical on a Dufour, there’s the optional outdoor galley where the chef can stand and cook outside on the plancha grill

Galley - In the 530, Dufour continues with their signature split galley that creates a bit of separation and privacy for the master stateroom forward and allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously.

and still not miss any of the happy hour festivities in the cockpit. There’s also the standard centerline table that can hold an optional refrigerator, or it can be removed entirely on the performance version. But there’s a fun new feature here too in the form of an optional sunbed between the wheels. It’s the place to lounge, because you’re in the center of the action but still out of the way and I immediately made it

my own. It didn’t disappoint.

ACCOMMODATIONS Below, there’s a choice of up to 6 cabins (plus a skipper cabin in the bow) and 2-4 heads which is a “pack ‘em in” version that charterers will love. However, our test boat was set up for proper owner cruising with the master in the bow and two cabins aft. That left an open, uncluttered saloon

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: 75 hp LENGTH OVERALL: 53’ 6” BEAM: 16’ 3” DRAFT: 6’ 4” – 9’ 1” DISPLACEMENT: 39,184 lbs.

SAIL AREA: 1,345 sq. ft.

FUEL/WATER CAPACITY: 116/179 GALLONS DESIGNER: Felci Yacht Design BUILDER: Dufour Yachts, La Rochelle, France PRICE: $550,000 USD AS TESTED IN USA

Years ago, Dufour introduced the concept of the transom galley with the ability to grill outside and keep heat and cooking odors out of the boat itself.

Up to 6 cabins may be spec’d - some with split bunks to accommodate guests or kids

in the middle with a U-shaped dinette to port and an L-shaped lounge to starboard so there were two distinct spaces where to relax.

Still present is Dufour’s signature split galley that slips in between the master stateroom and the saloon. Besides providing separation and privacy for the owners, there’s another reason why having the galley forward works well. It pushes the spacious saloon aft to the point of maximum beam. If you can resist loading this model up with extra cabins, you’ll even get an aft-facing nav desk and you’ll still feel like it’s a palace below. The overall fit and finish are quite up-market for a production boat and there are clever stowage details that Dufour is known for right down to the always-appreciated bottle locker.

Dufour seems to always offer good

46

The master stateroom has an ample bed with cushioned cutaway corners, his and hers overhead hatches, and a split head that maximizes space in this posh cabin.

value and that holds true with this hybrid version as well. Our test boat was outfitted with a few extras including air conditioning, genset, outdoor galley, electronics and more. Add commissioning, bottom paint, delivery and a few other goodies, and the as-tested price was $550,000 US. TEST TIME Test day arrived with blustery winds of 15-20 knots which was perfect for a boat of this size. We glided along at 8.2 knots in 20 knots of true breeze at 50 degrees apparent wind angle. When we cracked off to 110 degrees, we kept up a speed of 6.5 in 16 knots of wind.

Standard auxiliary power is a 75 hp Yanmar diesel with a Saildrive but we had the upgraded 110 hp Volvo Penta engine with a straight shaft. At

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

VISIT: DUFOUR-YACHTS.COM

wide-open-throttle, we motored 8.2 knots and 3,000 rpm on flat water. A more realistic cruising speed is around seven knots and 2500 rpm.

The boat responds quickly from a standstill as the prop pushes water directly over the single rudder. A bow thruster will be welcome on this big boat to get in and out of tight spaces.

CONCLUSION Big boats aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be and weighing down a performance hull with a cruising layout and loads of gear doesn’t really work.

Other builders have tried this with their models ending up heavy and slow while others were tender and demanding and scared the wits out of cruising couples.

Neither was true of the Dufour 530

You’ll love it here at our premier full service marina on the

For relaxing near the waterline or easily stepping up from the dinghy, the drop-down transom is a luxurious way to extend the outdoor living space.

that never left us feeling overwhelmed although we didn’t reef.

She’s a thoroughbred but she’s not high-strung and that goes a long way to building confidence.

The Dufour 530 replaces the wildly popular 520 and does that exceptionally well. She’s the first of Dufour’s nine models (31-61 feet) to launch with the hybrid treatment, If streamlining their offering while creating an immensely sailable boat was their goal, Dufour hit it out of the park. There’s no telling how these types of changes will impact the rest of the line but the 530 came out sailing like a witch while riding like a Cadillac.

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TECH

AN INVESTMENT IN

ENJOYMENT REGULAR BOAT MAINTENANCE PAYS DIVIDENDS

By | Andy Adams

I

t has always been important to have a marina that can provide good service, but in the madness that was the summer of 2020, getting great service was really essential to a great boating experience.

There are many marinas offering excellent service, but we have heard a lot of good things about Queen’s Cove Marina in Victoria Harbour on Georgian Bay. To get a first-hand sense of the market, we scheduled an interview with owner/operator John Swick last August 18, 2020. John is also the current President at the Boating Ontario association, so in that capacity, he is also well-connected to what’s happening at marinas all across the Province, and even nationally.

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During a previous visit, we had learned how Queen’s Cove Marina encourages owners to keep up their boat with programs like their Spring Compound and Wax program. They provide boat owners with incentives but also, they emphasize pride of ownership and the value of keeping up the appearance of their boat.

Especially in the hot boating market that COVID-19 stimulated, I wanted to explore the cost-value relationship of maintenance and also, to learn more about how COVID-19 was affecting the business at Queen’s Cove.

John told us that in 2020, COVID restrictions pushed the season back 60 to 90 days, so while typically the end

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

of August should be slower, it was not last summer. The 2020 weather was also excellent and business remained steady. When we talked last August, John explained that initially the business was negatively affected by COVID-19 and he speculated then, that the year could wind up being down perhaps 10%. When we spoke again in February 2021 to update this story, the final results were ahead of the previous year. And, things have not slowed down.

Boating is an ideal recreational activity in the era of COVID-19 and again this year, there are few new boats left to buy.

In our discussions, John emphasized that there is a perception that boat owners are

queens cover boat repair

John Swick of Queen’s Cove sits by the marina’s pool talking to Andy Adams from Canadian Yachting.

Have You Checked your Flares?

2017 or earlier manufacture date?

They’ve expired – and now what?

To dispose of them you CAN’T a) light them b) drop them in the water c) throw them in the garbage

Visit www.cps-ecp.ca for dates and locations.

photo: NSBC

You CAN 1) Find a local Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Day – hosted

by CPS-ECP Squadrons and select CIL Dealers across the country 2) Bring your outdated flares to be properly disposed of – free of charge 3) Talk to a CPS-ECP volunteer to learn more about Safety Equipment for your boat

Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance 1-888-CPS-BOAT | www.cps-ecp.ca

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

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This technician is working on a sailboat rudder that had water inside and split during the winter. The foam core had to be removed they had to create a jig to redo it. This was a $4000 job on a Catalina 26, but the boat is not made anymore and you can’t sail it, or sell it without a rudder.

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The dark circle on the side of this older keel boat was not a port hole – it was just a C&C 30 which got holed in one side!

only wealthy people, but in fact there are many regular folks with fishing boats, ordinary families with older trailer boats, retired couples and DIY owners with older keel boats and cruisers. John notes that it is not just the “1%ers” buying boats, although those are a growing segment.

People from all walks of life are

attracted to boating and there is a market for almost every boat. John thinks that these fundamental market changes will hold for at least a while and insightfully last August, he commented that the virus mutates so fast, we have to expect a longer run for COVID. The Spring Compound and Wax

program is emblematic of the pride of ownership aspect where the idea is to spend a little on maintenance each year, to avoid paying a big bill at some point in the future. The Queen’s Cove program is to educate the boaters to understand that concept. It has been working well. Now, customers call ahead of time to book

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They even had an old StarCraft come to Queen’s Cove. The owners’ home marina couldn’t get the work done that season.

winter work and there is no downtime at Queen’s Cove. They offer a significant discount to encourage winter work and now the shop is booked year ‘round.

It’s no longer a seasonal business and even the yard workers are busy 12-months a year. With full-time employment, the marina has become a real career choice and John Swick is supporting his people to cross train for winter work and more varied tasks.

Last winter two of their yard staff took the ABYC Marine Systems course and introduction to Marine Electronics.

John has found that it is better all round to hire good people and help them build their careers. Their fibreglass technicians have all done the West System courses in Michigan for repair work and fabrication as well as other manufacturer specific training. It is a big cost and an investment of time, but John sees the advantages and this year, with the rise in online education, his people have had an easier time increasing their skills.

We talked about the types of repairs

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that people were looking for. Painting is a big one and the marina is investing in that area for both maintenance and restoration.

A great-looking boat is simply worth a lot more to enjoy or to sell. Another thing John shared was that last summer, Queen’s Cove was getting more impact damage because people were getting out and boating more. That raises the odds of a mishap. The abundance of new boaters was probably a factor as well.

Another interesting thing that John saw last year was that people who previously used their boat mostly as a cottage, were going boating, leaving the marina more often. Fuel prices were very reasonable and that may hold for this year too.

Again, this spring there are few brokerage boats available for would-be buyers, but there is a big demand. Some will be disappointed, but for those who already have a boat, or who might settle for a brokerage boat that lacks features they were looking for, doing some upgrades can make sense.

An example of an upgrade might be a

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

new windlass, or a replacement for the old one. Some people upgrade their electronics, audio systems, install swim platform extensions, or invest in new thrusters to make docking easier.

These are jobs that would normally be done over the winter, but any time might be a good time in this market. If adding bow and stern thrusters make it possible to dock your old boat more easily, the cost might make good sense.

People are starting to view the price value relationship differently now. For example: a re-power is like buying the boat again, but If you see the cost of a new boat, it makes sense. The same is true in the cottage boat market as more and more people are re-powering. Queen’s Cove recently re-powered a 24-foot Limestone and an older Chris-Craft by Grew. Such a boat may only be worth $30,000, but a new one would be $150,000, so a $35,000 repowering job may be a much better investment.

We also wanted to ask; how do people pay for this?

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This older Chris Craft cruiser was irreplaceable last summer and so it got remanufactured motors and a new lease on life.

John said that financing or using a line of credit are two ways to manage major expenses. For example, new windows could be $6000 and that could just go on your credit card. A generator job is a big investment at $20-$25,000. When you need one, it is usually not a surprise, so plan for it.

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John concluded by reminding us that boating is still a safe and very enjoyable

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CROSSING THE LINE

NFTs AND CRYPTOBOATING A BEGINNER’S GUIDE By | John Morris

R

ecently, I sold a video of me driving my boat into a pier at a prominent Georgian Bay marina for just over 30.4 Bitcoin. What does that statement mean? For those of you who have not yet joined the booming world of NFTs and particularly boating NFTs, this article will explain in detail the whole relationship between crypto currencies, unique art work and boating.

First, some basic premises. When I drove the boat into the dock at that prominent Midland pier, I was indeed fortunate that standing on the dock was an opportunistic attorney from Celino & Barnes who videotaped the whole thing anticipating a significant property suit. That was the source of the original video that, as noted above, netted me just over $21 million, that is, if I can ever cash the Bitcoin.

Like boating, which relies on acronyms like GPS and PFD, the parallel universe of crypto investing has a number of initially hard to understand terms that keep the layperson from actually understanding much of what is going on. The video of my boat taking out a good section of B Dock is an NFT; a Non Fungible Token, a term that could mean pretty well anything.

For most of my life, I understood that ”blockchain” was a term used by the harbourmaster referring to securing the underpinnings of the dock structure.

Apparently not. It is the methodology that; 1) is burning up all the electrical energy you and I save by replacing our running light bulbs with LEDs and 2) a highly technical method of recording transactions, or something like that. Or perhaps not.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE BOATING COMMUNITY? Understanding this way of looking at digital artifacts is an important first step.

Up until now, the boating population, at

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least in Canada has occupied its thoughts with decidedly more mundane issue such as hard vs inflatable dinghies, correct docking procedures and charming lakeside fish and chips stands.

But boaters are sophisticated and, at least at some level, understand the nuanced world of virtual artifacts. I wouldn’t be surprised if you and your boat neighbours haven’t recently discussed the digital picture of a cat that Paris Hilton recently sold on the Ethereum-based auction platform Cryptograph for 40 Ethereum (roughly 2.8 million old-fashioned real dollars).

Yes, a steal, I hear you saying.

Since an NFT can be virtually anything of which there is but a single source, you might be inclined to capture and sell your family’s lunch on board, a sketch of the finish of Wednesday’s race, or a snapshot of your bilge pump. Is there a market for such artistic jewels? I guess we will see.

Will they appreciate? Anyone’s guess.

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

NEXT STEPS Now that we understand the basic concepts, it’s time to make some initial investments.

Here on the page is a reproduction of a masterwork NFT entitled Besonderes Angebot !!! that I have created myself. As you can see, it begins with a sensitively photographed pink flamingo paddleboat at a European boat show with an important message to share. The Flamingo can be seen to acknowledge that the value of this NFT has been set at 25 Bitcoin as a starting price.

But, this may be your lucky day. For some fortunate Canadian Yachting reader, I am willing to trade this remarkable NFT for a fairly large boat plus just 10 Bitcoin.

A spectacular opportunity, don’t you agree?

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