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Bay-Tripper (17-2) By
Steve Fennell
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Bay Port Yachting Centre's 10th Annual Power Rendezvous
enhances every aspect of the boating lifestyle with
a journey through Northern Ontario's heartland.
 The
weight of the cooler created a strain on my arms as
I lifted it from the dock and placed on the floor of
the aft deck. It was 7:30 in the morning and I was busy
loading supplies aboard a 37-foot Silverton yacht named
Sand Dollar at Bay Port Yachting Centre in Midland,
Ontario.
It was day one of Bay Port Yachting Centre's 10th Annual
Power Rendezvous and I was a guest on the lead vessel
that would spearhead a week-long cruise from Midland
to Killarney, ON with 39 other Bay Port vessels.
Although I was only going as far as Little Current,
ON, my anticipation was at an all time high as I spotted
many boats already making their way to the mouth of
Georgian Bay to meet the 8:00 a.m. start time.
 The
concept behind this rendezvous hasn't changed since
its inception in 1991. This special event provides the
opportunity for Bay Port boaters to develop more confidence
on the water, enhance their on-the-water skills and
meet new members of the marina. Most of all, though,
it's designed to enhance every aspect of the boating
lifestyle. During the last several years, more and more
boaters have eagerly signed on to take part in this
exciting adventure.
The leader and organizer of the rendezvous, Ken MacDonald,
general manager of Bay Port, was busy at the helm making
last-minute adjustments to the GPS. Other crew members
aboard were Ken's wife, Marlaine and eldest son, Ryan.
While I helped unload the last of the supplies, the
Silverton's twin engines fired up, signaling our departure.
After the lines were cast, I made my way up to the helm
station to sit with Ken. As we idled through Bayport's
maze of over 600 slips, we talked about the day's forecast,
water conditions and of course, the rendezvous.
"The rendezvous offers boaters a little guidance
on navigation and other boating training. It also gives
them the chance to go beyond the docks and provides
a feel the opportunity to take their family vacation."
"It's really nice to see the kids appreciate this
trip and they always have fond memories. This year,
Dan and Helen Meyerink, who own a 40' Silverton named
Miramichi, have three generations of families with them,"
Marlaine added. Cruising into Georgian Bay, the water
was calm and the sun was bright, casting a warm glow
on the vast fleet awaiting the official go-ahead.
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(Read
full story in the magazine) (Page Top) |
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