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The
Pleasures Of Boating (21-4)
by William E. Taylor
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 As
the summer unfolds, Power Boating Canada staff has had
the opportunity to meet and chat with hundreds of readers,
sharing tales of boating adventures on the Canadian
waterways.
Among the many topics that come up during these discussions,
the new Ontario law regarding boat operation while under
the influence of alcohol seems to be at the top of reader’s
minds.
Frankly, Power Boating Canada has always insisted that
alcohol has no part to play in the enjoyment of boating.
All of our boating events operate under strict guidelines
as our slogan is water on the water, beer at the pier
and no boater involved with our events can have open
alcoholic beverages on his or her boat until the boat
is tied up for the night.
The fact that the Province of Ontario has essentially
applied the same guidelines to power boating as it applies
to driving a motor vehicle makes perfect sense. Operating
a boat while under the influence of alcohol is dangerous
and, to put it gently, unwise. Not only could you misjudge
the operation of the boat, resulting in property damage
and the risk of injury to your passengers and innocent
bystanders, you could become disoriented and fall prey
to exposure, hypothermia, and at the very least, the
ridicule of your fellow boaters.
The privilege of boating on Canada’s waterways
is something we should all treasure. Where else can
you enjoy complete freedom to go where you choose, generally
without restrictions. Keeping boaters and the general
public safe without substantially infringing on this
freedom is a difficult task, and the imposition of this
new law comes as a result of the irresponsible actions
of our fellow boaters – so don’t complain
about the new legislation, because in the long run it
is for the greater good of the boating community, and
the public at large.
In mid-August, we will be hosting one of the largest
waterfront extravaganzas in Canada, the 1000 Islands
Poker Run, August 11–13 in scenic Kingston, Ontario.
The action kicks-off Friday night in the city’s
downtown core as some of the most awesome and dazzling
performance boats from across North America will be
on display for you to admire. Vendors will be set up
in the park and Kingston’s lively pubs and cozy
restaurants are a great place to relax with friends
and family. On Saturday, Brockville is the official
lunch stop and another great place to check out the
performance fleet. There’ll be plenty of action
on land too, as the annual Brockville Ribfest will be
in full force and the countless downtown shops will
be offering great weekend sales. If you’re in
your boat, don’t miss the excitement off the shoreline
of Rockport, which is another perfect spot to see the
performance boats in action. On Sunday, the excitement
continues in Kingston at 12 noon with The Hit the Mark
Challenge for the Kingston Cup. Be sure not to miss
this awesome showdown. Everyone is invited to visit
Kingston, Ontario, and the various stops along the route,
where free access to the boats is available. For information
check out the ad on pages 76 and 77, or visit www.powerboating.com
or www.pokerrunsamerica.com and follow the link to the
1000 Islands Poker Run schedule.
I’ll look forward to seeing you on the water! |
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