Large-Scale Outdoor Exhibition Explores Toronto’s Harbour

Victoria-based SALTS (Sail and Life Training Society) has received a donation of a 69’ yacht recently appraised at $1 million. Florida-based businessman and philanthropist James C. Ray donated his sloop Tango which is moored in Sidney. SALTS is now seeking a buyer for the yacht so funds gained from the sale can be used to help construct a new 140-foot wooden schooner. The new ship will provide sail training to teens and young adults alongside the society’s two existing ships. Ray’s private foundation has also pledged an additional $250,000 toward the project to be given at a future date.

Canadian Yachting West received this sad announcement early on November 6th from Brock Elliott at Campion Boats.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing on November 4th, 2012, of our Chairman, Gordon Elliott, F.C.A., at the age of 82". Brock Elliott, President and son said, "It is difficult to find the words for such an announcement. Our Dad was such a great leader, his life filled to the brim, very diverse and rewarding. He made lasting impressions with so many people; from his professional accounting career, to his strong interest in agriculture, farming and ranching, to the power boat industry.”

Groupe Beneteau has just announced changes within Beneteau America’s leadership team. Wayne Burdick has been elevated to a more strategic role in Groupe Beneteau, as the President of the holding company for the different US Groupe entities, and Laurent Fabre, formerly the director of sales and marketing for Beneteau's North American powerboats division, has been tapped to replace Burdick as president of Beneteau America.

Under Burdick’s direction as president of Beneteau in North America since 1997, Beneteau became the leading brand of high quality production sailboats in the U.S.

After sitting idle and somewhat forlorn for over two years, the Heritage Wooden Boatshed at the Harbour of the Maritime Museum on Kits Point, Vancouver has been repaired and will have an official re-opening and launch party Sat April 14, noon to 4:00 PM. The Boatshed is the home to the Oarlock and Sail Wooden Boat Club (OLAS), an enthusiastic group of wood boat devotees and it has been their home for the previous 15 years, and a center for small wooden boat construction, restoration and repair.

Marine Organizations continue their opposition to the planned closures of Canadian Coast Guard establishments. The following was released from the Council of BC Yacht Clubs: The CBCYC has added its voice to the growing chorus of those raising strong objections to the closure of the Kitsilano Canadian Coast Guard base.  The council represents over 50 yacht clubs in British Columbia, with over 10,000 members – powerboaters, sailors, canoeists and kayakers, and represents the largest user segment of the recreational boating community in BC.

Victoria’s Maritime Museum of British Columbia, is hosting the 9th Annual Massive Maritime Garage Sale on Saturday April 21 at Ogden Point, Pier A, Dallas Rd, 0900 to 1300 hours. Co-sponsored by the City of Victoria and CFB Esquimalt, the event is open to vendors who can rent a table for $35.00 and the event has a $5.00 entrance fee for adults but kids are free. Parking is free and is abundant. Expected to be offered on sale are small craft of all kinds, canoes, kayaks, dinghies, fishing equipment, crab and prawn traps, and marine and nautical gear of all kinds. Proceeds go towards the Museums Special Exhibition