September 1, 2023
Galley Guys Barefootin’ St. Vincent & the Grenadines
It’s been a long time since the Galley Guys got together to have some fun, so Greg Nicoll, the original Galley Guy, got me, Managing Editor Andy Adams and our Canadian Yachting Ambassador John Armstrong together with Linda Armstrong and Katherine Stone our expert Canadian Yachting sail reviewer for a fabulous reunion trip to St. Vincent & the Grenadines at the start of summer 2023.
September 1, 2023
Galley Guys visit Amazona Nest in the St. Vincent Rain Forest
The October issue of Canadian Yachting magazine has long been our annual winter cruising guide and in the 2023 issue, we ran our destination story, Galley Guys (and Gals) Barefootin’ St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
December 27, 2019
The Secret Salmon Recipe – Finally Revealed!
It was during our annual trip to Nova Scotia that I was made aware of the special recipe for cooking salmon that was being held very tightly by an individual in Chester Nova Scotia. It was said that for several years this individual would show up at parties with this cooked salmon that became the centre of attention.
October 22, 2019
CY Galley Guy report: Annapolis Boat Show shows record attendance
The 2019 United States Sailboat Show concluded an epic 50th edition in historic downtown Annapolis last week. held October 10 to 14, over Canadian Thanksgiving this year’s show hit record numbers.
June 12, 2019
Galley Guys Invade the Scheuermann Winery
Good friends, good food and good times – that’s the Galley Guys motto, but we can be a bit obtrusive too. Not in a bad way. Not in a “get tossed out” way, but we can get “involved” in our work. So, we might grab the long-handled spatula and start turning our own pizza in the wood fired oven for example.
May 22, 2019
CY goes up the Shannon
When Canadian boaters explore the rest of of the world, it’s frequently aboard a vessel of some sort. Canadian Yachting’s Galley Guy mainstays Greg and John got away prior to launching their own boats, heading to the Emerald Isle for some river explorations.
April 10, 2019
CY Preview: Galley Guys – little ol’ winemakers
You may have read in the April issue of Canadian Yachting, that the Galley Guys took a delightful and scenic cruise on the Rideau Canal aboard a Le Boat Horizon Escape 1350.
January 9, 2019
Galley Guys Cruise the Rideau Canal with Le Boat
In the April issue of Canadian Yachting magazine, look for the return of the Galley Guys as they cruise the Rideau Canal aboard a new Le Boat. These are purpose built charter cruisers that feature a huge flying bridge…
June 27, 2018
The Galley Guys on the Rideau Canal Aboard Le Boat
Celebrating their grand opening on Tuesday, June 19, le boat has launched their first Canadian yacht charter operation on the beautiful Rideau Canal system in Ontario.
May 31, 2018
The Galley Guys and Our Little Secret
The theme of this June 2018 Canadian Yachting is Spring Launch & Summer Destinations, so going places in the boat is certainly at the heart of this issue.
April 3, 2018
Hogtown to Hogfish
The Galley Guys had a plan – get out of Toronto, jump on a boat, sail to Cuba, then wine and dine on some great Cuban cuisine.
November 23, 2017
The Galley Guys Travel to Newfoundland
With John Armstrong, Robin Ball and temporarily missing Andy Adams and Greg Nicoll. Photos by John Armstrong
June 7, 2017
The Galley Guys Meet the Ropot – Intelligent Robot Cooker
While many people are apprehensive about the approaching automated intelligence technologies and their potential impact on our lives in the future, the Galley Guys were quick to embrace the Ropot…
May 5, 2017
Real Men BBQ Quiche
The Galley Guys may not be able to achieve the impossible, but we’re always open to doing the unlikely so, while wasting a sunny Sunday afternoon on the boat we were seized by an idea – real men barbecue quiche!
March 30, 2017
Near-Beer Off the Pier
There is nothing so refreshing and enjoyable as a frosty, cold beer on a hot sunny afternoon, but sometimes one tastes like another and the added effects of the sun and the boat’s movements can make a couple of beers, a little too much.
August 31, 2016
Galley Guys Connect with Friends Both Old and New, at Rawley Resort
Imagine our surprise when we saw Stavebank II tied at the docks in Port Severn! This historic Canadian yacht had been the “slipmate” to John Armstrong’s boat…
January 6, 2016
The Galley Guys: On the Loose in Holland
Our boat for this trip was a Vision 1503 / 3 cabin, an upscale luxury canal boat designed exclusively for Le Boat for use on rivers and canals. Capt. John had great fun manoeuvring the boat with the joystick steering and bow thruster…
November 13, 2015
Krates Marina – Life In A Lifestyle Marina
This spring one of the largest privately owned marinas in the entire country changed ownership and with that change came a change in direction, taking a 550 slip working marina that dates back to the depression, and converting it into a lifestyle marina…
May 15, 2015
Strolling in Cobourg, ON
Oh sure…boaters love to go boating, but some also like to, you guessed it: stroll. One of the great things about boating the north shore of Lake Ontario is pulling into Cobourg Harbour to tie up for a visit and walk about town in a leisurely or idle manner…
March 12, 2015
Innovation: What’s New and What’s Old
It’s great when you come up with a new product that could make a genuine difference in the marine market… but it is equally vital that the innovator is able to share the innovation with the widest audience possible. One of the best ways to get the news of your Innovation out is by entering the annual DAME Competition – Design Award METS. The world’s number one international design competition for new marine equipment and accessories held at METS, the Marine Equipment and Trade Show that runs annually in Amsterdam, has enormous industry prestige and a worldwide commercial impact.
February 26, 2015
Old Salts and Sea Salts
The old sea salt expression; “Over the transom” can generally mean one of two things; we have lost something overboard, or something arrived unannounced. Most often if something arrives unnannounced, we just toss it back into the sea, however, sometimes the object can prove to be a real treasure. So, another boating cookbook arrived at our door without any advance warning and the choices were; to chuck it overboard, park it on the shelf with our other boating cookbooks, or crack it open and see if it was really something special. Wow, we were hooked like a salmon! Sea Salt: Recipes from the West Coast Galley by Alison Malone Eathorne, Hilary Malone and Lorna Malone with photography by Christina Symons and published by Harbour Publishing, instantly came to life.
February 17, 2015
Western Exposure
It is never the ‘same old, same old’ if you keep moving, laughing and making friends. And over the years, the Galley Guys have made many friends, laughed way too much and probably drank a little too much wine. One of our great friends, Frank Leffelaar, is a Dutch expat who has made the study and enjoyment of the foods and wines of British Columbia his mission in life. Frank is an avid sailor and has taken part in many Galley Guy adventures. On this year’s sailing trip, with Frank as cruise director, we seemed to spend a little bit more time on food and wine than hardcore cruising. I’m not really sure what ‘hardcore cruising’ is, but I have heard that some cruisers use that freeze-dried stuff. Not on this trip…only great menu with perfectly paired wines.
November 29, 2013
Galley Guy-Approved Henry’s Fish House at the Toronto International Boat Show
If you can’t make it to Georgian Bay and can’t live without delectable breaded Pickerel and crispy fries, the Galley Guys want you to know that Henry’s Fish House returns to the Toronto International Boat Show to freshly prepare its world-famous fish dishes!A favourite destination for thousands of boating enthusiasts looking for a taste of summer – Henry’s original permanent location is on Frying Pan Island in Georgian Bay, open only in summer with access by boat or seaplane.
August 20, 2013
There’s Nothing You Can Do That Can’t Be Done*, Old Bean
There is a moment, a special moment that boaters know, when the stillness is so perfect, and the sight of a breaking mist so fine it radiates as it fights the early morning sun to see which will rule the day. Ritual says that the first one up carefully fires up the kettle and waits ever so long for the whistle to blow – the come near signal. The whistle generates grunts and moans from mates hiding in bunks and berths as they search for just a few more minutes of sleep. Almost instantly, blankets and sheets and sleeping bags are pulled over heads to hide from the light, but the day has broken.
August 2, 2013
EZ Cruisin’ One Pot Chicken Dinner
Here is a motto to make your cruisin’ lifestyle better; know your boat, know your mechanic and know your butcher! Plan your course and chart your meals. In my younger days, while I was in training to someday become the Galley Guy I appear to be now, I enjoyed learning how to cook at home. You’d think my wife would’ve been appreciative, but she never failed to point out that (when I was finished) there wouldn’t be a clean pot or utensil left in the entire house.
March 8, 2013
Back at the 15th Street Fisheries
The “Must Do” Restaurant Experience at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of my favourite events each year but I’m never really sure if it’s the show itself or the fact that we always book a dinner at the 15th Street Fisheries when we are there. Next October, or anytime for that matter, if you’re planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale, lovers of fine fish and seafood need to schedule a visit to the 15th Street Fisheries.
November 29, 2012
Frankly Scallop, I don’t give a clam!
As the Galley Guys travel about we meet great people who share our joy for being on the water — sharing food and wine, and partaking in a little dinnertime storytelling. This particular gastronomic event was in the making for months and began with the mention of Digby scallops and a scheduled trip to Canada’s ocean playground, Nova Scotia. One of these great people is honorary Galley Guy, Jim Grove, who along with his most delightful wife, Dudley, proposed a scallop recipe that he has been tweaking for years.
September 12, 2012
Wining, Dining and Playing at Niagara-on-the-Lake
If you truly love great food, or if you are a fancier of great wine, or if great theatre stirs your intellect, then seek out Niagara-on-the-Lake and indulge yourself in this wonderful playground. You may have noticed that we used the conjunction “or” several times in the opening sentence. This conjunction is used to link two or more alternatives – very appropriate for Niagara-on-the-Lake where there are so many alternatives and choices in dining, tasting and culture that our biggest challenge was deciding where to begin. Also, we are in the land of the Shaw Festival and we are trying to appear somewhat “learned.”
August 1, 2012
Great Meal with a Slight Hiccup!
The Galley Guys are dedicated to the pursuit of happiness through the pleasure of connecting with good friends over great times centered around yachting and dining together on board. We all have our favorite meals and perhaps you have something special you like to make when you’re on board. This time, the Galley Guys went with John Armstrong’s favorite meal. He decided he wanted to treat us to the rich and delicious flavor of braised Lamb Shanks on a bed of German Spaetzle and covered with a flavorful onion garlic sauce.
April 19, 2012
The Galley Guys Go To C
The Galley Guys have heard it said that, “If you are lucky enough to be boating, then you are lucky enough”. This past week, in the middle of a squall, in 90 kilometre winds, three Canadian sailors (one was only nine years old) were rescued in the Pacific Ocean by the 240 metre freighter, Horizon Reliance, belonging to the North Carolina company Horizon Lines Inc. Nearing hypothermia, the three were plucked from the sea, from darkness, heavy rain and six metre waves. Here on the stormy ocean were incredible acts of bravery, courage, skill, unselfishness and luck. "The rescue efforts cost will be covered by Horizon Lines", Spokesman James Story said. “It's part of our obligations as seafarers.”
February 27, 2012
Canal Boating in the Alsace – One Lock at a Time
Dear Galley Guy Andy, Wish You Were Here! Sometimes in the life of a Galley Guy, opportunities to travel to great places just happen. However, sadly, sometimes life just gets in the way. This year, our friends at Le Boat offered the Galley Guys a canal boat to cruise through the Alsace region of France to savour the food and wines of this spectacular and lush corner of Eastern France. Unfortunately Andy’s “menu card” had already been committed for this summer, so sadly we left without him. John and Greg, along with wives Linda and & Katie, cleansed our palates and headed off to France in search of new culinary adventures.
February 10, 2012
The Galley Guys in Chester: Making Julia Proud!
Chester Race Week. What more can a Galley Guy say? Lots of boats. Top notch race committee work. Full on competitive racing. Fantastic people. Too much wind. Not enough wind. Mega rain. Hot and steamy weather. Spectacular scenery. Fun parties. Lots of handshakes. Big-time hugs. And a non-stop supply of Goslings dark rum in a concoction called Dark & Stormies (note the use the plural form). Old friends. New friends. First-time stories. Stories that you may have heard once or twice before.
October 26, 2011
A Sharpie and a Turkey
The Galley Guys have an idea, take out a sharpie and draw a big large circle on your calendar around October 10th, 2011, Thanksgiving Day. Consider this circle a waypoint for your boating season. Maybe even draw an arrow pointing to the circle as a statement that you are taking full measure of both the joy and beauty of your boat and the aboard companionship of friends and family. Many of our friends consider the passing of Labour Day as the hard stop of the season and resign themselves to shutting down for the winter.
October 18, 2011
The Galley Guys Go Cruising For Potluck
What is the etiquette for a potluck dinner? Should you bring a pot roast? Would fortune cookies bring luck? How about something more exotic? For example, a harpooned Canadian swordfish? Why not? Under glorious sunny skies, led by club Commodore Peter Rourke and his wife, along with Cruising Commanders Eva Robinson and her partner Trevor McAlpine, 31 boats set out from the Port Credit Yacht Club for an enjoyable, but short cruise east to the islands of Toronto Harbour on a recent Friday afternoon.
September 2, 2011
Galley Guys 43°15’N, 79°04’W
On a really clear day, from my homeport of the Port Credit Yacht Club, you can just see Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the most popular cruising destinations in Canada. The trip to Niagara takes about an hour by car or about five hours under sail, most of the time. Niagara-on-the-Lake, the site of the first meeting of the leaders of Upper Canada beckons boaters of all stripes to cruise and enjoy the best that Lake Ontario has to offer as a cruising destination. The Galleys Guys began their voyage optimistically wanting to do a story on the Niagara Peninsula but came to a quick realization that their eyes were bigger than their stomachs.
September 2, 2011
A Galley Guys Convenience Discovery
We Shop And Stow, You Board And Go It was a sunny mid-March Saturday in Vancouver. Granville Island was crawling with locals provisioning their home galleys. The boatyard is crammed with boaters drawn by the breaking weather to remove the tarps, hit the hard and refresh the bottom paint in anticipation of the 8 months of boating to come. (Don’t forget, by March on the West Coast we have already cut our lawns 3 times and been to the beach twice!)
September 2, 2011
An Essential Galley Read
February in Vancouver is frustrating for this Toronto-based Galley Guy. There are boats bobbing in the water, but no place to go. At home, shrinkwrap removes any temptation to sneak out for a cruise even although it looks so easy to cast off the lines, hoist a chute and take a run down English Bay. Bob Stevenson from Desolation Yacht Charters is planning to get his boats ready for action by late February and Marla from Cooper Boating is busily filling their charter schedule.
September 2, 2011
Bouride à la Provençal – One-Pot Gourmet Fare
It has long been the goal of the Galley Guys to eat well and drink elegantly while onboard. Our recipe this issue is “Bouride à la Provençal” prepared for us with style by Dwayne Kearney, Sous Chef at the Port Credit Yacht Club. Bouride à la Provençal is a Provençal fish stew consisting of, grouper, salmon, shrimps, scallops and mussels cooked in a fennel and saffron broth, garnished by a roasted red pepper aioli, spread on a crostini. It is both hearty and filled with interesting and distinct flavours that all come together beautifully in a single bowl.