38th Annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival a Huge Success

Bob Nicoll

By all measures the 38th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival was a huge success. Congratulations to the Festival Chair, Hessel Oerlemans and his many volunteers and sponsors.

While cruising  the docks I was attracted to a beautifully restored 40 Ft yacht named HONH II. Dan and Vicky Tharp are the current owners of this Grenfell Yacht. It was only one of two built by Thornton Grenfell at his Vancouver yard in 1968. The Hull has Lapstrake Mahogany Planking with Bent Oak Frames and Teak Decks. The layout has Forward and Aft Cabins each with Heads. The Galley is located on the Pilot House Deck.

Two Volvo Penta 6 Cyl,165hp engines were installed in 1984.

A large removable hatch spills light and air into the Main Salon, but the feature I found most interesting was a retractable roof on the Fly-bridge, that allows you to sit up with the wind in your face while underway.

The Tharp’s originally from Wichita Kansas took up residence in Sydney BC in 2011. They took ownership of their Yacht this last Spring. New to West Coast boating, they took a very practical approach by hiring a professional to get them familiar with the Yacht and the cruising area around Vancouver Island.  This has made for a very safe and pleasurable adventure with their new found love HONH II.

Congratulations are also in order to festival award winners.

http://www.classicboatfestival.ca/awards—2015.htm