An Elegant Evening To Announce The Arrival Of The New VanDutch Boats And Lounge At Friday Harbour All Seasons Resort

Vandutch Launch

Feb 7, 2017

The incredible VanDutch 30 is unveiled. Guests lined up throughout the evening to get on board to get an up-close look.

On Friday, January 20th, the first of a series of events announcing the opening of the remarkable new Friday Harbour All Seasons Resort was held in downtown Toronto. The star of the show was the VanDutch 30, a unique, avant-garde type of yacht that pushes the boundaries and raises the bar for modern design and advanced technology.

Sold internationally through a select group of VanDutch Sales and Service Centres, the VanDutch is the work of Frank Mulder the award-winning designer. Friday Harbour Resort has partnered with VanDutch, bringing the distinguished brand to Canada and will host a VanDutch Sales Centre on the resort property.

Friday Harbour has a unique type of integration in the many features and amenities of this new 600 acre waterfront, retail, golf and nature complex. One of the most exciting offerings will be the VanDutch Lounge. This has been designed to allow Friday Harbour residents and members to embrace their favorite beachside pastimes. The VanDutchLounge incorporates nuances of some of the world’s finest waterfront destinations.

Vandutch Rob LeanneThe resort will also have a wide range of other watercraft available including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and personal watercraft available for the enjoyment of their residents and guests.

Rob Walters, Marina Manager and Leanne Ruest , Chief Sales and Services Officer of Friday Harbour All Seasons Resort.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Marina Manager Rob Walters, who explained to us that the Marina will boast a 1,000 slip facility upon completion and will be able to accommodate vessels from runabouts to 100 foot yachts. Anything that can access Lake Simcoe through the Trent- Severn Waterway can be accommodated at Friday Harbour All Seasons Resort. The Marina plans to open this summer.

As one of only six Certified Marina Managers in Canada, Friday Harbour’s Rob Walters is helping to establish this all seasons resort as Ontario’s premier waterside attraction. “Our service philosophy at the marina is consistent with the entire resort,” he says. “To exceed expectations, anticipate needs and to make the impossible, possible.”

For Friday Harbour residents, this means offering luxury concierge services and ensuring boats are ready when needed. Services will include everything from detailing and maintenance, to having the fridge fully stocked with snacks and beverages.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Leanne Ruest at the event. As Chief Sales and Services Officer, Leanne makes it her mission to ensure that all residents and guests have an experience that is genuinely world-class. Officially, she’s responsible for retail sales, the membership and rental programs, marketing and communications and the personalized service department, making her the point person for the luxury resort experience provided at Friday Harbour.

The elegant surroundings and impressive organization of their introductory event leaves no doubt that Friday Harbour will be in a class by itself when the first residents start moving in this summer.
Visit fridayharbourresort.com

Andy Adams

Related Articles


Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More


Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More