But I haven’t had enough fun yet
Aug 26, 2021
Finally, flapjacks are back: on Saturday, August 7, Bayport Yachting Centre in Midland held a pancake breakfast.
From zero to 100, the boating season has suddenly gone into overdrive. This summer will be remembered as a sprint from heavy lockdown to an almost fully open bonanza of boats. Suddenly the pent up demand translated into busy docks, boats everywhere, regattas and races and crowds at cruising beaches.
It has all been a very ‘Canadian polite surge of activity. Most clubs and marinas have been cautious and the boaters have been respectful. People sit on the patio but at a distance. They step out of each other’s way on narrow docks. Sanitizer and direction arrows are still in play if not with the desperation we saw earlier in the pandemic. Guests are coming down to go out on the water and snacks are making the rounds almost like ‘normal’.
Marinas are holding events; that hadn’t happened last year at all. Boat shows are gingerly readying for a comeback. People are shedding facemasks and the braver diners have gone inside on occasion. But you can tell from the talk and the look on their faces, no one really thinks that it’s completely over, even with double vax. Maybe make that a double-double, please.
We people who enjoy boating have been winners this summer and our ranks are growing as previous non-boaters join the fun. That’s both good and bad: good for anyone trying to sell a boat, not so good if you’re trying to buy one or trade up. There are suddenly a lot of new boat operators who don’t appear to know nearly enough. If they are smart, they will be racing to CPS chapters to enroll in basics courses. Getting the operator’s cards and VHF training. There’s a lot to know.
Not quite the summer we had hoped for but a lot better than one we might have feared. Here’s the unvarnished sad truth however; there’s less than a month of summer left. Get busy and maximize it, then fingers crossed for a beautiful autumn.
John Morris
Online Editor
Canadian Yachting Magazine
CYonboard@kerrwil.com
