Fun for a great cause

 

Apr 13, 2023

Two Fridays ago, I really enjoyed attending the Yachtsmen’s Spring Thaw Luncheon. It was held in Toronto but as socializing returns to normal, I hope it will be replicated across the country in years to come.  The Luncheon, like a lot of events, was derailed for the Covid years but the folks at Broad Reach Canada resurrected the very popular tradition both to celebrate the season and to raise awareness for their organization, which assists in bringing kids who might otherwise not have a chance to do so, get out on the water in boats.

Once an event stops, it can be hard to re-start but the turnout was pretty sizeable, thanks to some energetic e-blasting and the contribution of guest speaker, Billy Gooderham, who brought the Canadian Sail GP Team to life with a superbly engaging slide and video presentation.

The highlights of the event, besides Billy, include a lot of hand shaking with old and new friends, a look out onto Lake Ontario and particularly the opportunity to get back in the boating mood. I have said it before in this space but like you, I am pumped to have a normal summer of boats and more boats. For those of you from Nanaimo to Lewisporte, a get together lunch with many friends is a really fine way to kick off spring boating activity.

Congrats to Broad Reach Canada for taking the initiative and thanks to all of you who shook some hands, enjoyed the presentation, and shared some time with boating amigos.  You can feel it getting closer every day.

Photo caption.  CANSail GP’s flight controller,  Billy Gooderham, helped welcome the great weather  including photo ops with fans at the Spring Thaw Luncheon.

John Morris
Online Editor

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