Not Quite World Domination

playing with the big kids

Nov 9, 2023

playing with the big kids

Don’t look now, but Canada is quietly sneaking up the ranks as one of the world’s more significant boating nations.  I’m sorry Johnny-boy – did you say ‘curling’?  Hockey? Ice-fishing?

Let’s start with sailing. As you’ll read in this issue, Canada just took four medals in sailing at the PanAm Games. Now, that’s not quite the Olympics, but significantly stronger than in years past. Let’s look at SailGP, seen as the grand prix of sailing worldwide.  The Canadian entry is showing some real moxie and now Canada has been awarded a SailGP event to be run in Halifax in June next year. That’s one of just a dozen such events in the world and puts us in the same sentence as the US, France, Spain, and mighty NZ. 

Consider the business side of boating. Quebec based Vision Marine is one of the globe’s pioneers in electric power and there’s blossoming electrification sector growing nearby in the region. Canada is a major force in aluminum boatbuilding (which is a surprisingly large segment). BRP (Seadoo), BC’s Bryton Marine Group and several others are evolving as respected international names based here. It may be a while until we return to the glory days of C&C, CS, Hinterhoeller, Doral, and Thundercraft.. but never say never.

I don’t need to remind you that our boating season is comparatively limited, and probably because of that it’s tough to rank #1 or even #10.  Nonetheless the boating here at home does not live in isolation (unlike ice-fishing). The US and European biggies continue to rule the roost, but little Canada is doing ok too.

John Morris, Online Editor

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