Heading to Toronto Boat Show

[Seaweed2]

We are planning on heading up to the Toronto Boat Show next weekend. They have some interesting seminars and it looks like a pretty big indoor show. I hope it doesn't get me too much more anxious for the warmer weather, but I am willing to take that chance. Anyone been before? Any recommendations?

[Seaweed2]

OK, here's my report on a pretty nice Toronto boat show. They had a good number of seminars, usually about 45 minutes to an hour long, on all sorts of topics, everyday. A lot of cruising topics and a good deal of maintenance items too. There were all kinds of parts and associated sundries available by local and big name vendors. Lots of charter and tourism solicitors from all over, but especially the Caribbean. The ice rink where the Toronto Marlies play (farm team for the Maple Leafs Hockey) was thawed and filled with about three feet of water to create a lake. They mounted a tow cable with a winch, put in some jumps, and held a few professional wake board championships, water ski jumping, paddle board competitions, and Sea Flea boat races. On the display floor we saw an awful lot of power boats all the way up to 50+ feet. The sailboat display was quite a bit smaller but still had at least a dozen or so boats of up to 50 some feet also. I clamored around on them as much as I could but honestly walked away as comfortable as ever with my good ole CD28! I have to admit that prior to looking at these boats I was a little concerned that I would be overly envious of what newer bigger boats might have to offer. Rest assured there is great value in 'knowing' the boat you have and being able to access and maintain said boat with your own hands. Sure, comfort might sometimes be sacrificed, but how well can I sleep in a soft cozy bed on a vessel I owe more money than I can afford hoping that the repairman will be able to access, diagnose, and squeeze into some obscure space that wasn't designed for anyone larger than the gremlin that caused the problem? It seemed like functionality was too much traded for comfort and dockside styling. I guess not enough of "my" kinds of boats were available. I came away with a better appreciation of the Canadian sailing opportunities and the waters that are available to them. Mind you there were vendors from all over Canada in attendance, even Vancouver. It seemed as though everyone was quite amiable and willing to chat about boating, no matter what questions you posed. I was able to procure some obscure parts that internet searches had not helped much with and met some circumnavigators and single handers that inspired me even more. I went home feeling enlightened, relieved, and quite encouraged. And I didn't spend too much either!

[John Stone]

That’s a really great synopsis. Sounds like a fine boat show.

I think your assessment regarding the new bigger amenities filled boats is spot on. There is no lack of work for marine technicians down here in the Caribbean. A constant stream of workers are going from the docks to the boats to repair and replace equipment. The more complicated the boat the more the money is moving from a sailor’s pocket to the technicians. The amount of money being spent to repair boats here is shocking.

Stay warm and dream of the fine sailing days just a few months away.