The NMMA bought it from Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show in 1992, and now, Canadians will be taking over again.  The owner of the Toronto International Boat Show will be Canadian Boat Shows Inc, a new company that will be led by Linda Waddell.  Linda is currently vice president of Northern Shows for the NMMA.  She will remain with the NMMA until the sale is final.

Part of New England Boat Show Display

In January, the NMMA purchased the New England Boat Show that calls itself “the oldest, largest, and most respected boating marketplace in the Northeast.”  It takes place at the end of February.

These moves, according to the NMMA are part of long term repositioning of the organization’s boat show portfolio.  NMMA president Thom Dammrich says “Selling the Toronto show is a strategic decision that allows us to expand our reach in other markets and better position NMMA to best serve the industry for the long term.  There are a lot of opportunities for NMMA and the recreational boating industry as the economy rebounds and we make changes to better align with shifts in the economic climate.”

Dammrich adds that Toronto is a strong market and with Linda Waddell at the helm of the show, it will continue to offer “incredible value for the industry.”

The NMMA will maintain its presence in Canada to serve the needs of marine manufacturers doing business here, with an emphasis on government relations, member communications, research and statistics and the Canadian Discover Boating campaign.  Its offices will remain in Bolton, Ontario.

John Irwin on left in boat... judging boat handling skill at Ontario Place

John Irwin was one of those people who seemed like you’ve known him for years even though you’ve just met.  Full of life, ready to laugh, engaging in conversation… in my experience, at least, he loved to talk about boats or aircraft.  He seemed the kind of person who’d be fun on a long voyage.

John was shop foreman and founding employee of Bristol Marine and Harbour Marine before it.  His knowledge of boats was prodigious and he was very creative in the repairs and improvements to all kinds of watercraft.

Sadly, John had a fatal heart attack on Saturday February 13, leaving his young son, Cole and wife Sheila.  There will be a memorial service on Thursday February 18 at Cawthra Park United Church, 1465 Leda Avenue in Mississauga. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Cole Irwin’s Education Trust Fund, at the service, or at Bristol Marine. c/o Vince Pietracupa, 1 Port St E Mississauga, L5G 4N1

Looking Up Toward Sturgeon Lake from Lock 32

Lock 32 - Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon is one of the prettiest locks on the Trent Severn Canal.  It’s also the oldest.  Boats began locking through from Pigeon to Sturgeon Lake back in 1833.  The park beside the lock is not as big as some but this place has an ancient feel to it… the big old trees certainly help.  Mind you, this can be a very busy place in the summer time.  In one day, 370 boats made their way through.  It’s no wonder that one of the favorite activities of cottagers, tourists and locals alike is boat gawking… watching the boats lock through.  The town that the canal transects is very appealing, too. In facts boats often start taking up overnight mooring spaces from the time the lock first opens.  So if you plan to stay, get here early.

Downtown Bobcaygeon is Steps Away

You can get an ice cream, a quick bite, a full meal, or ingredients to make your own (there’s a supermarket steps from the lock).  The LCBO is not far away, and there’s a hardware store, gift stores and more.  In fact Bobcaygeon’s downtown is worth a good look around and there are many events to take in, including the Ontario Open Fiddle and Stepdance Contest, Bobcaygeon Fall Fair, and Cruisefest.

Lock Master's House

When you want a new boat...

Need your PCOC (no excuses now!)

Want to Follow the Warm Weather South...

Need a Slip to Moor in

Or need to scratch your "foot-itis"

These are the people you should see… they fill out your boating experience.

Through the Gate, Under the Canoe... there's Henry's!

Henry’s Fish House is known everywhere - “World Famous” is accurate. Out on Frying Pan Island in Georgian Bay or on the shore at Doral Marine Resort, people come from all over to dig into the best tasting fish… pickerel’s a favourite but not the only choice. People arrive by boat, even fly in, just for the unmistakable flavour of fresh. Come down to the Toronto International Boat Show and get a taste that’s known around the world.

The Henry's Gang is Ready to Serve!

While he’s more used to instructing on larger craft, Dusty’s hard at work every day of the Toronto International Boat Show at Exhibition Place. The person at the helm follows Dusty’s instructions to land the boat and take off, as Dusty describes what he’s doing to the crowd that gathers. One of the reasons for the smaller boat is the depth of the water. The Lake gives show-goers a few moments of summer experience - in a canoe, kayak or paddleboat - but it’s not deep enough for twins, or even many larger singles. This day Dusty’s “student” is Mark Steckley who often helps Dusty out at the various Boat Shows. Mark took instruction from Dusty on his twin cruiser at Port Credit.