Our Boating Adventures

January may be the beginning of a new year, but for many of us, it is still the middle of winter with freezing temperatures, lots of snow and empty slips. Our boats are stored in buildings, under shrink wrap or tarps and spring launch is four or five months away.

January is also the beginning of numerous Winter Boat Shows that ignite the desire to get back on the water. Just coming back from the Toronto International Boat Show, after talking with hundreds of boaters and marine industry friends, we are excited about the boating again-summer can't come soon enough.

Many boaters (specifically Doug), are suffering...

“He” is the Captain and “She” is the First Mate. At least, that’s the way it seems most of the time, as we seldom see women at the wheel—especially when docking or anchoring. But, it doesn’t have to be that way!

An early departure from the Melbourne Marina in Florida-while we enjoyed breakfast on the bridge would allow us a full day on the water heading north on the Intra Coastal Waterway. We had enjoyed the last two months cruising the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas with our friends. The morning sunshine lit up the multi-million dollar homes along the shoreline, while dolphins challenged our digital cameras. Cruising life doesn't get much better than this! But,

The Sea of Abaco is surrounded by Cays at the north east corner of the Bahamas just 670 miles east of Florida. A chain of Cays protects the Sea of Abaco from the Atlantic Ocean that drops approximately 2000 feet deep on one side, while a few larger islands protect it from the Gulfstream. The whole aqua-blue Sea of Abaco is only 1 to 12 feet deep. It’s calm, yet breezy, providing the perfect boating destination.

Last spring, my wife Brenda and I were fortunate to join the thousands of North American boaters—many from Canada—who regularly cruise this southern paradise.

Power Boating Canada's Doug Dawson provides an in-depth account on his recent on-water journey to one of Canada's most popular cruising destinations.

Published in Power Boating Canada Magazine Volume 21 Number 3 - June 2006 by Doug Dawson

The Ontario Marine Operators Association, in conjunction with its members, scheduled six Discover Boating Events for this summer. The goal of the events is to allow people to Discover Boating. People are encouraged to come by and go for a free boat ride and experience a whole new world on the water.