2000's Bras d’Or Station History

2000's Bras d’Or Station History

February 4, 2025
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Bras d'Or

2000

  • Rear Commodore, Doug Henshaw
  • Secretary Treasurer, Charles Westropp
  • Cruise Chairman, George Jollymore
  • Membership, Hans Himmelman
  • Historian, Robert Downie
  • Inspector General, Charles Church
  • Fleet Surgeon, Gordon Mack

 

January 28, 2000 - Winter Social at Blomidon Inn

 

Spring Meeting, April 14th 2000, 3:00 p.m. Wardroom, HMCS Ville de Quebec
Commander Greg Aiken was thanked for a splendid tour of his ship, and the reception hosted by his wardroom.  This was probably the first CCA meeting to be held on HMC ships.

 

Spring Cruise - June 17th Lunenburg Harbour
CURLEW, SPARTAN, DELAWANA & RESTLESS VI

 

The raft up was enlivened by a call for help.  During the salvage process, two of our members fell overboard from their dinghy while getting a line to a mooring; the ensuing rescue process was a little too real to be amusing, but both were brought aboard a member’s dinghy, though one was in the water for 15 minutes or so.  

 

Fred Voegeli was a guest on board, and at the evening dinner at the Boscawen Inn.  

 

The Tall Ships visited Halifax in late June.

 

Fall Cruise, September 16th  Mahone Bay
HARDTACK, SPARTAN, AMASEK, WINDSWEPT & SURPRISE

 

Fall Social held October 21st.  The Henshaws, our hosts, provided the main course and members supplied either a starter or a dessert.

 

Dennis Linton was formally welcomed to the Station

 

Annual Meeting, November 24th, 2000 at RNSYS
RC Henshaw, announced a new Millennium Bowl award to be presented to Bras d’Or Station members who had done something of merit for the Station in that year.  The “bowl” was >>>> Doug Henshaw had found >>>> and had mounted on a wooden stand.

 

2000 was the first year the Millennium Bowl was presented and it was given to Gordon and Kathleen Mack for their outstanding contribution to our Station.  

 

2001

  • Station Rear Commodore, Vince Lambie
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Hans Himmelman
  • Cruise Chairman, George Jollymore
  • Historian, Robert Downie
  • Membership Committee Chairman, Charles Westropp
  • Inspector General, Charles Church
  • Fleet Surgeon, Gordon Mack.
  • Archivist, Roderick Fraser

 

Winter Social “late January” – Blomidon Inn

A most delightful social evening was enjoyed in late January at the charming old Blomidon Inn in the historic University town of Wolfville, N.S.  Plans were laid and mulled over for the forthcoming cruising year as well as for the more competitive events such as the Marian/Bermuda and Marblehead/Halifax races.  Fred Voegeli was welcomed as a new member and he introduced his wife Nancy.

 

Following a brief “fitting out” luncheon at the Galley, (in Chester Basin), the first “raft-up” of the season was held on June 16th at the secluded and secure anchorage in Blind Bay, an off-shoot of Shad Bay on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.  With six boats in attendance, they enjoyed a weekend of relaxation and exploration of the many quaint coves and potential anchorages in the area.

 

The fall raft-up, a highlight of the Millennium year cruising season and/or the post-Marblehead race activities, was held in the picturesque sanctuary of Hubbards Cove on the western end of St. Margaret’s Bay.  Six yachts attended.

 

We enjoyed a magnificent summer, from the viewpoint of weather, though that view may not be shared by some of those station members who participated in the Marblehead to Halifax race in early July.  Speaking of that classic contest, the Station noted with much pride that our CCA member, Hal Davies, in his C&C 37R Third Wave carried away class honours while our new member Fred Voegeli secured a second in his class in the Marion to Bermuda race aboard his Mason 44.

 

A luncheon meeting was held at RNSYS in Halifax on October 5th, 2001, followed by an “end of season” gathering at the charming home of Kit and Gretchen McCurdy.  Gretchen was extended a warm welcome as our newest and first female member.  Station members on hand were heard relating their tales of cruising in the Bras d’Or Lakes (TRIPLICITY, SPARTAN and AMASEK), the Magdalene Islands (AKUBRA – Reg Goodday) and CARPE DIEM (Denis Linton) in European waters (ULIDIA – Dr. Peter Watts and in Bermuda (DELAWANA – Hans Himmelman and AKUBRA (Reg Goodday).

 

The station calendar concluded with the AGM at the Squadron on Friday, November 23, 2001, a magnificent first year into the uncertain years of the new century.


The Annual Report stated:

“The Annual General Meeting of the Bras d’Or Station was held at the Club House of the RNSYS On November 24, 2000.  Hans Himmelman was elected our new Scribe and Secretary while Vincent F. Lambie relieves Douglas Henshaw, after a job well done.  After the usual reports and a review of notices of upcoming cruises in 2001, those present enjoyed an excellent luncheon and the inevitable stories of exotic places visited and old friends encountered anew.”

 

The Millennium Bowl was presented to George Jollymore

 

2002

  • Station Rear Commodore, Vince Lambie
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Hans Himmelman
  • Cruise Chairman, George Jollymore
  • Historian, Dennis Linton
  • Membership Committee Chairman, Charles Westropp
  • Inspector General, Charles Church
  • Fleet Surgeon, Gordon Mack.

 

Calendar:

  • Social Evening, Blomidon Inn, January 19th
  • Spring Meeting, April 18th
  • Spring Raft, June 22nd
  • Fall Raft, September 14th 
  • Business Meeting October 11th
  • Social Evening at McCurdy’s, Pot Luck, October 26th 
  • Annual Meeting, November 27th

 

New Members: David Arenburg
        
The Recipient of the Millennium Bowl was Charles Church

 

Charles Church died December 22nd 2002 ay 86 years of age. His Station position of Inspector General has been retired.

 

Denis Linton’s Report, Fall 2002:

 

“On behalf of the members of the Bras d’Or station, most sincere thanks to Bob Downie for the many years of service, including writing the Station Report.  Bob always provided us with an interesting account of the Station year enhanced by numerous photographs.

 

“At the 2001 Annual Meeting the Millennium Bowl was awarded to George Jollymore for his contribution to the Station over many years.  Most recently George prepared the chart blow-ups for our raft ups and they were without equal.

 

“The onshore activities got under way in January 2 at the Blomidon Inn, Wolfville.  This is always a most pleasant occasion with members and spouses catching up on events and plans for the coming year.

 

“In April the Station had its spring business meeting, followed by dinner at the Galley in Chester.  The anticipation of a new sailing season filled the air.  The fall meetings will be held at RNSYS in October and November and the year will close with a social evening generously hosted by the Himmelmans.

 

“Poor weather in the Nova Scotia region this past spring shortened the local sailing season by two or three weeks.  This is only noteworthy because our season is already on the short side.  Fred Voegeli (FRISCO) and Hal Davies (THIRD WAVE) were very active on the racing side.  Both participated in the inaugural bi-annual Halifax St. Pierre race.  There were two classes, one direct to St. Pierre and then a cruising class with a stop in Louisburg.  FRISCO was the overall winner in the cruising class.  The race is being held in alternate years to the Marblehead - Halifax race.  Apart from his role as skipper of THIRD WAVE, Hal Davies was most instrumental in both the conception and successful running of the race, a significant achievement.

 

“The cruising side of our station was also active.  AKUBRA to Maine, CARPE DIEM I to Bermuda, DELAWANA (the new Swan) spent a bit of time cruising in Rhode Island Sound and the Buzzard’s Bay area.  Sandy MacMillan delivered his new boat MANANA II from the Abacos to Nova Scotia.  In addition, AKUBRA, SPARTAN and CARPE DIEM I participated in the RNSYS Annual Cruise to the Bras d’Or Lakes.  FRISCO also visited Sable Island on the return from the St. Pierre race.

 

“Two raft-ups highlighted 2002 on the water activities.  The spring event was held at Pig lsland, just north of the well-known anchorage Rogue’s Roost.  Competing events in the sailing community that weekend coupled with a late start to the season were contributing factors to a low turnout.  Three boats made the rendezvous.  TRIPLICITY, FRISCO and CARPE DIEM I enjoyed the quiet anchorage.  The fall raft up was held in Deep Cove, Mahone Bay.  Nine boats and one rum barrel made it to a most successful afternoon and evening.  FRISCO, HARDTACK, SURPRISE, KEHAAR III, AMASEK, WINDSWEPT, RESTLESS VI, ANTARES (David Booher) and David Arenburg in his Boston Whaler.  The afternoon was blessed with sunshine and moderate SW winds.

 

2003

  • Rear Commodore, Charles Westropp
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Denis Linton
  • Membership Chair, David Arenburg
  • Cruise Chairman, George Jollymore
  • Historian, Gretchen McCurdy
  • Station Surgeon, Gordon Mack

 

Calendar:

  • Winter Social, February 1st
  • Spring Meeting, April 10th 
  • Spring Raft Up – June 21st – Scot’s Cove
  • Fall Raft Up – September 10th 
  • Fall Business Meeting, October 2nd 
  • Fall Social, October 25th at the Himmelmans
  • Annual Meeting, November 26th, RNSYS

 

New member Wilson Fitt was welcomed during a special get-together at Syd and Sandy Dumaresq’s home and afterwards at the Rope Loft on June 7th

 

Peter Watt’s ULIDIA returned from Europe in mid-June, leaving Vigo, Spain bound for the Azores and Nova Scotia with a crew of CCA members, the McCurdy’s, Rod Fraser and George Jollymore; Alan Bishop, although not yet a member, was also on board, as well as Kit and Gretchen McCurdy’s daughter, Elizabeth McCurdy.  A fifth of the Station!

 

ULIDIA had been in Europe since 1996, visiting Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, England and Spain.

 

Fred Voegeli on FRISCO left Shad Bay on June 4th, to sail to Newport RI for the start of the Daimler Chrysler North Atlantic Challenge on 14th June.  The finish line was at the mouth of the river Elbe, near Cuxhaven.  There were two marks to be observed during the race.  A point Alpha marking the southern edge of ice hazards, left to port and Fair Isle and UK to be let to starboard.  FRISCO was the only Canadian boat, and was awarded a prize for last place.

 

No details on either raft up is provided in the Station minutes, other than to note that 6 boats attended the spring raft up, and there were ten boats at the fall raft up, possibly the highest number in the Station’s history.

 

The fall meeting was cancelled due to Hurricane Juan

 

At the AGM in November, Charles Westropp presented the Millennium Bowl to Peter Watts in recognition of his 6 years (1996-2003) in Europe with Ulidia.

 

Gretchen McCurdy presented a special award – the Canadian Flag – to David Booher on the occasion of his officially becoming a landed immigrant.

 

2004

  • Rear Commodore, Charles Westropp
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Denis Linton
  • Membership Chair, David Arenburg
  • Cruise Chairman, George Jollymore
  • Historian, Gretchen McCurdy
  • Station Surgeon, Gordon Mack

 

Calendar:

  • January 4 – Winter Social at the Lunenburg Arms, Pelham Street, Lunenburg
  • April 7 – Spring Business Meeting, The Galley, Chester
  • June 26 – Spring Raft Up 
  • Sept 11 – Fall Raft Up
  • October 6 – Fall Business meeting, RNSYS

  • October 23 – Fall SocialNovember 24 – Annual Meeting, RNSYS

     

Four sets of guests at Winter Social:

  • Iain & Lesley Tulloch, guests of Fred Voegeli
  • Sam Rogers & Suezan Aikins – members from Boston Station, transferring
  • Al & Debbie Bishop, guests of Peter Watts
  • David Archibald and Mary Filbee

 

New members:  Dr. Alan Bishop, Iain Tulloch & David Archibald

 

Spring Raft Up in Scots Cove had only three boats because of very poor weather FIRST LIGHT, CHRISTINA GRANT & ULIDIA

 

The Station hosted a reception at RNSYS before the start of the race for the seven station boats, which took part in the 2nd Route St. Pierre Race: THIRD WAVE, ZIMAZ, AKUBRA, BLACK IRISH, FIRST LIGHT, CHRISTINA GRANT & CARPE DIEM I

 

Ernest Hamilton from Boston Station participated from Louisburg leg in GLOOSCAP II

 

FIRST LIGHT, ZIMAZ cruised to the South Coast of Newfoundland on the way back from St. Pierre.

 

Syd Dumaresq, in SURPRISE, circumnavigated Cape Breton, and visited St. Paul’s Island

 

Fall Raft Up also took place in Scot’s Cove with nine boats.  It was suggested that this is an excellent location, which is convenient for most members.

 

Millennium Bowl was presented to Rod Fraser in recognition of his writing and sharing the Station history from 1966 through to 2000.

2005
 

  • Station Rear Commodore – Dennis Linton
  • Secretary Treasurer – Hal Davies
  • Cruise Chairman – Phil Wash
  • Membership Chair – David Arenburg
  • Historian – Wilson Fitt
  • Fleet Surgeon – J. Douglas Henshaw

 

Calendar

  • January 22, Winter Social – Oak Island Inn
  • April 6, Spring Business Meeting, The Galley
  • June 25, Spring Raft Up
  • September 10, Fall Raft Up
  • October 5, Fall business meeting, RNSYS
  • October 22, Fall Social
  • November 23, Annual Meeting, RNSYS

 

New members: Jim Evans transferred from Florida Station, Will Apold

 

The Winter Social at Oak Island Inn was memorable for the fact that it was held the evening before a major winter storm.  Several of those who had planned to stay at the Inn drove home in anticipation of the storm.

 

At the spring business meeting in April, Sandy MacMillan gave a presentation on the “World of Sails”.  Sandy Dumaresq hosted a dinner for spouses at their lovely home in Chester.

 

Spring raft was held in the lee of Pig Island in Prospect Harbour.  12 yachts attended.

 

A number of members accepted appointments in yachting organizations: Glen Dexter joined the CYA board as VP Canadian Sailing Team.  A former Canadian Olympian with fellow member Sandy MacMillan and Andreas Josenhans in the Soling Class, World Champion in 1977 and 1980, he has broad experience in world class racing, and ocean racing and cruising.

 

Will Apold, owner of J/160 Excalibur and winner of last year’s Route Halifax St. Pierre (7 CCA members, 29 Canadian entries) has been appointed to the International Sailing Federation’s Offshore Committee.  

 

In the Fall GAM 2005, Hal Davies writes in part:

“All was not zephyrs and fair winds, however.  Al Bishop set off in his Cal 39, First Light IV in light airs for an overnight trip from Chester to Bras d’Or.  He was rudely awakened by violent motion and the boat rounding up.  She was virtually uncontrollable and subsequent examination in daylight showed most of the rudder and rudderstock had parted company.  Some steering was possible using judicious small sections of a headsail, aggressive throttle, and what little of the rudder remained, although the 25 knots and gusting winds made it challenging.  After several long hours of steering a zigzag course, they reduced the yaw from 60 degrees to 30 degrees and by dawn, Cape Breton hove into view.  Arrival at St. Peter’s Canal was a reward for a plucky crew, and the actual berthing at the canal was entertainment for a handful of local fishermen.”

 

Fall raft up was at West Dover, where 10 boats rafted together in the lee of an island providing wonderful protection from a south westerly, swung a little close to shore when the wind piped up from the northwest.  We enjoyed the rum barrel and potluck dinners onboard Ulidia and Zimaz, where Jim Evans entertained us royally singing sea shanties.

 

Bras D’Or Station Historian’s Report Fall 2005

 

Wilson Fitt, Bras d’Or Historian

 

The Bras d’Or Station has continued to thrive this year with a new watch on deck that includes Denis Linton as Rear Commodore, Hal Davies as Secretary/Treasurer, and Phil Wash as Cruise Chair. Doug Henshaw, incoming Fleet Surgeon, advised the annual meeting that the members appear to be a healthy lot, an assessment supported by the healthy appetites and thirsts on display. David Arenburg continues his exemplary work as Membership Chair, and I took over as Historian.

 

In mid-January 2005, we gathered with spouses and guests for the winter social at the Oak Island Inn, looking out over ice covered Mahone Bay and plotting cruises for the summer to come. The ice had moved out by the time we gathered again for the Spring Meeting in Chester where Station member, Olympic sailor and sailmaker Sandy MacMillan gave us a rundown on the current state of the sail making art. The racers among us were brought up to speed on the cloth and sail making technologies, while we traditionalists were comforted by the news that Dacron still works and is here to stay.

 

Our fleet assembles each year on the last weekend in June and the first weekend in September. Both events were blessed with excellent weather this year, a contrast with some prior years. Twelve boats came into the lee of Pig Island in Prospect Harbour in June and we particularly enjoyed watching Fred and Nancy Voegeli raft their daughter’s Tanzer 22 alongside Delawana, taking note that Fred’s masthead was about the height of the Swan’s lower spreaders. Fred and Nancy’s Frisco is on the hard in Vindo Marina, Sweden while they have been diverted into building a new house and an ultra-light airplane (!!). Most of us crowded into Peter and Barbara Watt’s capacious saloon aboard Ulidia for an amazing pot-luck supper and stories of sailing done, planned or imagined.

 

The September gathering of the fleet was equally successful.  The eleven boat raft spent quite a bit of time fussing with anchors in a strong north-westerly wind, but eventually we all settled down and enjoyed another fine evening of food, drink and song, the latter courtesy of Jim Evans of the Florida Station, now resident of Murray Harbour in Prince Edward Island. Quite a few of us had a chance to look at Medley, Sam Rogers’ new (to him) Gary Mull designed Orion 50 and offer opinions about suitable preparations for his planned Atlantic Circuit next year with his brother in law and four teenagers.

 

Between all the socializing, some members of the Bras d’Or Station actually found time to go sailing. Hans Himmelman brought Delawana home from Tortola to Nova Scotia via Bermuda in 9 days, 2 hours sailing time. As reported in GAM, Denis Linton’s Carpe Diem, Reg Gooday’s Akubra and Wilson Fitt’s Christina Grant enjoyed a spring cruise to Bermuda and back in May. Akubra had an exceptionally fast trip out and back, surviving a direct lightning strike on the homebound trip without damage. Carpe Diem introduced a crew of prairie boys to deep-water sailing. Christina Grant, having enjoyed the attention of a full outbound crew including BDO member Iain Tulloch, managed to bring her skipper home alone.

 

Our Cruise Chair, Phil Wash, may have taken the Station record for the most competitive sailing this year. He sailed the BVI Spring Regatta, the Swan Caribbean Regatta, the Fugawi Race Weekend, Tortola to Newport and the 100th anniversary Marblehead to Halifax Race while still finding time to cross the Gulf of Maine four times and take a few weekend cruises on Philharmonic, his own boat. Also showing the CCA burgee in the Marblehead to Halifax race this year were Hal Davies’ Third Wave, Will Apold’s Excalibur, Hans Himmelman’s Delawana and Reg Gooday’s Akubra. Some of us less inclined to race still managed to find our various ways to the Magdeline Islands, Prince Edward Island, the Bras d’Or lakes, the Lahave Islands, Carter’s Beach, Maine and various places in between.

 

The end of the season is quickly approaching as I write this report and most members are thinking about laying up for the season. Hans Himmelman will be taking Delawana to Tortola for the winter again. Denis Linton is preparing Carpe Diem for an Atlantic crossing by way of the Azores in June and Sam Rogers is preparing Medley to go across by the northern route. Fred Voegeli will rouse Frisco from her long sleep and spend next summer exploring Norway and Scotland.

 

If you find yourself in Nova Scotia and want to enjoy some local hospitality or avail yourself of local knowledge, we are a very welcoming crew and would be pleased to oblige.

 

Millennium Bowl awarded to Gordon Mack and John Doull, jointly for their long commitment to the Bras d’Or Station.
 

2006

  • Station Rear Commodore Denis Linton
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Hal Davies
  • Historian – Wilson Fitt
  • Cruise Committee Chair Phil Wash
  • Station Surgeon – J. Douglas Henshaw
  • Membership Committee Chair David Arenburg

 

2006 – Charles Westropp Millennium Bowl


Wilson Fitt’s tenure as historian produced some excellent stories of member voyages.  They are reproduced on the Bras d’Or Station website and include ……..

 

Will Apold, Excalibur
An amusing account of Will’s trials and tribulations with Excalibur in the 100th edition of the 2006 Bermuda Race.

 

Jim Evans, September Song
Jim’s September cruise around the Gulf of St. Lawrence

 

Denis Linton, Carpe Diem 1 
Denis Linton and Carpe Diem 1 also did a transatlantic this summer: Halifax to the Azores in 16 days and the Azores to Ireland in 11 days. Carpe Diem 1 is on the hard in Carrickfergus for the winter. Next season Denis plans to complete a circumnavigation of Ireland, visit France, Spain and Portugal, cross to the Canaries and Cape Verde in the fall, the Caribbean in the winter, and be back home in Halifax two years after his departure.  

 

Sam Rogers, Medley
Sam Rogers and Medley with his crew of three nephews, a niece and brother-in-law Greg Aikins made an excellent 12-day passage from St. John’s Newfoundland to Dingle Harbour, Ireland in July. Since then they have cruised the south coast of Ireland, southwestern England, France, Spain and Portugal. As of this writing they are in Lisbon. preparing for the Canaries and the crossing to the Caribbean. You can read the Greg’s journal and track the route on Medley’s excellent website www.medleyatsea.com

 

Rick Salsman, Aisling I
In this article written by Rick and Mary Salsman, we learn about their cruise to Saint Pierre and along Newfoundland’s South Coast this past summer.

 

Iain Tulloch, Al Bishop and Rod Fraser 
Three Bras d’Or Station boats visited the Magdalene Islands this summer. Iain and Lesley’s account of their cruise is attached.


Station Activities

The spring raft up was scheduled for June 24th at Scotts Cove in Prospect, a morning that dawned with fog and occasional bouts of cold driving rain. The sensible members of the Station stayed warm and dry ashore, but Christina Grant (Wilson Fitt and Thelma Costello) and Surprise (Syd and Sandy Dumaresq with John Harries of the Bermuda Station) were foolish enough to venture forth. We were entertained and enlightened over an excellent meal by John’s tales of cruising in Greenland and Norway.

 

The August cruise to the LaHave Islands had much finer weather and a better turnout.  Phil Wash with Philharmonic ,Wilson Fitt and Thelma Costello with Christina Grant and Fred and Nancy Voegeli with their new Compton 32, Gaffer, met at the LaHave River Yacht Club on Saturday, August 5th. Phil was just back with an enviable tan and stories to tell about the Bermuda Race, a transatlantic passage to the Azores, Gibraltar and Sardinia. Fred and Nancy had just returned from Norway and Scotland with another boatload of stories. Fred’s new boat was a source of considerable admiration culminating with a full throttle run down the river to the LaHave Bakery in the morning.

 

We moved on to the Folly Channel for Sunday evening and were joined by Syd and Sandy Dumaresq with Surprise. Another excellent meal with more than adequate supplies of food and drink. The cruise wound up on Monday with no shortage of wind. Surprise and Christina Grant made it to Chester in four hours or less, and Phil was back in Halifax by 16:00 hrs after a “wild ride”.  

The fall raft-up was held on September 9th, a bright blue fall day. Eight boats gathered in the pocket between Rouse and Gifford Islands in Mahone Bay. The fleet included Charles and Jane Westropp who have abandoned sail for power, a Mainship 34 called Windfree.

 

We were happy to be joined by Fredric (“Bud”) O’Brien who at 92 could hop from boat to boat across the lifelines with the best. He regaled us with tales of sailing from New York to Reykjavik and back in 1936, a voyage that earned a Blue Water Medal for Duckling and her crew.

 

The fall business meeting was held at RNSYS on October 4th with 21 members in attendance. Hal Davies narrated a slide show about this year’s Route Halifax to Saint Pierre Race followed by a full slate of business focusing on planning for next year’s National Cruise to be hosted by the Bras d’Or Station and a convivial meal.

 

Gretchen and Kit McCurdy generously hosted the fall social on October 21st, another extremely convivial event attended by about 30 people.


New Associates

John Harries, a member of Bermuda Station, who many of us met at the AGM, has joined us as an associate. John and his wife Phyllis Nickel have spent the last few years sailing in northern waters including Labrador, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Svalbard. John is the publisher and editor of the Norwegian Cruising Guide. John and Phyllis have a home on Princess Inlet. They publish an excellent and informative website to share some of what they have learned in 100,000 miles of offshore sailing and 15 years of sailing in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic and the adjoining Arctic waters: http://www.morganscloud.com/

We are also very pleased that Ernest Hamilton, a member of the Boston Station, has now shifted his membership to the Bras d’Or Station. Ernie is well known to many of us, as is his classic and well-found Tahiti ketch, Glooscap II, sailing out of Saint John New Brunswick.   A warm welcome to Ernie and John.


Passings
We all miss Bob Downie who passed away this spring. Bob was a fixture on the sailing scene for many years and an active participant in the Bras d’Or Station. His acerbic wit will be missed. A full obituary will appear in the next issue of the CCA News.
Robin Hayward, a close friend of several of our members and a member of the Pacific Northwest Station, also passed away this year at age 84. He was aboard HMCS Athabascan, which was sunk off the French Coast on April 29, 1944 and taken as a prisoner of war in Germany. He is reported to have been out sailing the day before he died.


Members’ News

As well as the stories mentioned above that can be found on the website, other members news was as follows ….

 

Fred Voegeli, Frisco 
Fred and Nancy Voegeli retrieved Frisco from her second winter at Vindo Marine in Sweden in June. They sailed to Christians Havn in Norway on the way to Stavanger (a “wild west” oil town according to Fred) and into fjord country. In Lyse Fjord they saw “base jumpers” leaping from the cliffs and opening their parachutes halfway down. Moving on north of 60, they were in Hardanger Fjord and Sundaal provided a very fine view of a glacier and an opportunity for a de rigour midnight dip in icy water.

 

Frisco moved on to Bergen to provision for the North Sea crossing, fifty hours to Inverness, Scotland. They transited the Caledonia Canal, passing through Loch Ness but without seeing any sign of the fabled monster, perhaps, Fred thinks, because a failure to imbibe sufficient quantities of the local drink. They cruised the Mull of Kintyre, made a side trip to the Western Isles and ended this year’s trip at Silver’s Boatyard at Roseneath on the Clyde River.

 

Nest year’s plans for Frisco include Ireland, France and Spain. Fred thinks that the boat will be in Europe for another couple of years before returning home.

 

Kenneth Gumbley 
Some of may not realize that the Bras d’Or Station has a member in Scotland, Kenneth Gumbley. Here is Kenneth’s e-mail to Denis Linton from last May: 
Denis: 
Many thanks for the minutes, etc which arrived yesterday. 
We just got home on Sunday from 2 weeks in Norway having done the "Hurtigruten" trip from Bergen to the boundary with Russia at Kirkenes some 3000 miles round trip. 
This is the Norwegian Coastal ships ferry service and passenger trip which calls at 34 places each way - what you see in daylight going north you see in the dark on the way back. It was a fascinating experience as the snow was still very much in evidence and with the sun shining most of the time the scenery was spectacular. The ship was very comfy, good food, great crew - down side the price of booze! I can thoroughly recommend this trip to everyone. 
 

Just launched "Bandit" yesterday - went down the Clyde river from Dumbarton to Kip Marina in force 6/7 and rain - it did wash the dust off! 
We are signed up and have chartered a Grand Banks 42 for PNW fall cruise in September from Anacortes. The boat lives in Bellingham where we were three years ago when we did a boat swap so the territory is familiar. Will do the cruise then another week up to Desolation sound. We then leave our co-travellers and fly to Newark and hire a car and go up to Maine for ten days to see all the friends up there. 
In the meantime we have two regattas on the Clyde where we will be helping as a committee boat before heading north to Ardfern Loch Craignish our summer base. Then no specific plans as yet but we will spend as much time as possible on the water. Please give our best wishes to all when you next meet. 
All the best, Kenneth

 

And another short update from a few weeks ago: 
Hal: 
Please give my apologies for the AGM on November 22nd. 
As the only Bras d'Or member on the PNW Fall Cruise we had a wonderful cruise having chartered a Grand Banks 42 from NW Explorations in Bellingham for two weeks. There were six of us aboard. The cruise was very well organized with parties every second day finishing up in the Buchart Gardens near Victoria on Vancouver Island. We then had a week free cruising and got up the Jervis inlet some 47 miles inland to the Princess Louis Inlet and Chatterbox Falls - mountains 5,000 feet high and truly spectacular. We also visited the Royal Vancouver Y.C. and were well received there before finishing back in Bellingham. 
Regards to everyone on the Station and remind them that if I can help in any way if they visit Scotland I will be delighted.
-    Kenneth

 

Phil Wash
Phil continues to build a commanding lead for the “most sea miles” prize. He made the passage from the Caribbean to Newport this spring aboard Clover, a Swan 56, rejoined the boat in June for the Bermuda race and then continued on to the Azores, Gibraltar and Sardinia.   Phil returned home at the end of July just in time to recommission his own boat, Philharmonic, for the summer cruise to the Lahave, then scooted back to the Med for the Swan Worlds. Now he’s gone again to help deliver Clover back to the Caribbean for the winter.  Whew!

 

Dumaresq and Brainard
Two local CCA families, Liz and Ted Brainard and Sandy and Syd Dumaresq are active in the Chester Working Group of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, whose mission is the preservation of the islands and shoreline of Mahone Bay in their natural condition through donation, acquisition or conservation easement.  

 

After 10 years of wheel spinning this group found traction in 2005/6 with these victories:
•    Dudley and Jim Grove donated a large portion of Clay Island to the Municipality of Chester. The Municipality purchased the balance of the island.
•    Big Fish Island was donated to the Municipality by another branch of the Grove family.
•    Round Island Nubble (aka Mrs. Finney’s Hat) was donated to the Municipality by the Sandy and B Spahr and Sidney and Stewart Spahr. All of these islands now have conservation easements in place to prevent development and allow traditional public uses of picnics, etc.
•    Change of zoning on several islands in view of Chester so that the minimum lot size is now 10 acres.
 

The group is working closely with the Lindsay family on a conservation easement on all of Little Gooseberry Island.

 

This year’s projects include acquiring another island, planning our third annual public celebration, school picnics on Clay Island and more zoning initiatives.
 

2007

  • Station Rear Commodore – Hal Davies
  • Secretary Treasurer – Wilson Fitt
  • Cruise Chairman – Phil Wash
  • Membership Chair – Sandy MacMillan
  • Historian –Iain Tulloch
  • Fleet Surgeon – J. Douglas Henshaw

 

Calendar

  • Winter Social, Blomidon Inn January 20
  • Spring Business Meeting, April 4
  • Spring Raft Up  June 23
  • Fall Raft up  September 8
  • Fall Business Meeting October 3
  • Fall Social, October 20
  • Annual Meeting November 21

 

We were saddened in January to hear of the death of Kay Mack.  Kay loved the cruising life and she will be sorely missed at our gatherings.

 

The Winter Social, held at the Blomidon Inn provided the usual opportunities for enjoying great food and great company.  

The inaugural meeting of the station executive was held on March 19th at the home of Rear Commodore, Hal Davies

 

Spring Business Meeting

Most of our members were either involved in the organization of the Bluenose cruise, or were participating in it, so extensive cruising wasn’t a priority for most of us the year.

 

However, Fred Voegeli (Frisco) continued his tour of Europe, spending time in Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands.  Frisco is at present in Spain.  Rick Salsman (Aisling 1) and crew left Halifax at the end of May, circumnavigated Sable Island twice with a side trip to Cape Breton and finally returned to Halifax to wait for a huge stalled low to dissipate before attempting to cross “the pond”.  The wait was worth it.  Aisling 1 had a great passage to the Azores; spent time sightseeing on several islands, and then sailed to northern Spain, south through Portugal, and is now in the Algarve.  

 

Medley, with Sam Rogers and family, returned from her Atlantic tour in June through the Caribbean and Bermuda.  

 

Denis flew to Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland in May to complete a circuit of Ireland.    Carpe Diem will be berthed in Kinsale until September.    He flew back for the National Cruise, and then returned to Ireland with crew to sail to the BVI.

 

Reg Goodday is flying to Greece with his family to sail the islands off Turkey.  He’ll be back in time for Marblehead.

 

Glen Dexter wintered Odyssey in Bermuda, and sailed back to Halifax at the end of April.

 

Jim Evans and Ernest Hamilton both sailed to Halifax (Ernest single handing for sure, Jim maybe) for the Bluenose Cruise in July.  Dennis Linton joined Jim during the Bluenose Cruise

 

The Bluenose Cruise (July 14 – 22) was a great success, thanks to co-Chairs Gretchen McCurdy and Charles Westropp and their “Officers of the Day”.  The program was planned:

 

Opening reception and Lobster Boil at RNSYS enjoyed wonderful weather
 

The commodore’s reception, hosted by Ted and Liz Brainard on Gooseberry Island, where the fleet dressed ship, also enjoyed perfect summer conditions.  We all enjoyed a wonderful sail to Lunenburg for more festivities on 18th.

 

During the afternoon, Iain Tulloch organized dory races, using traditional dories provided by Wayne Spindler and the Lunenburg Dory Club.  It was enjoyable for cruisers to attend an event, which did not require consumption of food or drink. It was very well attended, competition was fierce, and the final result proved that Ted Brainard, ably assisted by Sandy Weld was the fastest man in a dory, that day.

 

Grazing by the Sea in Lunenburg, organized by Sid and Sandy Dumaresq, featured famous Nova Scotia seafood, and seafaring yarns, the highlight from Clem Hiltz, a crew member on the original Bluenose, At the close of the evening, it was apparent that the weather was closing in.

 

Hans and Dani-Sue Himmelman had planned to Meet and Greet for hors d’oeuvres on Carter’s Beach, but the event was moved to Shelburne because of the truly horrendous weather, and the fleet made their way to Shelburne as they could.

 

Six BDO members who ducked behind the LaHave islands had a serendipitous layover 
The crews of Hardtack, Zimaz, Ulidia, First Light IV, Christina Grant and Gypsy Mare, rafted together in narrow Folly Passage, between two islands at the mouth of the Lahave River.   Residents of a cottage on shore invited them to a potluck supper/party to take place the following evening, and like all true cruisers, this invitation immediately made them postpone any ideas they may have had of sailing further the following day.  The weather was awful, fog, wind and rain doing their share to make them question if there was any joy at all in cruising; everyone retreated to Ulidia to enjoy a potluck.  Part way through dinner, they were called on deck to find themselves serenaded by other guests of the shore side party, who were members of an a cappella singing group – Pink Tuxedo - that had performed semi-professionally in Rhode Island for quite a number of years.  

 

They were fabulous; we cheered; they sang some more; we cheered more.  They set off fireworks; we wished we could reciprocate.  The raft-up separated because of strong winds, (and rain and fog – we would have been mad to have gone anywhere, even without the enticement of the party) but we all groped ashore the next evening to take part in a feast, more singing, a bonfire and more fireworks.   Careful planning can make great things happen, but the true joys of cruising come from totally unexpected situations, where friends are made and you’ve just got to be there!

 

The fall cruise took place on September 8 in a calm, sheltered cove in Lunenburg Back Harbour with temperatures so warm we wished the cruising season was just beginning – but – it’s not, and we are now looking forward to fall and winter events.
 

Our fall business meeting takes place October 3 at Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.  Kit and Gretchen McCurdy will graciously host the Fall Social at their home on Saturday October 20, and the Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 28.

 

At the Annual Meeting, the Millennium Bowl was presented to Gretchen McCurdy For her brilliant and tireless work in organizing the 2007 CCA Club Bluenose Cruise .

 

Thinking that we should be prepared for the worst when it comes to sailing in our local waters, the following members participated in the Safety at Sea Course, on December 13th, offered by Survival Systems, in Dartmouth

  • Iain & Lesley Tulloch     
  • Syd & Sandy Dumaresq     
  • Wilson Fitt & Thelma Costello     
  • Kit & Gretchen McCurdy         
  • Mary Filbee & David Archibald 
  • Allen Bishop 
  • Peter Watts
  • Hans Himmelman 
  • Sam Rogers and Suezan Aikins

 

2008

  • Station Rear Commodore – Hal Davies
  • Secretary Treasurer – Wilson Fitt
  • Cruise Chairman – Phil Wash
  • Membership Chair – Sandy MacMillan
  • Historian – Iain Tulloch
  • Fleet Surgeon – J. Douglas Henshaw

 

Calendar

  • Winter Social: Saturday January 19th 
  • Spring Business Meeting, April 2nd 
  • Spring Raft Up, June 21st 
  • Fall Raft Up, September 6th 
  • Fall Business Meeting, October 1st 
  • Fall Social, October 18th 
  • Annual meeting, November 19th

 

We were saddened to learn that Bud O’Brien, a member of Boston Station and a frequent guest/visitor to Bras d’Or station died in Florida on January 11 at the age of 93.  He had lived in Chester for 20 years.

 

The Blomidon Inn again hosted the Winter Social, and spouses entertained with “Salty Dips”, tales from the cruising life:


The spring Business Meeting was held at RNSYS.

 

Iain Tulloch gave a presentation about the process of yacht design, using his latest design, a development of Zimaz as an example

 

Several members missed the spring meeting doing what Cruising Club members do best – cruising. 
Will Apold shipped Valkyrie to the Med and planned to sail her to the Croatian Coast and in September take part in the Maxi Rolex Cup and the Swan Rolex Cup in Sardinia.  After a cruise in the Western Med in September, he was planning to sail to the Canaries for the Rolex Transatlantic Race in November.

 

Aisling and Frisco were in Spain; Carpe Diem was in Hilton Head, preparing for the last leg of his Atlantic circuit.

Evans Hoyt was doing a slightly different kind of cruising as Captain of a cruise ship, somewhere “at sea” specific ocean not identified.

 

We enjoyed ideal conditions for The spring raft up held behind Micou’s Island, in St. Margaret’s Bay.

 

Delawana, First Light IV, Christina Grant, Kehaar, Carpe Diem, Amasek, were present, but the historian was not, hence the lack of pictures!  However, some photos did make it on the record.

 

Several members had cruising plans, but I think we unanimously agreed that “the weather outside was frightful” in 2008, at least if you were cruising locally - or even if you were in Bermuda.  Easterlies instead of South Westerlies; gales; constant rain.  
Alan Bishop in First Light IV, with Peter Watts and Iain Tulloch among members of the crew, sailed in early May to Bermuda where Alan, Iain and other crew were unhappily storm-stayed for 18 days.  Peter escaped the weather systems early by plane.  Dennis Linton had difficulty bringing Carpe Diem north from Carolina because of the same weather systems.  However, Hans Himmelman with Wilson Fitt and Sandy McMillan among the crew had no such difficulty taking Delawana to Bermuda, or bringing her back. The ill wind that headed First Light IV and Carpe Diem was ideal for a great downwind run!  Phil Wash was also in Bermuda around the same time in Clover, Neil Finnegan’s (BOS) yacht.

 

Later in the season, the weather forced cruising changes on a number of members.

 

Syd did not get to the South Coast of Newfoundland in Amasek.  

 

Sam changed his plans to cruise Newfoundland and Labrador in Medley, spending time instead in Bras d’Or and then planned to go to the Magdalene Islands. This later plan did not work either, and Medley finally spent some time in Louisbourg learning North American history from a French perspective.

 

Iain did not go to the North Shore of Quebec although Dave Heffler Starry Night with whom Iain was planning to cruise, did go, and really appreciated the advice Jim Evans gave him when they stopped off in PEI to meet him.  

 

Medley and Zimaz shared a number of coves on the eastern shore and Bras d’Or spending time walking, food gathering, entertaining, and being entertained by Diana Russell (NYS), Harry Anderson (BOS) and Gilda and Dev Barker (NYS) and Bill MacLay (CHE) in Maskell’s Harbour.  

 

Rod and Gail Fraser planned to go to Newfoundland, but turned back at Neil’s Harbour and spent time in Bras d’Or instead.

 

Fred Voegeli, Rick Salsman and Will Apold continued to cruise/race in warmer climates.
Phyllis and John Harries have left on an extended cruise 
Peter Watts has sold Ulidia, and is currently looking for a powerboat.

 

The fall raft-up took place off Neil Finnegan’s property in East River on September 6.  It featured torrential rain, very strong winds in the forecast for the next day, and a small, damp but enthusiastic group; Christina Grant, Kehaar, First Light 1V, with the Watts also aboard, Liberty (Joe Hill, guest from Chester) and Zimaz.  We were joined by shore parties – Dave & Liz Arenburg, Phil Wash, Dave Archibald and Mary Filbee, Dennis Linton, and Tom Kenney (Florida Station), all ferried from Camp Clover by Phil in Neil’s whaler.  Thanks are due to Neil.

 

The Fall Business Meeting took place on October 1st at Seafire Restaurant (ex Galley,) close to South Shore Marine.  In accordance with recent practice, spouses joined the meeting for the presentation, and for dinner.

 

Dennis Linton gave a very interesting talk about his two-year circumnavigation of the Atlantic Basin, with layovers in Ireland and Hilton Head, South Carolina, beautifully illustrated with many slides.

 

Kit and Gretchen McCurdy graciously invited us to their home for the Fall Social on October 18th where their daughter Christina and the Seafire Restaurant presented us with a wonderful meal.  

 

Before dinner, Rick and Bonnie Salsman showed slides and told us of their adventures during their cruise to the Azores, through Portugal and into the Mediterranean.

 

The Bras d’Or Station Annual Meeting was November 19th with Rear Commodore Hal Davies in the chair.  Fourteen members were present, many of whom were accompanied by their spouses.

 

Sam Rogers and Suezan Aikins gave a talk and slide show about their 2007/8 Atlantic circuit aboard  Medley with Suezan’s brother Greg Aikins and Greg’s 4 teenaged children. Their cruise started in Halifax, thence to Newfoundland, Ireland, England, France, Spain, Portugal, the Canaries, Cap Verdes, the Caribbean and back to Nova Scotia.

 

RC Davies commented on how many of the members of our relatively small Station have been engaged in deep water sailing over the past few years, in keeping with the CCA spirit.

 

In presenting the year-end financial report, Secretary-Treasurer, Wilson Fitt advised that the deficit this year is caused by an increase in meeting expenses (attendance by spouses increasing wine consumption) and increased cost of reimbursement of travel by Station officers to National events (reasonable actual costs for accommodation, not discounted or waived as sometimes in the past).  Wilson presented several budget options for 2009 and after discussion, the members voted unanimously to increase the annual Station dues from $50 to $75.

 

RC Davies awarded the Millennium Bowl to Doug Henshaw in admiration of his sailing experience and fortitude and his long service to the Station in a variety of capacities including development of a formal Station Governance policy, initiation of the Millennium Bowl itself and most recently as Fleet Surgeon.

 

2009

  • Commodore – Hans Himmelman
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Wilson Fitt
  • Cruise Chairman – Phil Wash 
  • Membership Chair – Sandy MacMillan 
  • Historian – Iain Tulloch 
  • Fleet Surgeon – Al Bishop
  • Elected Governor – Rick Salsman

 

Calendar

  • Winter Social Saturday January 17th 
  • Spring Business Meeting Wednesday April 1st.
  • Spring Raft Saturday, June 20th
  • Fall Raft
  • Fall Meeting
  • Annual Meeting

 

Winter Social at Blomindon Inn, attended by 33 members and spouses

 

April 29th the Spring Meeting of the Bras d’Or Station took place at RNSYS.  The meeting opened with Will Apold giving an excellent presentation about the construction and commissioning his new, sloop, Valkerie built in Finland by Swan Nautor. This was a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-performance custom carbon-fibre yachts with very complex systems that we read about but rarely have an opportunity to hear the inside story.

 

During the meeting a moment of silence was held for departed members John Doull and Vince Lambie.

 

Rear Commodore announced that the CCA meetings will now be held twice a year with the Fall meeting rotating between the Stations. Bras d’Or has been asked if we will host the Fall 2010 meeting. After some discussion, which recognized the amount of work that this would entail, the members agreed to take it on. A committee of “volunteers” will be struck.

 

The Spring Raft-up, in St. Margaret’s Bay, was delayed a week to June 27th because of bad weather. Four boats and seventeen members and guests had an excellent time including a “phenomenal” meal aboard Delawana.

 

On July 16th Bras d’Or Station members gathered on half a dozen boats in Chester Back Harbour to salute Wilson Fitt as he departed on Christina Grant for the first leg of his voyage, headed for Scotland.  Thelma joined Wilson as he sailed to Newfoundland and from there he sailed single-handed.

 

Fall Raft-Up at Gooseberry Island hosted by Ted and Liz Brainard.  Twenty nine members and guests and nine boats attended. Another phenomenal pot-luck meal was held in the boathouse, followed by a display of seamanship as the raft’s many anchor rodes were untangled.

 

The fall meeting of the Bras d’Or Station was held at the Lunenburg Yacht Club on September 30th with 20 members present, many accompanied by spouses.

 

Wilson Fitt gave a presentation about the building of his boat, Christina Grant and his single-handed voyage to Scotland this past summer.

 

Rear Commodore, Hans Himmelman gave a brief overview of his and Dani-Sue’s recent ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, saying that it was like offshore sailing: you don’t change your clothes for eight days! The trip was made in company with friends in support of Laing House and young mental health consumers. They raised over $100,000, far in excess of initial expectations. Congratulations were offered all around.

 

Historian Ian Tulloch reported substantial turnover in the fleet: Sam Rogers has sold Medley; Phil Wash has a new Philharmonic; Dave Arenburg has a new boat called Sable; Peter Watts has a power vessel called Katahdin; Rod Fraser has purchased a Dela 41 pilothouse sloop as yet un-named and intends to sell Hardtack; and, last but not least, Al Bishop has a new kayak.

 

The Station Annual Meeting was held at RNSYS on November 18, 2009.    The evening began with Fred and Nancy Voegeli giving an excellent illustrated presentation about the voyage in Frisco across the Atlantic from Newport, north of Scotland to Germany and subsequent cruising in the Baltic and Norway. They left us hanging at the end of their second year, about to head for Scotland, Ireland and points south. Members were advised to stand by for further installments.

 

The CCA year-end has been changed from October 31st to December 31st, a change that will be echoed by the Stations.

 

Secretary-Treasurer, Wilson Fitt, presented financial statements for the year along with a proposed budget for 2010. He advised that the operating deficit was largely a result of the cost of printing and mailing the Station History, a one-time expense. Overall the Station finances are in good shape.

 

Fleet Surgeon, Al Bishop reported that most members are in good health. Doug Henshaw is much improved since the summer. Hal Davies is having a knee operation today.

 

Planning had begun for the Club Fall Meeting to be held in Halifax on October 15th and 16th of 2010. The planning committee consists of Gretchen McCurdy, Hans Himmelman and Wilson Fitt. As planning progresses, other “recruits” will be needed.

 

The Millennium Bowl was awarded to Wilson Fitt to recognize his efforts as Secretary-Treasurer over the past several years. 


2010

  • Commodore – Hans Himmelman
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Wilson Fitt
  • Cruise Chairman – Phil Wash 
  • Membership Chair – Sandy MacMillan 
  • Historian – Iain Tulloch 
  • Fleet Surgeon – Al Bishop
  • Elected Governor – Rick Salsman

 

Calendar

  • Winter Social                Saturday, January 23rd  
  • Spring Meeting             Wednesday, April 7th 
  • Spring Raft                Saturday, June 19th 
  • Fall Raft                Saturday, September 11th 
  • Fall Meeting                Wednesday, September 29th
  • CCA Fall Meeting – Halifax    Friday Oct15th and Saturday October 16th 
  • BDO Annual Meeting        Wednesday, November 17th

 

All together 36 members and spouses enjoyed Winter Social at the Blomidon Inn in January.  Eleven of the people took part in the “warm-up” event, an afternoon hike to Cape Split in bright sun.  Others joined them at the Peter & Barb Watts home for an afternoon “social”.  Prior to dinner at the Blomindon, an informative talk was given by the Maitre‘d on the qualities of Nova Scotia wines, and a varied sampling of many of them.  A delicious meal was served.  Most members stayed at the Inn overnight.  A good time was had by all.

 

The Spring meeting of the Bras d’Or Station was held at RNSYS on April 7th.  Rear Commodore Himmelman and 22 members, many accompanied by their spouses attended the meeting.  Judy Robertson and Keith Hamilton were welcomed as new members.

 

The meeting began with an amazing and inspiring presentation by Reg Goodday about the cleft palate surgery missions of which he has been a member for several years in Vietnam and Tunisia.

 

RC Himmelman indicated that 100-120 people, including local members are expected to attend the CCA Fall Meeting to be held in Halifax from October 14th-17th.  Gretchen McCurdy is leading the organizational charge and will be looking for input and help from Bras d’Or Station members as detailed plans start to fall into place.

 

Secretary-Treasurer Wilson Fitt proposed that the Bras d'Or Station should establish a policy to reimburse members who travel on Station business for up to two days hotel at reasonable rates from Station funds but travelers be responsible for their own meals and incidentals. They can apply to CCA head office for reimbursement of air fare. This policy was accepted by consensus of the members.

 

Membership Chairman, Sandy MacMillan reported total CCA membership is 1265 and stable.

 

Historian Ian Tulloch reported on the planned sailing activity of members this coming summer. This spring, the Arenburgs and McCurdys will be joining the CCA Abacos Cruise.

 

Governor Rick Salsman reported on the recent CCA Club meeting in New York.

 

Following the end of the meeting, a convivial meal was enjoyed by all.

 

The Station Spring Raft-Up was on June 19th at Sou’West Cove.  The members and boats that participated were Ted and Liz Brainard on Curlew, Judy Robertson on Sempir Vivens, Peter and Barbara Watts on Katahdin, Al and Deb Bishop on Morning Light, Ian and Leslie Tulloch on Zimaz, Phil Wash on Philharmonic and Rod and Gail Fraser on Nor’Easter.

 

The weather in local Waters was wonderful for Cruising in 2010 and quite a number of members of the Bras d’Or Station stayed close to home, to enjoy the unusually warm conditions and the beautiful beaches. Some members of new boats, and as usual, others travelled further afield.
 

Rod and Gail Fraser showed off their new Delher 42 Nor’Easter at the Spring Raft-up. 
 

Peter and Barbara Watts entertained aboard Katahdin in their newly refitted salon.
 

New member, Judy Robertson and family to their first CCA raft on their Avance 40 Semper Vivens.
 

Fred Voegeli, Frisco and Rick Salsman Aisling, wintered their boats in the same marina in Turkey. They will both return this winter/spring to continue the Mediterranean section of their cruises.
 

For 6 weeks during July and early August, Kit and Gretchen McCurdy, cruised in their new to them CS 40, Kehaar IV from Toronto back home to Chester, Nova Scotia. Each week had a different focus – the charm of the Thousand Islands, the wonder of the locks and canals of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the impressive cities, a Montreal and Quebec, the grandeur of the Saguenay Fjord with its dramatically white beluga whales, the rugged coastline of the Gaspe Bay Peninsula, and the relative security of the Northumberland Strait. In all, the experience offered a special glimpse into the history and beauty of an amazing country and continent.
 

Ernest Hamilton departed Saint John, single-handing his ketch, Glooscap II to Nova  Scotia. A hard Sou-wester kept him in Meteghan for the 3 days before making his way to Yarmouth, West Head, Lockport, and Chester, in time for Chester Race Week, where he picked up the CCA mooring in the Back Harbor.  Ernest pottered around Mahone Bay, provisioning and visiting friends in Princess Inlet before sailing to RNSYS in Halifax. After a week at the Squadron, he returned to Saint John. The best sail of the cruise was the last one from Treverton to St. John in a fresh sou-westerly breeze, ahead of the approach of hurricane Earl.
 

Hans Himmelman raced Delawana with crew Kingsley Brown in the Newport-Bermuda Race, competing in the double handed division placing third in a class of 15.   He spent the rest of summer cruising in our local area. 
 

Erwin Wanderer took part in the Newport Bermuda race with Ocean Wanderer, also in the double handed division with his wife, Diane. Erwin said, “the outcome was very modest but we had fun. Diane and I left Halifax on June 5th for a slow cruise to Newport. We arrived back in Halifax from Bermuda on July 2nd.  It was a very good cruise.”
 

Syd and Sandy Dumaresq took Amasek their Whitby 42 to Bermuda. Seven days out, seven days there and seven days back. The weather was not ideal but the island was beautiful! 
Wilson Fitt and Thelma Costello in Christina Grant took part in the Clyde Cruising Club’s cruise in the Scottish isles this summer and included a trip out to St. Kilda. The strong winds and strong tides made for interesting cruising. 
 

Evans and Becky Hoyt also attended the Clyde Cruising Club Cruise in Scotland on Wayfarer. The Cruise was a great success with many opportunities to mingle with fellow CCA and CCC members.
 

Hal Davies raced Third Wave in the Route St. Pierre Race from Halifax to St. Pierre et  Miguelon, a biennial event.

 

The Fall Raft-up was postponed for a week because Hurricane Earl chose to come close to Lunenburg on September 4th.  On September 11th, 10 boats gathered in Mahone Bay at Gifford Island, between Rous, Gifford and Ernst Islands, to enjoy our usual ritual of raft up with rum barrel, cocktails and chat, followed by potluck dinner on various boats. This became a challenge. We arrived and 25 knot winds, gusting to 30, and even though the anchorage is usually very sheltered, the bottom is soft and the strong N-NE winds caused the fleet to drag. Cocktail hour was seriously disrupted by futile attempts to reset anchors so that we were all comfortable with the arrangements. In spite of the collective experience present, the test proved insurmountable and the fleet necessarily broke into small groups. There was very little general gamming after that. Hopefully the cocktail nibbles will keep for another occasion. We know the rum barrel will!


Over the weekend of October 15th and 16th, Bras d’Or was the first Station to host a CCA Fall Meeting outside New York.  CCA leadership and members gathered in Halifax, NS for committee meetings, the Board meeting, dinners, touring and fellowship. Although the weather showed, its  Bluenose side, meetings and tours went well (except for the Harbour Tour – the wind and rain were too much even for those sheltered waters). Members enjoyed renewing old acquaintances, and making new friends.


BDO Annual Meeting
The 2010 Annual Meeting of the Bras d’Or Station was held at RNSYS with Past Rear Commodore Davies in the chair in the absence of Rear Commodore Himmelman who was sailing.  Fifteen members were  present, many accompanied by spouses.

 

Evans Hoyt gave a fascinating presentation about the behind-the-scenes construction, management and operation of Norwegian Spirit, the 2,500 passenger/1,000 crew cruise ship of which he is captain.

 

Secretary Treasurer presented the financial statements for the year, advising that overall the Station finances were in good shape. The Station ran a modest surplus on the Fall Meeting which was reflected in the statements.

 

As Fleet Surgeon, Al Bishop was unexpectedly on call for the evening. However, in Al’s absence, Mary Filbee reported that David Archibald is recovering very nicely from his recent heart surgery she was able to report that Doug and Sylvia Henshaw are both in fine form.

 

Ian Tulloch reported on the activities of the year, most previously noted in this record.  In addition, he recounted that Peter and Barbara are enjoying Katahdin, particularly now that the holding tanks have been cleaned out.  It’s rather a pity that the contents of the tanks were sprayed over Barb in the process, but – that’s one of the joys of cruising!

 

Thanks and congratulations were offered all around in regard to the planning and running of the CCA Fall Meeting in Halifax, with special recognition to Gretchen’s leadership and organization and the contributions made by Mary Filbee and the Dumaresqs.

 

Planning continues for the 2012 90th Anniversary Cruise, hosted by the Bras d’Or Station, in the Bras d’Or Lakes from July 27th to August 5th, 2012.  “Volunteers” will be invited to participate in organizing this cruise over the coming months.

 

On behalf of Rear Commodore Himmelman, Hal Davies awarded the millennium Bowel to Gretchen McCurdy for her outstanding efforts in organizing the CCA World meetings and the credit that she brought to the Bras d’Or station in do so. In accepting, Gretchen said that the award should be given in recognition of the efforts of everyone that was involved in the team

History