Just announced, Tolka wins People's Choice at the Lakewood Yacht Club's Keels and Wheels.

At about 3:30 p.m., it was announced that Tolka won the Best of Show for large boats at the Seabrook Keels and Wheels show.

Finally the opportunity for the world to see my book about Tolka. This first edition went over very well at the Seabrook Texas Keels and Wheels show.

Tolka has arrived at the Lakewood Yacht Club's Keels and Wheels show. I wonder how many awards she will win! The big news is the launching of the Tolka book. After several months of putting her photos together, the book is ready to show the world. Check back for an update!

Tolka, the amazing boat built by Bell Laboratories in Nova Scotia, will be a main attraction in Florida at the ACBS Sunnyland Chapter, Mt. Dora show this spring. The promo flyer features a page width photo taken by me! Some of these photos of Tolka will be on display at the Toronto International Boat Show in January.

By Tim Du Vernet

It doesn’t take much to enjoy being out on Georgian Bay and the Dispro Owners Association lucked out this year. Stationed at Honey Harbour’s Delawana Inn, nearly forty boats launched for the annual regatta.

Over the years, the event has mellowed from being a weekend of races and childish playfulness to mature and comfortable cruising. With perfect weather and spectacular scenery of Georgian Bay, this was unquestionably one of the nicest regattas ever in the history of the event.

Mary and John Storey, who were among the nearly 100 participants, toured in their 1947 Greavette Dispro named Muggins . It was an absolutely spectacular weekend, according to Mary. “Sure there were the usual breakdowns and a few boats got slightly lost, but that is all part of the adventure.”

The event began with the Friday evening gathering to hear Guy Johnstone, owner of KITTY HAWK tell the story of how Orville Wright came to Georgian Bay and the boat he bought in 1932.

After the group photo taken by your’s truly, the Dispro Owners headed out to three historic cottages on the Saturday. Guy and Kathy Johnstone who summer in Franceville , opened their cottage to the DOA and an opportunity to see KITTY HAWK at her summer berth.

Guy explained that Franceville was a family run tourist center which at one time or another had three hotels. These hotels were operated by the France family and the name “Franceville” was the designation assigned by the Federal Government when it became a postal center. (early 1900s) Guy’s wife, Katherine is a France and was raised here. Lambert, the cottage where KITTYHAWK and Orville Wright summered, is about 1 1/2 miles south of Franceville.

The Orville Wright cottage was the second of three stops on for the Dispros. Particularly precious and fascinating were the original pieces by summertime friend, A.Y. Jackson. Several panels in the cottage are decorated with this Group of Seven member’s handiwork. The current owners have been careful to preserve and protect the delicate works of art.

After a revitalizing wine and cheese party Saturday after a day of cruising, the DOA did their best to fill the resort’s dining hall, which the Dispro Owners had nearly to themselves.

Sunday is always a shorter cruising day, to give boaters a chance to load up their trailers and head home before the traffic. The cruise headed south this time toward Penetanguishine, again in nearly perfect weather.

Sunday’s lunch brings the annual handing out of the DOA regatta plaques for those who brought a boat and the awards for special members. With a hearty lunch tucked under their belts, the Dispros were all out of the water by 4:00 and safely on their way. The group plans to return to Delawana Inn next year, as has been the pattern.