Muskoka Sea Flea Fest 22
24th July 2022
Two pieces of plywood and a small outboard are all it takes to be screaming across, over and under the waves. The simple sea flea was celebrated in all his forms on Saturday, July 23rd. Sea Flea Fest 22 took place at Rockhaven Inn, on the shores of Kashe Lake. The location was perfect with its large, sandy beach area and nearby launch ramp. Chris Taylor, chief organizer and driving force behind Muskoka Sea Flea club had set up for a well organized day of chaos.
Sea fleas come in many different sizes, designs and matching performance expectations. In its purest form, it is a wooden wedge with an outboard. Simple plans conform to the dimensions of two pieces of plywood and horse power needs are very modest. Less than 10 HP will provide a youth more smiles than ice cream.
The attraction of the “Fest” is the draw for full involvement of all ages and a wonderful gathering of community. In the aggressive marketing of Muskoka, the humble origins of engaging hobbies such as the Sea Flea get lost in the world of wake boats and jet skis. Chris and his team proved once again that family fun can come first and be more rewarding than the most expensive modern power boat.
I watched a little boy about 6 beaming from ear to ear as he was placed in his father’s lap to go out for a spin in the “mini most”. He wanted to get his hands on that steering wheel and feel the speed and spray, at maybe 12 mph.
Summer Excitement is Here
By Tim Du Vernet
The ACBS-Toronto boat show is looming large now. With just one weekend to go! For wooden boaters, the show represents a serious start to the season with the long weekend past.
While ACBS-Toronto organizes the event hosted by the Town of Gravenhurst, the ACBS is a big organization and draws participation to this show from several of its chapters.
That means both boating participants and spectators alike will get to enjoy a broad range of classic boats from as far away as Florida, Ottawa, and beyond.
As classic boat collecting matures, more and more fiberglass boats become vintage and historically significant. This year’s show will combine all classic craft into a one day public event on Saturday with member activities happening Friday through Sunday.
Once again, the ever popular card board boat building event will be fun for youth and families as well as those who love to see just how far a card board boat can go.
A special highlight of this year’s event is the return of Miss Canada IV to Gravenhurst. Built by Greavette Boats, she will be the centre of attention at 12:00 with official ceremonies. The return of Miss Canada represents the co-ordinated efforts of many people from Ingersol to Gravenhurst. She will be part of a remarkable documentary film titled “Harold and Lorna”.
The show boat is the very historically significant KITTYHAWK. This name is tied to aviation history as well as more humble boating history on Georgian Bay.
Built in 1929 by Gidley Boats, KITTYHAWK started her career as a taxi boat. She came up for sale and Orville Wright bought her in 1931 after she a hardtop had been added.
KITTYHAWK was his Georgian Bay boat, where he spent the summer. At 32’6” and substantial freeboard , KITTYHAWK, is ready to handle the waters of Georgian Bay. Perhaps her sturdy nature is one of the features that attracted Orville Wright. The Gidley “Gull” model is described in the brochure as an all mahogany express runabout, equipped with a Kermath engine. A “general purpose craft she has a passenger capacity of eight plus incidental baggage accommodation.”
Shis is currently owned by Guy and Kathy Johnstone, who summer on Georgian Bay in an area known as Franceville East. KITTYHAWK will be brought to Lake Muskoka and launched specially for the show. It is expected that representatives of the Wright family will be present for the special showing of this remarkable boat.
Once again, there will be lots to see at this year’s boat show. Remember, the show is one day only with a modest admission fee.
The ACBS will also be selling posters featuring the KITTYHAWK in two versions, the production version and a very exclusive, limited edition version produced by Tim Du Vernet. More updates on the show next week!