Urban Cruising

Because of the large cities in the Western end of Lake Ontario cruising there in a sailboat could be described as Urban Cruising. SQUALL, our sailboat, and AWFUL BELOVED,  a friends 30' boat (you will have to ask the skipper how her vessel got it's name!) spent six wonderful days sailing along the coast. Our first visit was to Mimico Yacht Club along with a number of boats from our home club, Bluffers Park Yacht Club in Scarborough. We broke away from the club fleet on Sunday and headed along the coast to the Oakville Club. We were greeted by Larry, the Dock Master, and treated like long lost friends. He found us a spot at the foot of Robinson Street near the club. He also provided us with a wonderful tour of the club's facilities, offered to loan us his small boat to explore the river, made kayaks and bikes available, and even arranged docking the next day at Fifty Point.

One reason we call it Urban Cruising is that the temptation to go into town for dinner is very powerful. That night we ate outside at Paradiso and then walked the main street in Oakville with ice-cream cones from a dairy shop.

Cruising in the Eastern end of the lake is often very different. It mean anchoring out overnight in some beautiful cove far from the tempting lure of  elegant restaurants and exotic boutiques. It means the call of the loon and the warmth of a splendid sunrise.

The next day we had a wonderful sail to Fifty Point, where we cooked on board and enjoyed the the beautiful park settings. Fifty Point is a magnificent 80-hectare conservation area with a sandy beach and a very well protected and pretty marina and yacht club. The park is owned and operated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

The following day we sailed to Port Dalhousie. Prior to our departure in the morning, because of the weather conditions, we debated the pros and cons of leaving port. It was decided to set out but to keep a good watch for high winds and storm clouds.  Early in the afternoon the wind picked up to 30 knots and we had to reef sails. However, eventually we had to lower the mainsail and proceed with a very reefed jib. It was a grand ride and we landed at the Port Dalhousie Yacht Club just as the black clouds of rain and belching winds slammed into our harbour surroundings.

Unfortunately, the winds did not abate the next day and we spent another night as guests of the local yacht club. Once again we were well received and enjoyed the hospitality and a fine dinner in the yacht club restaurant.

On Thursday the winds diminished and we sailed the thirty nautical miles back to Toronto.

Sailing under such different conditions often tests one's sailing skills and patience. Adjusting the boat to the conditions I enjoy, but when the wind diminishes and the boat begins to slow, especially with a long way to go, I still find my patience is well tested. I must admit, that even after all these years of living, and decades of sailing, I have not yet mastered the skill of unlimited patience. However, what I have achieved, at least to some extent, is to utter a few "sailor words", and then discuss the situation with my beautiful first mate.

One marvelous thing about the sailing life - freedom from all the world's bad news, peaceful and quiet evenings watching the sun set, and most of all a wonderful long sleep in a quiet berth.

Have a Happy Summer:

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week.