Boaters Helping Boaters
16 August 2015
Roy Eaton runs the North Channel Cruiser's Net every morning at 9:00, marine channel 71 for the months of July and August. He starts out the broadcast with, "Are there any emergencies or anyone needing help?"
We joined Roy and about 70 other cruisers for a pot luck dinner in Little Current, headquarters for Cruiser's Net. Roy gave a short speech and said it is all about boaters helping boaters.
Invariably, we meet other boaters, introduce ourselves and make new friends. Here is our latest episode of "boaters helping boaters."
We cleared customs into Canada at Meldrum Bay, Manitoulin Island. We saw a Beneteau 45f5 at the dock and introduced ourselves to Don and Sue. Their boat, Hajos was the first of this series designed by Pininfarina, Philippe Starke and Bruce Farr. Ours is a smaller sistership, 42s7 and with a striking resemblance.
We chatted with Don and Sue about their boat, where they were from, etc. Turns out their home marina is Markley, in the Clinton River just north of Detroit. We had reservations there for the family reunion this weekend. Don mentioned their slip was open and we were welcome to use it. This not only saved us hundreds of dollars but Sue called the marina to inform them that we were their guests and called me several times to be sure we were OK and asked if she could help in any way.
When we landed, Dave, their neighbor on the starboard side asked what we were doing on Hajos, Don and Sue's boat. Our boat looks similar. We explained and he was equally welcoming to us. So was George on the Port side,. They gave us ideas where to dinghy and swim at some sandy areas on Lake St Claire.
We have had a wonderful stay here. Thanks Don and Sue! We are pleased to add you to our cruising family.