GORE BAY—Members of the Great Lakes Grand Banks Association (GLGBA) held their 2024 summer rendezvous in Gore Bay last week and had nothing but praise for the town and the North Channel area.
“Gore Bay is one of the jewels of the North Channel for cruising and in terms of hosting our rendezvous it is tremendous. The harbour has all the amenities and accommodations needed and everyone in town is very welcoming,” said Lauren Phinney, of Kitchener, who is president of GLGBA. “We have members who have their boats here and some members who have travelled here and are renting boats while they are here. The whole idea is to provide an opportunity for our members to experience the North Channel which is among the best cruising grounds in the world.”
“The North Channel is known as one of the best areas for boat cruising in the world,” said Bill Wilcox of Cobourg, who was co-organizer of the rendezvous along with GLGBA local member Robby Colwell. “The GLGBA has met every year since 1996, and we are an international club with members from the US and Canada.”
Mr. Wilcox noted the rendezvous returned to Gore Bay this year, having previously been held here in 2016. “We average about 21-25 boats for each year’s rendezvous. This year we have a total of 22 boats and 53 club members on hand.”
“Our club has about 82 members, mostly from Northern Michigan, Ohio and Ontario,” said Mr. Wilcox. There are also similar clubs established on the west and east coasts.
“The first rendezvous we held in Gore Bay was in 2016,” said Mr. Wilcox. “We love it here, and our American members love coming up here.”
“We will be spending three days in Gore Bay, from Thursday to Saturday,” said Mr. Wilcox.
The group met up early Thursday evening by the towns main boat launch, with piper Dave Beaton leading them in a parade to Purvis Fish and Chips where they held their dinner and opening reception.
With everyone gathered at Purvis Fish and Chips for dinner, Mr. Colwell thanked Mr. Beaton for piping the group in.
“Thanks to Robby for having me here this evening,” said Mr. Beaton. “Everyone is going to have a really good dinner and a great visit to Gore Bay.”
Mr. Colwell introduced GLGBA president Phinney at the dinner. Ms. Phinney is serving the second year of her second two-year term as president and will be turning over these duties to Deb Davis of Kingsford, Michigan next year. Ms. Phinney has been with GLGBA since 2010 when she bought her Grand Banks Company boat.
“I would like to welcome everyone to our 27th rendezvous,” said Ms. Phinney. “Our first rendezvous was held in 1996, and one year we split the rendezvous into one in Canada and one in the US because of COVID. It is so nice to see so many of you having travelled to be here. Gore Bay is incredible and is sitting in the middle of the jewel called the North Channel,” she said in encouraging everyone to provide a round of applause in appreciation for Mr. Colwell and Mr. Wilcox for organizing this year’s rendezvous.
“Hopefully we will see the majority of you at Benjamin Islands after our visit to Gore Bay,” said Ms. Phinney.
Mr. Colwell noted that he had received notice from Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane that he would be able to attend the opening reception due to family commitments. However, “we do have town manager Harry Schlange in attendance here tonight.”
“On behalf of the town we would like to welcome all of you to the Town of Gore Bay,” said Mr. Schlange, who noted he had met some of the members earlier that day. “I know Robby has a great program of events set up for you over the next few days, including the opportunity see a production from the award-winning Gore Bay Theatre, and a barbecue taking place at our new pavilion, and a visit to Split Rail Brewing.”
“I have worked in towns with 700,000 people and I have never seen a town come together like Gore Bay to host events like this rendezvous,” said Mr. Schlange.
“I know you will all have a great time during your visit here,” said Mr. Schlange. “I have only worked with Robby for a short period of time, but I know he is an amazing organizer.”
Mr. Colwell welcomed special guests for the evening, Norm and Diane Fogal. “We have two great guests with us this evening. They are our (town) boat storage, boat repair people. They keep our boaters happy. They are awesome.”
Mr. Colwell then referred to some of the highlights of the town that the GLGBA members could visit, including many of the businesses and attractions. “I would encourage everyone to explore the town and all the services, and attractions we have here in town.” He also thanked Purvis Fish and Chips for hosting the opening reception dinner.
Mr. Wilcox explained, “we will have three days of programs and activities here in Gore Bay over the three days, then we will be cruising to the Benjamin Islands for a two day stay there. Everyone will have a great trip.”
