"Aloha Owners Rendezvous  5-6 July 2003"

Rendezvous Weekend Schedule  
Rendezvous People - 15 Photos
Rendezvous Boats - 30 Photos
Rendezvous Miscellany - 24 Photos

Also see photos on the A34 Network site.

Mimico Rendezvous Report from Dennis Clarke

It was the best of times, it was the best of times (apologies to Dickens).

It all started out on the Detroit River, yup sailing on the Detroit River, well, motoring actually. After a great sail once on Lake Erie, and then two solid days of motoring, mosquitoes, fish flies and any other kind of bug that could find us, threading through fish nets, dodging freighters in the night, we finally reached the head of the Welland Canal at Port Colburne. What an experience it was to take 8 hours going through the locks, under bridges, dodging more freighters, the whole while trying to stay cool in 30 degrees plus ( that's close to 90) and what seemed like 100% humidity! Then a short sail on Lake Ontario and a landfall in Toronto. Despite the city not being visible until 2 NM off shore due to smog, we found our way to the Mimico Cruising Club.

The purpose of this excursion was to attend the Aloha 2003 Rendezvous. The idea hatched in December when Perry Basden and I were chatting about the possibilities of attending the rendezvous that Diann Webb and her team were putting together. After much planning a plane ride from Victoria to Windsor and loading the boat with huge quantities of food prepared by Gloria Basden we were off on our adventure. The four of us, Vince Morris, Jerry Angus of Aloha 28 Orange Float, me representing Aloha 28 Polaris and the able skipper Perry on his Aloha 34 Alohalani.

For those who have not been to Mimico, plan to do it soon. It is a wonderful club, very picturesque setting, fantastic facilities including Restaurant and bar. But the best thing is the hospitality. What a great bunch of friendly helpful people. Even a few power boaters pitched in to help out with all the hundreds of little and not so little chores required to put on a successful event like this.

Sponsored by Mount Gay Rum amongst others, there was a welcoming get together with suitable tastings of the sponsors product of course. Everyone received a welcoming bag full of pamphlets, goodies, and event burgee, boating information, and a beautifully designed event T-Shirt. 

Saturday morning provided time to chat, look at boats, and generally mingle and meet all the Aloha folks. A tasty Bar-B-Q lunch and a treasure hunt followed by prizes too numerous to mention led into individual happy hours, more mingling and time for an afternoon snooze. The weather was still co-operating with Sun and just a slight breeze. Soon it was time for the catered dinner of Chicken or Prime Rib. Another batch of prize drawings meant almost everyone went away with something. Prizes, all donated, were everything from backpacks to key chains, shirts, hats, jackets, safety kits, sextant, umbrellas, canvas tote bags and many more. Moving from the outdoors into the beautiful big lounge we were entertained with the folk songs and guitar of Merideth Cutting. The big Grand Prize of a John Mecray painting of Americas Cup boats was awarded and the winners name then was entered in the draw for a holiday to Barbados, also sponsored by Mount Gay Rum. 

Sunday morning came all too soon but was rewarded by coffee and donuts under the big tent. Also too soon came the goodbyes from new and old friends, but seeing all the Aloha's sailing off was a beautiful sight. Unfortunately I had to fly home to Victoria while another crew returned Alohalani to Windsor, but the memories of happy times and new as well as old friends will stay with me forever. It was so wonderful to meet all the folks and share information and fun with them all. To see all those beautiful Aloha's ranging from 27's, 28's, 32's and 34's ( unfortunately no 30's were able to make it to this event) was a lovely sight. Everyone was duly proud of their well maintained beautiful boats, and everyone had the time of their lives. 

Diann Webb of Aloha 32 Pengwyn and her able team of volunteers did a fantastic job of organizing a very fine event, and deserve a hearty thank you from everyone in attendance. Thanks also go to Mimico Cruising Club for their hospitality. 

Respectfully,

Dennis Clarke
Aloha 28 Polaris

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