Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Dockfest 2008 the best one yet

A 125-pound pig on the barbeque spit was the centre of attention at Dockfest 2008, Fairport Yacht Club's annual summer celebration. All 200 tickets were sold out, making this year's event the biggest Dockfest to date. By all accounts, it was also the best. (Click on any photo for a larger view.)






Bill Simpson, who celebrated his 80th birthday during Dockfest, and his son, Dave, insert garlic cloves into the 120-pound side of beef before it begins eight hours of cooking.

The man responsible for the perfectly barbecued pork and succulent beef was James Simpson (centre). Here he prepares to slice up the pork under the watchful eye of wife Carole and friend Pugs Norman (at right) and helper Georgs Kolesnikovs.

The Caribbean sounds of the Infrareds were a huge hit, as witnessed by many dancing feet among those present.

Many Fairporters contributed time and talent to make Dockfest a success, among them James and his BBQ crew, Bill, Dave and Georgs; Carole who prepared the stuffing and great salads; Susan who was in charge of ticket sales and serving the eats, Ralph who looked after the veggie burger barbecue, Dave and Audrey who looked after so many details, Rita and Norlene who decorated the venue in the club's red, white and blue, Paul Murray who built the stage, Gary who dockmastered visiting yachts and collected a bevy of door prizes, Jed and Betty, the Vasil brothers and everyone else who helped.

Special thanks to Nat's Marine, The Waterfront Bistro, Port Restaurant, and News Advertiser for their support.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Godspeed, Spirit of Canada!


Spirit of Canada heads across Lake Ontario destined for France and the start of the Vendee Globe, a race around the planet, singlehanded and nonstop, that starts November 9.

Fairport Yacht Club hoped to send a flotilla to greet Derek Hatfield, Spirit of Canada's skipper, soon after he departed his home port at Port Credit Yacht Club. Close to 10 yachts left the dock but were unable to catch up with Spirit as she reached along at 10 knots. Only the power catamaran At Last! managed to rendezvous with the Open 60 some five miles offshore.

Derek Hatfield waves after the crew of At Last! extended best wishes for a safe and fast circumnavigation on behalf of all members of Fairport Yacht Club.