 |
|
|
|
|
INDUSTRY NEWS:
DISCOVER BOATING On August 4th, the Discover Boating partners received word from the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA ) of a new industry funding model for Discover Boating in Canada which will boost the dollars available to promote the industry of recreational boating immensely The funding model is based on a uniform engine levy assessment that all engine manufacturers and the CMMA Board of directors agreed upon at a series of meetings throughout the summer. “This is very exciting news for our Discover Boating program,” says CMMA executive director Sandy Currie. “With increased funding, the program will be able to increase its level of activity in areas already proven to be beneficial, such as advertising, regional events and consumer shows, as well as those yet to be executed.” This engine assessment, patterned after the model adopted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and its members, will be the main source of funding for Discover Boating in Canada and the U.S., but is not expected to be the only funding source. Continued contributions from Marine Trade Associations and new contributions from other industry segments are expected to provide Discover Boating in Canada with an initial annual budget of approximately $1.1 million. “We view Discover Boating as a North American program and will be investing in both the U.S. and Canada. Those U.S. manufacturers shipping boats into Canada have an interest in seeing the Canadian market grow, and will want to see funds invested in Discover Boating in Canada,” says NMMA president Thom Dammrich. More information about the Discover Boating Program is available from Pat Nelder Phone 877-595-2682 or from AMTA Discover Boating representative Terry Conrad, Phone 902-484-3900 or visit www.discoverboating.ca SAILMAKING Sail making History in the Making...a new main for the Bluenose 11 It’s like a dream come true for Michele Stevens, a fourth generation sail maker. Several days ago she learned that her Loft, Michele Stevens Sailloft Ltd. was awarded the contract to construct a new mainsail for the Bluenose II. Measuring 4150 square feet it is acknowledged to be the largest working mainsail in the world today. Bluenose II, the pride of a Town, a Province and a Nation, is now operated under the auspices of the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society. She travels with a crew of 18 and is a ‘symbol of Nova Scotia representing excellence in ship design, ship building and seamanship.’ Michele’s great Grandfather, Randolph Stevens, a sail maker, crewed as a sail trimmer on the Bluenose during the glory days of wooden ships and iron men. Under the guiding hands of Captain Angus Walters, the famous ship earned her undisputed reputation as ‘Queen of the North Atlantic’. It is a great source of pride for Michele that her Grandfather Harold and father, Robert Stevens, as well as other family members worked to construct 3 jibs, gaff foresail, main gaff and fore gaff topsail for the Bluenose II . In recent years Michele has made a number of custom items for the Ship including mast boots, windlass and zodiac covers as well as a sun awning. Although this Loft is no stranger to tall ship sails, constructing the main sail for the Bluenose II will go down in history as one of the great moments for Michele and the crew at Michele Stevens Sailloft Ltd.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTENTS
Patricia Nelder
|
