2024 Toronto International Boat Show and Member Meet-Up were worth the trip

Authored by Cindy Badley
 February 7, 2024

By Rear Commodore Eric Sunstrum

     For many GLCC members, attending the Toronto International Boat Show is a welcome break from the winter doldrums. It’s a great opportunity to see what’s new and maybe pick up a few bits of boat jewelry. 

     The boat show also provides an important opportunity for the Great Lakes Cruising Club to promote itself to prospective new members looking to expand their cruising experience in the Great Lakes.

     Rear Commodore David Spencer coordinated GLCC volunteers interested in sharing their enthusiasm for the club and its activities. 

     Twenty-eight members helped out at the GLCC booth for the 10 days of the show. Toronto hosts the largest indoor boat show in North America. It would be impossible for the GLCC to be at the show for more than 20 years without its army of volunteers, they all deserve thanks.

     Along with the shiny new boats and flashy gear on display, the Toronto show offers attendees a wide range of information sessions covering all aspects of boating. It’s a great way for customers to take a seat and give their feet (and wallets) a rest for an hour or so and pick up some useful information. 

     GLCC speakers talked about cruising Lake Erie, the North Channel, Eastern Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands, the Bay of Quinte and Thousand Islands, Lake Superior and the Great Loop. The sessions were well received.

     The last Friday of the show, members were invited to the National Yacht Club for a GLCC Member’s Meet-Up. This was the second year for this event, with about 40 members attending. The National provided a great atmosphere and a delicious meal. It gave members an opportunity from all regions to talk about their experiences and plans for the upcoming season.

     Special thanks to Port Captain Cynthia Sunstrum, Port Captain Wes Micket and Yvonne and Cindy at the GLCC Office for making the 2024 GLCC Member’s Meet-Up happen, and to Vice Commodore Joe and Karen McKeown for joining us in Toronto.

     Cheers to Toronto boat show volunteers: Jeff Stewart, Johanne Fortier, Guy Lazure, Paul Haines, Sandra Haines, Susan Reid, Andy Mizzen, Robert Wightman, Brian Stewart, Jane Witherspoon, Port Captain Charlie Ellins, Greta Cusworth, Jay Gandy, Brian Monrad, Cathie MacDonald, Nigel Banks, Eileen Banks, Port Captain Eric Barker, Director Mark Lifter, Arlene Oakland, Port Captain Mary Micket, Port Captain Wes Micket, Port Captain George Thor, Port Captain Mary Thor, Alasdair Fenton, Rear Commodore Eric Sunstrum, Port Captain Cynthia Sunstrum, Rear Commodore David Spencer, Kathy Spencer

     Thanks also go to GLCC seminar presenters:

  • Roy Eaton - Summer in Paradise – The Fabled North Channel and Northern Georgian Bay
  • Mark Gagyi – Lake Erie: Our Great Lakes Southern Gem
  • Cam and Heather Stevens - Living the Great Loop Adventure
  • Michael Leahy - Great Lakes Sailing: Sail the Sweetwater Seas
  • David Spencer - Exploring Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands and Beyond
  • Eric Sunstrum - Cruising the Bay of Quinte and the Thousand Islands
  • Denette and Greg Ellard - Cruising Lake Superior

Photo Credits- Wes Micket and David Spencer

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