Re: HMCS Oriole Story
The errors in the story you printed about HMCS Oriole do an injustice to the history of this magnificent ship. I am writing in the hope that you can publish these corrections.
My uncle says that the yacht spent the second war years based in Toronto training Sea Cadets. He should know because he was one of them. Not training navy, as the article states. The Oriole IV did not leave the Great Lakes until 1948, when she sailed to Halifax to begin training Canadian Navy men.
The author didn't do his homework about the Tall Ships either. Oriole did not go to Tacoma or sail south to San Francisco and California.
Your readers have a right to expect that writers should get their facts right. Right? Thanks for any reference you can make to set the record straight.
Sincerely,
Chris Martin
SV Falcon II
Ganges, BC
You're right about attending Tall Ships in Tacoma. The article says, "Her 2005 sailing schedule is ambitious, joining the tall ship flotilla cruising from Victoria, to San Francisco via Tacoma." Unfortunately, she changed her schedule and didn't go to Tacoma, which wasn't known at the time the article was written and I didn't catch it when the article was published. She did, however, sail south with the fleet, but opted not to go into San Francisco because of Customs hassles. She just turned around and came home.
The excerpt below is what was provided by Canadian Forces' Navy Public Affairs office and on the ship itself, describing her early history.
"In 1941 Oriole IV was willed to the Navy League of Canada, by her owner Gordon C. Leitch, of Upper Canada Steamship Lines. The Navy League used her to train Sea Cadets in Georgian Bay. From 1943 to the end of WWII the Royal Canadian Navy trained personnel, renting the vessel for a dollar a year. Following the war, Oriole remained in the Toronto area until November 1949 when the navy chartered her again for a dollar a year as a new entry training vessel attached to HMCS Cornwallis near Digby, Nova Scotia. Subsequently moved to Halifax in 1951, she was commissioned HMCS Oriole, June 19, 1952. In 1954 she was transferred from Halifax to Esquimalt, B.C. to be used as a training vessel for the Naval Officers Training Centre VENTURE. Three years later in 1957, the RCN purchased her for $14,500. HMCS Oriole is both the oldest vessel and the ship in commission for the longest time in the Canadian Navy."
Thanks for the letter. I hope this coincides more with your uncle's experience.
Going to Nanaimo? Pay Attention - the Rocks are Waiting
Each year hundreds of boats travel north to Canada, many of them stopping in Nanaimo. I work on the ferry between Nanaimo and Gabriola and constantly see boats going aground, some with considerable damage.  On a single outing I have had to tell 3 boats they are on the wrong side of the marker in Newcastle Island Passage, and so here is a sketch with the main area's for general information : 1. Oregon Rock in Newcastle Island Passage- keep to the Newcastle Island side 2. Satellite Rock in the Nanaimo Harbour anchorage area- has a cardinal marker 3. The mud flats south of Nanaimo Harbour- Stay in McKay Channel between the markers.
Thanks,
Chris Way-Nee
Parksville, B.C.
Thanks Chris, a true public service. Yes it's a notorious area. People need to pay close attention to their charts and cruising guides, and make sure the markers aren't supposed to be on their "other left (or right)". It's picturesque country but you don't want to be in one of those "oh my" photos of boats riding rocks.
Where's the Centerfold?
We love your magazine! I tell my husband that this is his "Playboy"… says he likes it for the articles, but really gets it to look at the pictures! Ha.
Kara Dodge
I'll never think of the specifications (LOA, Beam, etc.) of a boat the same way again. And oh, that gelcoat...
Vic-Maui 2006
With the deadline for registering for the 2006 Vic-Maui Race quickly approaching, race organizers, skippers and even hopeful crew looking for rides are counting down the days until the July 3rd start.
The 2006 race marks the 20th Vic-Maui, the first one organized in 1965 with four boats. Since then, the race has grown in size and stature with boats from all over the Pacific Northwest.
"We are really encouraged by the increased attention the race is generating and even hope there will be a double-handed division this year," said Vic-Maui Chair, Pamela Bendall. "It's a great race - and what makes the Vic-Maui unique is that it attracts a great cross section of experience, competitiveness and personalities."
Vic-Maui "alumni" would agree. The 2,308 nautical mile race attracts skippers and crew for different reasons. The Trade Winds of the Pacific, the adrenalin of sailing at night, the navigation and tactics and the teamwork of a crew off-shore.
Some sailors seek a one-time experience of doing an off-shore race, others view the race as a regular adventure that can be compared against previous races. All participants would agree that in addition to some of the best sailing they have ever experienced - it is the crew camaraderie that made the race unforgettable and makes them want to do it again. The teamwork and friendships that take place during the adventure - despite close living quarters - makes the Vic-Maui more than just a race for fine-tuning tactics and off-shore sailing skills.
With a record number of requests for race packages, race organizers are optimistic that participation will be even stronger in 2006.
Early bird deadline for registration is February 1, 2006. Final deadline for all registrations is April 1st. For more information on the race, registration packages and crew sign-up lists, check out the Vic-Maui website at www.vicmaui.org
Written by Charlotte Wardell
Media and Public Relations
2006 Vic Maui Committee
cwardell@telus.net
Too Much "White Lightnin'"
The dramatic photos on the table of contents page in the November issue claim the boat to be Chuck and Amie Tidrington's Frers 38 White Lightnin'.
In fact, the picture shows Bob Stoll's Melges 24, White Lightning. No, we hadn't had any white lighting but could probably use some when trying to match boats with results with pictures. And then there's Blue Lightning, but that's a whole 'nother electrical phenomenon.
Rich
Ed. 48°N
Lake Chelan Regatta a Real Party
Just wanted to send a big THANK YOU for the story. Everybody here is jumping up and down. We had a dedicated photo boat this year so we actually got some coverage from the local papers too. Having Ray Hinz and Ziggie over here made it a real party.
Thanks Again
Ed Isenhart
Lake Chelan Sailing Association
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