Paul Dennis, President, reports that Playfair had left dry dock on Tuesday, May 25, and is back in Marina Quay West. In the end of the project, Playfair’s 5 year Transport Canada inspection was successfully completed, some steel was replaced and some other retrofit items and basic maintenance completed.

As usual, there is more that needs to be done with more time and funds but for now, we are satisfied with the results of this year’s dry dock initiative. In addition to all the work on the mechanical systems and hull, Playfair was given brand new coats of paint topsides and bottom. She looks really great!!

Here is a thank-you note from Paul:

Congratulations definitely go out to Rhys Weed who coordinated the effort and who has worked tirelessly on this project for the last three weeks while Playfair was in dry dock and many weeks before that planning the details. This project would not have been possible without his dedication and hard work. Rhys received assistance from many volunteers who responded to our call for help and donated their time and skills during the day, in the evenings and on the weekends to get Playfair back in the water.

They are (in no specific order and I apologize if I missed anyone):

Evan Dubblestyne – Rhys meet Evan on a training course at Georgian College in January. Evan has recently graduated with a Marine Engineers degree and volunteered to come down and work with Rhys for an entire week on various mechanical issues

Harry Slade – son of Amanda Slade, alumni and supporter of Brigs. Harry volunteered for most days Playfair was in dry dock contributing over 100 hours of quality work!

Rosie Neale – alumna (Executive Officer) and TBI stalwart

Ashleigh Malone – board member who worked the entire long weekend and more

Anna Mayberry – alumna (Executive Officer) and TBI stalwart

Eva H-D – alumna and good friend of the organization

The Weeds – Kezia (alumna), Joan and Jeff who are always willing to help out

Nancy Dillion – friend and a Weed associate

Liz Greflund – friend

Ben Dennis – alumnus

Ghislain Cote and friend from Montreal who are hoping to start their own Tall Ship program and wanted to come down and help out and learn about our program

Emma Mu – alumna

Jeremy White – alumnus, Board member and Chair of the STOP committee

In addition to our volunteers (and again I apologize if I missed anyone), I would like to recognize all of the Officers who put in many hours after school and on the weekends to help. Special recognition goes to Theo Tsagaris  and Riley King,  TBI’s Executive Officers, who really displayed true leadership and dedication by putting in a phenomenal number of hours working on Playfair and coordinating the efforts of the other Officers.

Finally,  I would like to thank Eric Rogers and his team at Toronto Dry Dock, Gord Sloan and Julian Cloutier who stuck with us throughout the project  and Mark Nye and Nye Manufacturing who donated a welder, Jack (sorry Jack missed your last name), for an entire week (Mark’s son is an Officer in the program).  Without their support, skill and hard work the plate work would not have been completed so well.

As with all things Brigs, in the end, our dry dock success this year was defined by a collection of individuals who displayed a determined commitment for the Programs and great love of the vessels and seamanship.

Thanks everyone for your continued support.

Paul Dennis

The Luncheon is a long-standing, annual start-of-the season event and a fundraising vehicle organized in support of the Toronto Brigantine. It incorporates a recognition of achievements by members of the sailing community. The event was organized by Marjorie Patterson and the YSTL Committee. All attendees were long time supporters of the TBI.

All the guests were able to enjoy the presentation of Eugene Tekatch, a well-known boat and catamaran designer. Eugene was talking about various technologies and designs of sailboats and their capacity for speed and endurance.

Here are some photos from the Luncheon:

Left to right: Richard Birchall, Past Captain and Execvutive Director of TBI, Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee
Marguerite Pyron, past Director, Chief Development Officer
Derek Tidd, President, Tall Ship Youth Trust

Paul Dennis, TBI President
Tasha Hyndman, Officer, STV Pathfinder
Derek Tidd, President, Tall Ship Youth Trust

Riley King, Executive Officer, TS Playfair
Celine Moore, Officer
Paul Dennis, TBI President
Tasha Hyndman, Officer, STV Pathfinder
Liam Fraser, Officer, TS Playfair

Captain Julian Schroer, STV Pathfinder
Captain Rhys Weed, TS Playfair

Angus Armstrong, Harbourmaster, Toronto Port Authority
John Granger, Publisher, GAM magazine
Captain Julian Schroer STV Pathfinder

Throughout the year various activities are arranged nationwide, including parades, dinners, exhibitions, a cross-country run along the Canada Trail and other projects in cooperation with local municipalities and local naval service groups.

On May 4, 1910, the Department of Naval Service was authorized under the Minister of Marine and Fisheries. A naval college is founded in Halifax to provide training in naval science for the prospective officers.

Being one of the participating cities, Toronto will host several events for the Centennial. On the occasion of the Canadian Naval Centennial on 4 May 2010, the CN Tower will be illuminated in the Navy colours. In August Naval Warships will also be visiting the Canadian National Exhibition.

National Canadian Naval Centennial Travelling Road Show will stop in St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Barrie on May 12, 16, and 17 correspondingly.

The official website of Canadian Naval Centennial is listing a complete schedule of all events devoted to such significant page of our history.