The Great Lakes Situation

[PerfectPirate]

Up until a week ago, the main concern for clubs and marinas here on the Great Lakes was that we were expecting to once again experience record-high water levels. Thanks to Covid-19, this may no longer be a concern for some of us.

Here in my home club on Lake Ontario, we come together as a group to launch all of our boats in one day, using a rented crane. Because of the current restrictions on the assembly of large groups this is no longer possible (here in Ontario, the limit for a group assembly is currently 50, expect it to be reduced to 10 or less soon). So, for our club there is no possible launching for the foreseeable future. Many marinas have sent their staff home and shut down, since they are deemed non-essential. However, I have been told that the Niagara-on-the-Lake club is going to proceed with their launch, working with a 3 or 4-man team to launch their boats over a number of days.

What is the situation with your club or marina? Do you anticipate getting your boat in? Or is this going to be another lost season? And what is the effect going to be on the general Marine industry? I know of a few marine chandleries that are either closing or contemplating closing because the last few seasons have been devastating, thanks to the record high water levels.


It's a shame, because I know that my favourite form of self-isolation is to be floating around in the middle of the lake, preferably with a cold brew.