Month: December 2015

New Year, New Look

Information/Reports, Parry Sound Area, ,

The last couple months have been a little bit strange around this part of Georgian Bay. We received the expected late November dump of snow, and then it disappeared. Well, that was pretty normal. But then temperatures were supposed to drop, delivering lake effect snow and cooling the Big Sound. So far it has been pretty much warm and overcast. There is some promise of lower temperatures in the coming days, and some snow as well. The big question though is when the Big Sound will freeze over. I don’t doubt it will, but will it freeze enough to allow for ice fishing and snowmobiling? If you can’t boat on it, at least you should be able to walk, ski or sled over it. The Big Sound and the South Channel are major highways in the winter.

If Mother Nature can change her look I figured we could do so as well. The Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron webpage has been updated with a new template. All of the same information is here, and the posts are a little more attractive in my opinion. You just need to scroll to the bottom of the page if you are looking for the archives, upcoming events, or want to search the site.

Christmas Day, Looking Towards Parry Sound

Redwood1890-20151225-DSC_2059

JB – Communications Officer

Can You Give Me a Tow?

Boating Information Links,

It has been a bit strange in this section of Georgian Bay so far in December. The temperatures are well above average, and above freezing, which means that some boats have been seen out on the Big Sound. Nonetheless, everbody I know has their boat out of the water and wonders when the big freeze will arrive.

In the meantime it’s interesting to check out the much bigger world of boats and shipping. This week we have a link to a posting with video and some description of a Russian tug attempting to tow the Russian Navy’s only aircraft carrier. It’s worth a look just to remind ourselves how ‘tame’ things are in Georgian Bay. Well, most of the time anyways.

Russian Tug 2015-12

JB – Communications Officer

Boating Essentials Starting January 2015

Activities, Courses/Training, Parry Sound Area, , ,

Boating Essentials is the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron course that builds on the basic knowledge required for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and takes you to the next level in your boating education. Topics in this course include navigation, conning, plotting, course and local charting, GPS, anchoring, lines and ropes. The course is taught by qualified local instructors who have considerable knowledge and experience boating in and around Georgian Bay.

You receive a complimentary one-year Regular Membership in Power Squadron upon completion of the Boating Essentials course. Note: Boaters who do not currently have their PCOC may make arrangements with the instructor.

The course will be held one evening a week at the Parry Sound campus of Canadore College.

Course cost: $250.00 Students should register at Canadore Parry Sound for $165.00, seniors $144.70 The course materials costs, paid on the first night will bring the cost up to $250.00

Register by calling 705.746.9222, or through online at this link at Canadore College.