The Ayres continue decades-long love of the Lakes

Introduction by Director/Port Captain Dee McClure 

Each month Lifeline interviews a GLCC member to gain insight into their favorite cruising grounds and perspectives. We caught up with Helen and Bill Ayre, active cruisers and explorers, and Port Captains of Parry Sound, Ontario (GB-31). The Ayres’ have explored Georgian Bay extensively, after spending many years on Lake Ontario, and a number of charters in the Caribbean. Enjoy the read! 

Lifeline: When did you get into boating? 

I (Bill) grew up in Ottawa, camping and boating, (canoes, row boats, power boats), and water skiing. I learned to sail in Hamilton in the 1970’s, when I moved here after college. I got Helen into sailing.  We bought our first boat in 1984, a CS27. 

Lifeline: They say boaters have “-- itis”. What types of boats have you owned? 

We sailed on Lake Ontario for over a decade, the last few years making an annual trip to the Thousand Islands. We live in Dundas, Ont., which is near the very southeastern shore of Lake Ontario.  

With both of us still working full time (Bill was a commercial pilot and Helen as a senior university administrator, we explored where to berth the boat, with the focus on maximizing our weekend sailing and limiting drive time to the boat.  

We had considered basing ourselves in the Thousand Islands, Kingston, Ont., area, however decided against it because of the requisite 3+ hour commute.  Instead, we moved to Georgian Bay, initially to Collingwood (GB-17), only 2 hours from our home.  

At about the same time, we purchased our second boat, a CS30. Our children had grown, and didn’t fit the CS27 anymore, part of the hidden cost of having children! With our kids now teenagers and needing more space, we purchased our current boat, S/V Raven, a three-cabin Dufour 38. 

Lifeline: What is your typical cruising ground? 

During our years in Collingwood we often went north, to Christian Island, Midland, and further afield. 

We decided Penetanguishene was a better base because we were always cruising further north into Georgian Bay, often all the way to the North Channel. 

After a few years, we found the Midland, Honey Harbour, Penetanguishene area too busy, and after a brief move to Britt which was too far a drive for weekend sailing, Parry Sound (GB-31) presented itself as a happy medium. 

We spend quite a bit of time on our boat in the summer, particularly since we are now both retired. Even when working, we always tried to have one long trip. When we had the CS30, Helen said 30-foot, 30 days away and no kids threatened = a good trip!  

We don’t live on the boat in the summer but do spend long periods cruising northern Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The Bustards and the French River are favourite stopping off areas. 

Lifeline: What attracted you to join GLCC in 2014? 

We joined the GLCC for the Harbor Reports at first, but have found meeting up with like-minded people to be a great benefit. I have also taken part in several GLCCSchool webinars to educate myself on various subjects. 

Lifeline: Any interesting GLCC meetup stories or memories? 

Every time we participate in a member get together, we thoroughly enjoy ourselves, and have met many interesting fellow sailors. 

Lifeline: What keeps you busy in the winter? 

In the winter, I build model airplanes, and we travel as much as possible, as well as volunteering (including at the GLCC booth at the Toronto International Boat Show when we can), cross country skiing and hiking. Summers are busy as we also golf, and I fly my models. I am a retired commercial pilot and during my career, navigation and weather were something I had to pay attention to constantly. There is something of a crossover between sailing and flying, which I enjoy.