A New Release..... see the painting here

“Dinghy Dock”

Ganges Harbour, with its welcoming dinghy dock, looks out onto an ever-changing array of visiting skiffs, the Fish Market eatery, the School Board office, and Mahon Hall. Delighted boaters step ashore to explore our thriving market town.

Year-round, our salty harbour in Ganges is a hive of activity. During this transitional season, hardy mariners find sanctuary in the inner harbour. Anchoring is easy and close to the village edge, making for a comfortable row to the visitors’ dinghy dock. The little wharf rests just below the boardwalk and only metres from the grocery store, hardware shop, restaurants, and our gallery—provisioning made simple.

In late winter and early spring, mooring is often assured. I love the unique display of boats tied along the docks, each with its own character and quiet story.

In this painting, I included Cygnet VI, our day-sailor, cherished by our family for more than forty years. She first sailed at our cabin in Algonquin Park. In the early 1990s, we trailered her west from Ontario to Salt Spring Island, where we delighted in her swiftness through gusty breezes.

A few years later, we purchased a Martin 242 and raced competitively with the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club around the island. Sadly, it meant selling Cygnet VI. As we transitioned from sailing to power boating, our daughter Tara took the helm of “Min,” the Martin 242, building her racing proficiency.

Last year, she surprised us all by finding—and buying back—our little CL 14 dinghy. Today, Cygnet VI is beautifully cared for. Tara often sails her in the breezes of Pirates Cove, occasionally treating summer cottage children to the joy of being on the water.