Canadian Yachting February 2023 - 24

very long waiting list. So delighted when
his new 48 was completed, he contacted
the local McDonalds operator and had
lunch delivered for 220 employees in the
Maine boatyard. The grand occasion is
proudly displayed in a picture volume on
McHappy III's coffee table.
He admires, as any boater would, its
extremely traditional cabinetry built atop
the most modern of hulls fabricated from
epoxy-infused carbon fi bre. (In a candid,
non-publishable moment George confessed
that his previous Hinckley boat's
hull got an accidental testing on a Florida
reef and survived without an injury, convincing
him this traditional / space-age
combo was the perfect solution for both
aesthetics and practicality.)
There's lots about this boat to love.
Up forward there's a luxurious stateroom
and galley, twin fully stated heads and a
dinette that converts to a second cabin
in a pinch. The command station with a
bank of pedestal Stidd chairs joins the
gorgeous saloon that glows with more
of the brilliantly gleaming cherry. Two
power-operated frameless side windows
open the area up along with four power
ceiling hatches to add even more access to
the outside. Curved doors open to the lush
cockpit with yet more cherry. McHappy
III has the wet bar and icemaker options,
of course. During the course of my visits
aboard, the other guests and even passers-by
on the dock couldn't suppress their
smiles and admiration for what is a truly
stunning craft.
Loving the boat, however, is almost
second to using it to do useful things and
helping others. The grandchildren naturally
jump on board with glee but so do
even the most seasoned of boaters who
are involved with McHappy III's generous
endeavours. Supporting the Canadian
National Sailing Team, The Canada's Cup
Team and others is a start, but even more
important is the fundraising, especially for
Ronald McDonald House.
For several years the Royal Canadian
Yacht Club has staged Paddlethon - in
August this year, participants paddled
'anything that fl oats' around the south
RCYC Island, followed by a barbecue.
The Paddlethon has raised over $100,000
for RMHC Toronto in the last three years
and topped its goal of raising $60,000 in
2022.
In the winter, McHappy III makes its
way by transport to Palm Beach to continue
the enjoyment. Says George with
a hint of mischief, " Even in Florida I fl y
our Canadian fl ag. If they don't like it...
well...! " Big smile. The boat refl ects the
big heart of its owner; you can feel it as
you step aboard. George is on the boat, his
" McHappy " place.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: 2 X 715 HP
Cummins : 1430 HP total - Twin
Hamilton Jet Drives
Top speed - 38 knots
LENGTH OVERALL: 52' 3 "
LENGTH HULL: 48' 10 "
LENGTH WATERLINE: 42' 1 "
BEAM: 15' 5 "
DRAFT: 2' 7 "
DISPLACEMENT: 39,900 lbs
WEIGHT: 11,636 lbs / 5,278 kg
FUEL CAPACITY: 2,700 L diesel
CONSTRUCTION: Dualguard™
SCRIMP® Carbon E-Glass Composite
hull with vinylester resin. E-glass Deck
McHappy III is quipped with Jetstick
3, optimizing the most advanced technology
available for simple functionality
aboard. At the touch of a button, drop
a virtual anchor to hold position anywhere
in the world. Integrated dynamic
steering uses fl y-by-wire technology
to communicate with military-grade
intellinders.
Remote Jetstick allows remote joystick
control from the dock or swim
platform.
George Cohon is clearly at his " McHappiest " piloting this sophisticated Hinckley 48 up the
16Mile Creek in Oakville.
24 CANADIAN YACHTING | FEBRUARY 2023

Canadian Yachting February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting February 2023