Canadian Yachting June 2015 - (Page 24)

GALLEY GUYS Strolling in Cobourg, ON By Galley Guys Greg Nicoll, John Armstrong and Andy Adams O h sure...boaters love to go boating, but some also like to, you guessed it: stroll. One of the great things about boating the north shore of Lake Ontario is pulling into Cobourg Harbor to tie up for a visit and walk about town in a leisurely or idle manner. Boat strollers are easily picked out around town, sporting Sperry Top-Siders that are a little worn out, sunglasses held on by a Croakie or duct tape, burgee embroidered canvas tote bags, clothes that are a little crumpled and a displaying a few days' worth of facial hair. On many occasions in the past, Galley Guy John Armstrong and crew have cruised out of the greater Toronto area heading east to the County, Gananoque and the Thousand Islands, and en route, they always spend time enjoying all that Cobourg, Ontario has to offer. "The best thing about Cobourg is that you can stroll to virtually everything you need or want", says Armstrong. In minutes from your slip in the Cobourg Marina, you're on the main street, admiring the historic architecture and finding everything you could possibly want in a stopover. All the major banks have branches nearby, there's a liquor store (which also sells beer - one stop shopping) and a wonderful bakery right by the marina, then on the main street two blocks away, you will find a wide selection of boutique shopping, entertainment and a simply amazing selection of restaurants. It's about 60 miles east of Toronto and 24 Canadian Yachting "Stroll" Verb: walk in a leisurely or idle manner Noun: a short leisurely walk Some veteran boaters may remember the song: The Stroll by the Diamonds The MillStone Bakery butter tarts easily passed the Galley Guys' drip test. The bakery is right beside the marina. Photos Andy Adams most large powerboats could make the trip in a couple of hours. With favourable wind and weather, it would be a delightful sail. Although this is getting ahead of the story a bit, as the Galley Guys arrived in town, we were asking each other what might have prompted the initial founding of the town of Cobourg. Looking around, there's farmland, but then there's farmland all the way. There's bound to be fishing but again, it didn't particularly look like a fishing area. Later, when we were at the restaurant that has become something of a destination unto itself, The Oasis, we asked owner Don Owen the question. "I know who can answer that", he said and he called over Colin, the town historian who happened to be in the restaurant at that moment. We asked Colin, "What activity or industry was responsible for the founding of the town of Cobourg?" "Lawyers" he replied matter-of-factly. (Insert your best lawyer joke here). With great knowledge and attention to local detail, he explained to us that Cobourg was the right location for a courthouse and as soon as that was built in the early 1800s, lawyers moved into the area and valuable economic activity began! At one time in the late 1800s, there were as many as 20 different hotels along the main street near the courthouse. With this kind of economic background, it's no wonder that there are still so many lovely big century homes on large downtown lots. Cobourg is a very picturesque community and that has attracted the wealthy and successful to locate there over the years. The fact that it's right on Lake Ontario and has a lovely big sand beach is a great bonus. The courthouse is not so much needed JUNE 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting June 2015

Vantage Point: Introduce a Friend to Boating
Waterfront: Cold Water Awareness, Easter Seals Regatta, Ask the Experts
Club Profile: Sarnia Yacht Club
Galley Guys - Cobourg Stroll
Fitness On Board Series: Part 1
Feature: Summer Antique Boat Shows and Marine Museums
Destination: Port Dover: Bikes, Perch and Dogs
Port Hole
Sail Review: Marlow-Hunter 37
Power Review: Azimut Magellano 43
Crossing the Line: Everything Old is New Again

Canadian Yachting June 2015