7 minute read
URBAN ESCAPE
Re-imagining the Downtown Sector as a Travel Destination
By Vicki Di Stefano
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At a time when flying off for a holiday isn’t feasible and the soaring cost of cottages moves beyond reach, many look for other options to break away from the bustle of the city. Having taken that on as an endgame, a Toronto couple shares their first-hand experience with Spencer.
They began with a search of recreational properties and concluded that the current demand for cottages has yielded any waterfront property as disproportionately overvalued. When they added in the 2 to 4-hour commute it would take to get to a cottage located within a reasonable distance from the city, the couple who will remain anonymous, turned their search around.
Being welcomed into the camaraderie of a Boating Community is like happening on A Whole New World
The young professionals confess that they knew very little about boats before beginning to look at boating as a possibility. Motivated by previous visits to the Toronto International Boat Show, they zeroed in on power cruisers. After looking at a few, they decided that they were indeed the best fit for their lifestyle as they typically have all the comforts and conveniences of home. The serendipity of then finding a marina that they liked within only 10 mins from their home cinched the decision to buy in. It gives them the sense of being outside of the city while being right downtown. With a view of the CN tower to the west and the urban wilderness of the Leslie Street Spit a stone throw to the east, they’re in an area that is home to over 300 species of animals.
The pair has since discovered that the boat culture and community are very friendly, generous with their time and advice, which is imperative for newbies like themselves. They’re also finding that there’s something extraordinary about a
purpose-built 700hp vessel that cuts through the water regardless of how stormy; while they can
sleep, cook and shower aboard. In fact, the 42foot Sea Ray they now own even has a built-in attachment for a blender in the galley (kitchen). Not bad for those impromptu daquiris and margaritas while out on the lake. How great does that sound?
In describing the process of making the purchase, they say that they were lucky to have found a broker, a surveyor and sellers who were all incredibly transparent and quickly earned their trust. In being made to feel like part of a family throughout the transaction, it highlighted the importance of meeting and having a conversation with the seller to get a real understanding of how the boat has been maintained. It became apparent that the boat they ultimately purchased was truly loved and treated with great care. They found the boat survey (the equivalent of a home inspection) and sea trial (the equivalent of a test drive, but with a professional boat mechanic) both enlightening. The experienced
surveyor and seadog helped them to understand more about the inner workings of the boat. The sea trial gave them a real taste of the capability and functionality of the boat, from plumbing to HVAC to central vacuum and more. They came to view the vessel as a floating cottage right in the city.
Having learned that the buying process can be very near as complex and stressful as in buying a home, they suggest that others looking to purchase surround themselves with experienced professionals, and take their time to research every detail to avert any rash or imprudent action.
It’s said that in the care of their vessels, boat owners develop an emotional connection with them. Who buys their boat is important to them - an adoption process aside from, and independent of the money- sort of like ‘who will take care of our baby and will this person show our craft as much respect as we did?’ By their account, the couple got the sense that who would be taking over the vessel mattered a great deal to the previous owner. After many years of babying and diligently maintaining her, he got quite emotional upon handing over the keys.
The new owners have maintained contact with him and are keeping him abreast of how his ‘old girl’ is doing. In his parting words, ‘it got a good home’, he seemed to be comforted.
For the novices, the boating community has become an instant fit! “First day in, our neighbour across the dock introduced us to some of our other neighbours. It really is an open and welcoming community.” They’ve found that, essentially, when people are on their boats, they are in vacation mode, so you are always greeted with a smile. There is always a helping hand, especially when trying to dock on a windy day. You have the freedom of taking part in the communal party-like atmosphere, or choose to have a quiet night in, watching a movie in your cozy cabin bed below deck.
As a couple they were ready for a new challenge, and boating is a team sport. Learning to operate and maneuver a 16000-pound vessel certainly qualified. They wanted something that was for fun in the outdoors, yet still quite intellectually stimulating. In the search across various marinas to determine where they would become members, one of the draws at the marina they ultimately chose was that WIFI was included. They envisioned this as a huge benefit allowing them to take zoom meetings from the boat and seamlessly finish out workdays while onboard. Ironically, what has materialized is quite the opposite; not only is the WIFI so weak as to make web conferences impossible, but the cellular signal is spotty at best. A blessing in disguise, forcing them to shutdown and recharge.
For those who, like them, have not grown up around boats, they recommend that you spend a little time learning with an instructor. Captaining a boat is not as stringent as getting an automotive driver’s license. In their opinion, it is actually too easy. With no practical training mandated, if you are going to lay down a significant amount of money to purchase a cruiser, it’s wise to protect that investment by getting some hands on, practical driving (and docking) training. All to help an end game which is to have fun while keeping safe.
And on the theme of safety, there is a lot that can go wrong on the water, so spending additional time learning all the navigational and warning flags and signs is imperative. The limited amount of training one receives from the online licencing course is sparse. Being at the mercy of the weather, you need to be prepared for the inevitable: you will be faced with inclement weather conditions at some point. All in all, it is simply easier to enjoy stress free days out on the water when you have the confidence that comes from a solid foundation in boating skills.
In looking back on a journey begun in mid summer, they describe their first week as an adventure, even though they hadn’t left the docks! Some family members came on board to share a cocktail and offer their congratulations. They met countless new people at the marina, and spent hours reading through the myriad user manuals and operating instructions. What they look forward to is completing the practical lessons so they can venture out and explore all that Lake Ontario has to offer. Whether it be the Toronto Islands, rafting up with some of their fellow marina mates or travelling across the lake to other destinations (like the Thousand Islands, Prince Edward County and Niagara on the Lake), and beyond, there is a whole new world that has opened up to them and they anticipate the many journeys up ahead.
Boat ownership helps the duo to disconnect from the city and its inherent stresses. They have committed to a boating mantra of “take your time!” A look of great adventure in their eyes as they say this, I’m wondering what they’ll name their new adoption!
Photo Credits: Jonathan Levy
