07/19/2025
Grady-White Rendezvous #8: Killarney
Hello Great Grady White Friends,
What an outstanding trip! In every way.
We would like to thank all of you for trusting us to show you the capabilities of these amazing boats we own and introduce you to the incredible destinations available to us on Georgian Bay. And just as importantly, to meet other Grady owners and friends and broaden/develop connections to like-minded boaters and all-around wonderful people.
There were some firsts on this trip. A breakdown and a weather delay.
1. The breakdown: Safety in numbers. We all saw first hand the ability to deal with what could have been an unpleasant outcome, highlights one of the Grady White Club missions: safety travelling in numbers. With Desmasdons to the rescue, the boat was towed into Killarney harbour (heartfelt thanks Ted and Sally) and by time of its arrival there were tools and parts on site. Before dinner was over, the bottom end of the motor was off and the diagnostic performed (huge thanks Cody, Andrew). Unfortunately there was more to it than first thought but the boat was on a trailer and heading back to Desmasdons before 9:00 am the next morning. Unbelievable service. There are not many (any?) marinas that would meet that standard! This event also illustrates the how having the right communications on board (VHF) can make a big difference if you are alone and get into trouble. Cell phone service is never guaranteed on the Bay, no matter how much you wave your extended arms.
2. Weather delay - knowing when to be brave and when to be smart. :). We made the right decision to stay at Killarney yesterday, appreciating the experience and sage advice from Ted. Ted and Sally are veteran boaters in all kinds of conditions, and Ted’s guideline of not travelling in any wind over 20 knots was good to learn and served us well. Thanks to all for being flexible, trusting us, and staying the extra day. Also, a big thanks to Desmasdons for stepping up to arrange rides back for those that needed to leave Thursday.
While most of us stayed, two experienced captains headed out into rough conditions (5-6ft waves, reportedly feeling like 10 ft) yesterday. They understood the capabilities of Grady Whites and made it home safe and sound, but more than a little bounced around. We don’t recommend choosing to go out in those kind of conditions but it’s good to know if conditions get rough while you’re out you have the boat that will get you home safely.
How fortunate are we to have Katie Creech from Grady White, Jeff from Yamaha and Andrew from Garmin join us on our trip - such great support and camaraderie….and don’t forget the swag. I hope you took advantage of their presence and got answers to any of your questions. And a sincere thanks shout out to Maple Leaf Marinas/Desmasdons for the delicious Cocktails and Fish Fry on Wednesday night and all they did to support this event.
And finally, thank you again for opening your hearts and your wallets to generously support our first charity event. We raised $2510 for the West Parry Sound Health Foundation to direct to the Pointe Au Baril Nurse Practitioner Led Health Centre (aka The Nursing Station). We hope the winners are enjoying their prizes and Charlie, please post any big fish you catch with your Fishing Loot Bag lures!!! A big thank you to Desmasdons, Bubba Shady’s BBQ, CCY Home Hardware, Mirjam Wolfe Pottery and E&R Bait and Tackle for their generous contributions to our raffle. Please support these establishments and if you think of it the next time you are in to see any of them, it would be great to acknowledge their support of our group.
Here are some bits of Grady 2025 Trip Trivia:
Distance 200 miles
Boat hours 11
Total horse power 6050
Total boat length 410 ft
We have lots of takeaways and ideas on how to make future rendezvous even better and please don’t hesitate to send your suggestions in too!
Until our next adventure, enjoy the rest of your summer.
Regards,
Phil, Laurie & Hudson Grantham
