Greek's Folly on the Great Loop

Monday April 13, 2015 to Thursday April 16, 2015 – Halifax Harbor

MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) Spring Rendezvous

The MTOA is an organization that Tom has belonged to for about 6 years. This is the second rendezvous we are attending, the first by boat. MTOA is a social boating group promoting boating fun, education and safety – all the things we like.

The rendezvous always starts and ends with a general membership meeting to give its members information and up to date them on recent boating issues. Throughout the three days, educational workshops are offered and fun events planned. Some of the workshops we attended are boat engine maintenance, boat insurance, women at the helm, women’s hands-on boating, beading for boaters, coast guard safety inspection on Greeks Folly, flares safety and practice, gear and gadgets, and the down east loop presentation. The classes were all very informative. Tom was most impressed during the flare practice, when his gun broke and he made the determination that 12 gauge flares are worthless. Those flares you cannot see – you might as well hit the boat you are trying to signal to get their attention – they are rubbish. Colletta enjoyed the hands on boating experience and is gaining confidence while handling the boat.

The rendezvous also includes many social events. Continental breakfast is offered every morning, of which we were part of the early morning committee, we served lunch on board to another couple, Fred and Edwina Sorenson who also have a 43’Ocean Alexander – another way to meet more people, open boat visitation in which we opened our boat to other members who wanted to visit our lifestyle, rained out ballgame at the Jackie Robinson Field, wine and whine session which is a boxed lunch and sharing of boating tips, beer and bullshit for the men, and docktails demo of quick and easy recipes. The two big evening social events were the Biker Bash (this year’s theme). Some people looked more biker than boater, Members dress the part, enjoy dinner together and dance to the 60s-70s band. The other event was a dinner and awards ceremony at the Halifax Yacht Club. A nice closing to the rendezvous.