Sunshine Sketches of Muskoka is a short monthly film series celebrating the people, places, and small-town spirit that make this region home.
Created and directed by talented filmmaker Geordie Sabbagh, each episode captures the heart of a community that runs on connection, history, and hope.
Muskoka has a long tradition of boat builders in an area rich with lakes. This episode is dedicated to that tradition.
Like what you see or have an idea about something you’d like to see featured here? Drop Geordie a line below.
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In the 50’s, my dad did work for Mr. E.P. Boothby who owned Point Ideal on the Lake of Bays. Dad finished 2 or 3 hulls for Egbert’s son Donald. Don always wanted a super light hull so he could win the Lake Of Bays regattas. When we would go out to the Point, sometimes my mother would go and either Egbert, Don or Ross would take us out in the Boothby boat.
A big polished hull. Long and lean. I don’t know what make, but the boat, ‘Miss X’ thrilled us. Cutting through the chop, the sonorous rumble of the engine, and a smooth ride. What a boat!
Later, Dr. Colin McRae and his son Winston bought a ‘Dippy’. It needed some work and they brought it to my Uncle George. If it was mechanical and had an engine, Geo. could fix it. We spent a lot of time just cleaning, polishing and replacing worn pieces and cables. The best part was launching that beauty down at the river.
We spent an afternoon with that one-lunger. Geo. doing the fine tuning as we chugged down to the Locks and up as far as the Canal. We planned to do some more runs, but the Mcraes came the next morning and got the boat.
Those old boats had style and class. I guess it’s all in what you grew up with. New power boats are screaming jezus fast I know, but those old launches had personality.
This is a great short film about a place and a time.
A great short history of our boating history. Look forward to more Sunshine Sketches Jacquie
I’m really enjoying this series, thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this short film showcasing an important Muskoka story and I look forward to more – just what we need! Thank you!