North American Rally #25

Killbear Park, Parry Sound, ON • Sat 19 July – Fri 25 July 2025

Alan Asselstine’s report

updated: 29 October 2025

There were challenges booking campsites at Killbear Park for some 31 sailors and 14 boats that joined this year's rally. Provincial regulations required booking sites five months ahead of time and for a maximum of seven days. This resulted in some sailors arriving on July 18 and others on July 19. Most found campsites in the Lighthouse area, while some only found sites in the Blind Bay area. Those arriving on the 18th enjoyed a good sail on the 19th, while those arriving on the 19th had to set up tents in the rain. A few delayed until the 20th to avoid the weather.

In addition to regular rally goers, we welcomed several new participants. Serge brought his son Sasha, six years old and the youngest rally goer. Sasha did great, joining several multi-hour sails. On one sail he determined the route himself, circumnavigating Cousin Island and landing at Kilcoursie Beach. Alongside Serge and Sasha was Serge's mother Tamara, who took on the grandmother role of worrying. Phoebe Wang joined and enjoyed sailing with Bob and others. Celeste MacKenzie and Alexis Codina came from Ottawa for their first rally. Eric Braun and Neely Law joined on July 25, the last day of the rally. We hope they will join us again. Other visitors included Brian's daughter Crystal Bouckhuyt and Sue's friends from Parry Sound.

After Saturday night's rain, we enjoyed six good sailing days. There was one more rain overnight and on Thursday evening during our banquet, but these did not interfere with sailing. On Sunday, July 20, we held the long-distance race, reported elsewhere. As at other rallies, different groups planned different sails each day. One group sailed twice through the Hole in the Wall and lunched on Huckleberry Island. Another group of six boats reached the Pancake Islands for lunch and exploration, though the return required some paddling and pedaling. At each 9 AM captains' meeting we planned the day based on weather. Forecasts for sun were decent, but wind forecasts were often wrong, leading to frequent adjustments.

On Friday, three boats remained and sailed to a beach next to Depot Island. The party included Heather and Robin, Annelies and Stuart, and Henry and Andrew. Instead of circumnavigating Depot Island, Heather and Robin led to a previously unknown beach. It turned out to be Indigenous land, and while a Band Office number was noted, no one answered. After lunch, as the group packed up, two Band members arrived and questioned their presence. The Wayfarers quickly departed and enjoyed a lively sail back as the winds picked up. It was a memorable end to the week.

Socializing was a big part of the rally. Sunday night we shared after-dinner snacks (until the mosquitoes joined). Wildlife included a porcupine visiting campsites and a snake eating a toad. Tuesday featured a potluck with plenty of great food. Thursday evening, we held our banquet at Gullies in Snug Harbour, a full house with fresh local fish and indulgent desserts.

At our rallies we've always tried to use radios on channel 68, but as this is a public channel, most now prefer cell phones. Participants exchanged numbers to communicate between boats or call for help. Fortunately, this year there was no need for assistance.

The Killbear 2025 Participants