With the Times Colonist’s business section screaming “Hot Boat for boat Making Waves” and Vancouver’s largest circulation tabloid declaring “Staying Afloat On Success of Rowboats” our Whitehall crew were all smiles at our official launch of the Solo 14 September 30 despite the drizzle.

The first storm of the season left some puddles on the ground and water dripping off the bushes but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd of boat folks that showed up at the Victoria Canoe And Sailboat kayak Club at the scenic Gorge Waterway Park to take the Solo for a test row.

It really was a retrospective of the boatbuilding we are all so proud of. Apair of Classic Whitehall 17s, a 14 a Westcoast Sail, and a Tyee Spirit were also on display.

The highlight of the event was when Whitehall President Marie Hutchinson donated a new Whitehall Spirit Solo to the Heart and Stroke Foundation as an incentive for their fundraising.

Heart and Stroke Regional Director Renate said “One of my favourite strategies to improving heart health is the simple 0-5-30 formula: no smoking, 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and at least 30 minutes of exercise most days.

And speaking of 30 minutes of exercise, what better way than to row yourself to good heart health”.

It was great to see so many families with children out rowing in Whitehall style inspiring them to get into the habit of an active lifestyle.