A gale of passion at Chebogue River Aquatic Club

By Michael Gorman

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

As far as clubhouses go, few have the kind of view the Chebogue River Aquatic Club enjoys. Looking out at the spanning green marsh and hills that surround the river, it's easy to forget that the noise of town is only a few kilometres away.

It's here Ed Ensor has spent much of the last 36 years. Ensor is one of the longest-standing members of the club. He's also the unofficial club historian.

"There was probably in the range of 20 to 25 members to start out," Ensor says of the club's inception in 1967-68. Today they enjoy membership of 70, 45 of whom are full members, which means they have their own boats. Members are not just from the Yarmouth area but also throughout the Atlantic provinces and as far away as Minnesota and Vermont.

A lot has changed about the club since its early days. The clubhouse has grown from the small, one room building that originated as the whistle house for Bug Light. Club members moved the structure to its present location just off the Chebogue Road and rested it on a cement slab. Since then the building has grown to include another room on the ground level and an upstairs room, complete with kitchen and a panoramic view of the Chebogue River. A large deck provides a postcard-perfect view of the area and overlooks a series of docks and moorings. Small sketches of old boats line the walls of the club.

"We've got a nice building here," says Ensor. "It's been built by the members and we're proud to say we own it all, so far."

Ensor's passion for his boat and the club is obvious. Even as he sits to talk about the club he always has one eye on the water.

"You've got to like it because it's like the old saying goes: To own a boat it's like having a hole in the water — you just throw money into it," he says with a chuckle

Even still, the club is where Ensor likes to be.

"It's just relaxing to me to come down and have my boat here . . . (There are) lovely facilities here and we've got a deal when you compare it to other clubs around the province for what we're paying for membership."

Perhaps this is one of the biggest differences between the Chebogue club and other boat clubs. The perception that boating is just for the social elite has no place here.

"We've got all kinds of models," says Ensor. "We've got guys here with just little outboards and everything and we've got guys without even boats that just like to be attached to a club that has something to do with sailing on the water. Lots of times I go (sailing) and I'll take a bunch with me and three quarters of them don't own boats; they just like to go."

Neil Smith, the club's president, has a sailboat that will soon be in the water. Smith was born and bred by the river. He says they encourage anyone who likes being on the water to get involved with the club.

"We're open to membership to all kinds," he says. "Just come in and show an interest."

Like any other club they have monthly meetings, meals and events.

Randy Cook is helping to organize the club's fundraising dance this Saturday at the Wedgeport Knights of Columbus hall. The evening will feature lots of food and music by Ryan Cook. Ensor and Smith say the evening is the perfect introduction to the club for people who are interested.

Randy Cook says his earliest childhood memories are tied to the Chebogue River and spending time there with his dad.

"He couldn't get enough of it," says Cook. "Now I've got the same bug; I want to be here all the time."

Ensor says the river, which allows people access at both high and low water, provides a lot of opportunities for people who want to get involved.

"If you want to sail the river you can stay inside. If you want to go outside you can go outside. It's one of the best facilities you could ever ask for anywhere."