In Memory of Ken Blodgett –  Owner of Canadian Yacht Charters

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Ken Blodgett Celebration of Life - May 17, 2025 on what would have been Ken’s 79th birthday. 

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ken Blodgett, the owner of Canadian Yacht Charters.  While we have been processing this incredible loss & sadness at CYC – we are comforted by the fact that Ken lived a long life full of fun and adventure.  Ken Blodgett accomplished many things in his lifetime.  Over the years he loved playing & coaching hockey, teaching & participating in downhill skiing and of course – sailing and boating. He was a avid sailor and an accomplished Skipper who introduced many people to boating in the world renowned cruising grounds of the North Channel. 

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Ken Blodgett ran his first yacht charter company in Georgian Bay and he also worked for Aloha Yachts based in Pickering, Ontario.  Ken sold and delivered many Aloha sailboats into the Canadian Yacht Charters fleet based in Gore Bay, Ontario.  In 1991, Ken purchased Canadian Yacht Charters and he continued to run it for the next 33 years. 

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Ken sailed and skied all over the world and he made Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron his home for over 30 years.  Sailing in the beautiful waters of the North Channel of Lake Huron was Ken’s great love.  He participated in many Port Huron to Mackinac Island races.  He hosted seminar talks at the Toronto International Boat Show about the North Channel for years.  He was a local town councillor and waterfront committee member for decades.  Ken cruised the North Channel for over 30 years always excited to visit dozens of his favourite spots including the  Benjamin Islands, Harbour Island, Killarney and Baie Finn to name a few.  He delighted many crews of people who were lucky enough to have him as their Skipper for a day or more with his unique charm, extensive knowledge and wacky sense of humour. 

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It is estimated that Canadian Yacht Charters has hosted at least 6000 bareboat charters with over 20,000 skippers & crews visiting the North Channel of Lake Huron to rent a CYC boat over the years.  Boaters from Canada, the USA, Britain, Europe and as far away as Australia have chartered with CYC.  Canadian Yacht Charters has employed over 20 employees each season during those years plus employing many skippers, using local services and trades people. 

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Over the years, return charter clients would often show up with fresh lobster, butter tarts, tequila, wine, fresh corn on the cob or other treats to give to  Ken as he had made them a bet or an offer with tasty bribes encouraged.  He loved to socialize and would often invite himself on board for breakfast, dinner or a drink.  Ken always provided great entertainment with his mischievous sense of humour. 

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We will miss so many things about Ken Blodgett at Canadian Yacht Charters including his great sense of humour and his larger than life personality.  Many will remember the “Skipper Meetings” held by Ken at CYC on charter check out mornings.  Ken would have a captured audience of charter clients as he gave his famous “Chart Talk” chat.  A talk full of his immense knowledge of boats, the North Channel waterway, many wild boating stories not to mention his special jokes.   

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Ken Blodgett will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, The CYC Crew and so many people in the boating community. Ken really was one of kind and his missing presence is greatly felt. 

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He is gone but never forgotten.  “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to our favourite Sailor.    

  

Rest in Peace Captain Ken. ​