cycnorth.com - Canadian Yacht Charters

PO Box 215

Gore Bay, Ontario, Canada

P0P 1H0

(705) 282-0185

info@cycnorth.com

Welcome to Canadian Yacht Charters

We regret to inform you that CYC yacht charter bookings are closed.

Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances, there will be no 2026 season.

Sadly after more than 35 years, Canadian Yacht Charters & Marine Store will have to close its doors.

Creditors have been contacted but if you were missed please send an email to: info@cycnorth.com

A heartfelt thank you to all past clients, colleagues, fellow boaters and staff for almost 40 years of memories of yacht chartering in the North Channel. You will be missed.

The CYC Crew

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In Memory of Ken Blodgett – Owner of Canadian Yacht Charters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Rest in Peace Captain Ken.

The North Channel - A Boater's Paradise

Imagine pink granite islands, millions of years old, covered with windswept pines and scattered throughout a 120 mile expanse of the bluest freshwater in the world. Dozens of untainted anchorages, secret gunkholes and quaint harbour towns make up this "Boater's Paradise". This supreme waterway offers breath-taking scenery and solitude yet is within close reach of services and all amenities.

The timeless and unique pink granite of the Benjamin Islands, the protected sailing of the Whalesback Channel and the white quartz cliffs lining the 8 mile fjord of Baie Finn, are but a small part of this world renowned cruising area known as the North Channel of Lake Huron. The North Channel spills into Georgian Bay and there are literally hundreds of beautiful anchorages to discover. The spectacular Benjamin Islands are only 12 miles away from our charter base and they were voted as one of "Cruising World's Top Ten Anchorages in the World!"

Canadian Yacht Charters is based in Gore Bay on the north side of Manitoulin Island - the largest freshwater island in the world. We are located right in the heart of the North Channel only a short cruise away from dozens of well-protected anchorages offering rugged beauty, crystal clear waters, great fishing and unlimited boating adventures. Gore Bay is the capital of Manitoulin Island and it offers an unsurpassed natural harbour with protective high bluffs and plenty of deep water. There are no currents, shallows or bridges to contend with here on your first day of chartering. CYC chose Gore Bay for its home base over 30 years ago because of all it has to offer charter clients: central location, protected & safe harbour plus all of the services and shopping to go with provisioning. Gore Bay Marina now has brand new docks and facilities after last year's expansion. Our charter clients can enjoy roomy slips that are 'state of the art' with spacious new washroom & shower facilities and internet available to harbour guests.

Canadian Yacht Charters has been a recognized and respected name in the industry for over 30 years. The CYC Fleet is the largest in Lake Huron (power and sail) and is impeccably maintained by highly skilled people who care. Our experienced and courteous staff has been providing professionally operated chartering holidays to boaters from all walks of life for decades. We want your boating vacation to be the best and that is why CYC has an over 80% repeat client rate. We're expanding our 'Charter Client Family' each year with our commitment to excellence in providing the "best yacht charter holiday ever"!

Canadian Yacht Charters has set the standard for excellence in yacht chartering in the North Channel. The North Channel is our home - we live here and we love it! We have cruised these waters extensively and we know each of our yachts first hand. We oversee our charter operations personally seven days a week. You can always reach us if you have a problem or just want to ask a question. The 'personal touch' is one factor in our success in the charter industry.

Whether your idea of a thrill is burying the rail at 8 knots or cruising comfortably into the next sunset, Lake Huron's waters are sure to please. Canadian Yacht Charters is committed to making your next vacation 'picture perfect'. With a new adventure just a close reach away let CYC help you to experience the North Channel.

Come Sailing with CYC and experience "The Best Charter Company in the Best Freshwater Cruising Area in the World"!