In 1897, the Sailing Vessel Dorothy was built. In early 2024 (127 years later), she won an international award for “Restored Sailing Vessel of the Year Under 40 Feet”, and on August 25 she visited Salt Spring Island Sailing Club. Between the efforts of former owner Angus Matthews and Club member Philip Grange, and with the enthusiastic cooperation of wharfinger Bo Curtis, Dorothy was able to overnight at the Sailing Club docks, after taking some junior sailors out for a memorable sail on Sunday afternoon. A fleet of five Flying Fifteens welcomed Dorothy in the harbour. It was a wonderful day for classic, wooden, and small boat enthusiasts!
A comment from Angus and Sandy Matthews, Dorothy’s crew from the Maritime Museum of BC: These times with junior sailors of great promise on the helm of Dorothy reward all those who have made it possible. Thank you, Saltspring Island Sailing Club, for hosting us – hope we see you at the Classic Boat Festival in Victoria August 30 to September 1.
During her visit to Ganges, Dorothy was at the Kanaka dock as part of the Salt Spring Classic Boat Show. Before she left and headed to Victoria for the Classic Wooden Boat Festival on the long weekend, she went for sail in the harbour so that drone footage could be taken of her sailing, with the assistance of Club member Jamie Sayer and his classic boat Scout.
You can read about Dorothy and her history by clicking here.
Here are some photos of Sunday’s sail, taken by Martin Herbert and Angus and Sandy Matthews. Click on photos to view larger.
