The voice of Brian Williams, the long-time voice of CBC’s Olympic coverage, echoed throughout the venue when he bellowed, “I am proud to say it is time to enjoy Canada’s Raceboat Hall of Fame (CRHF).”
Williams hosted a grand opening ceremony for the building Saturday evening.
He said he invited by his former colleague Rick Brace, chair of the CRHF, who Williams explained asked him to be part of the opening a couple of months ago. He said he was happy to help, noting his connection to the area, having spent many years at Bangor Lodge in Bracebridge before it closed in 2007.
“It is impossible to ignore the prime influence that Muskoka has had on Canada’s racing heritage,” said Williams. He added how iconic brands like Ditchburn, Minett Shields, Duke Boats, and Greavette were established in Cottage Country.
“This exhibit hall showcases some of the most celebrated boats, engines, and hulls in Canadian racing history,” he continued.
Murray Walker, co-founder of the CRHF, said his favourite machine on display is the Muskoka-built Miss Supertest III. He explained prior to 1959, no Canadian boat had won the Harmsworth Cup, a prestigious award that was given during an annual motorboat racing competition between 1903 and 2011. Walker said not only did the boat win it, but it won three years in a row.
Walker shared how the boat, which is prominently displayed at the front of the museum, produced over 2,000 horsepower and had a revolutionary propeller that allowed it to blast away from its competitors coming out of corners when many of its rivals were forced to slow down to handle the bend.
“I think this facility is going to help people everywhere learn how important Muskoka was in the early days of racing,” added Walker.
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith and Muskoka Lakes’ Mayor Peter Kelley were
part of the festivities, and both said they knew this project would go forward, no matter how long it took.
“It’s absolutely a wonderful addition to our community,” added Kelley.
The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame is located at 1512 Muskoka Rd. 118 W. in Muskoka Lakes. It’s open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week.
