Publish Date: Monday, July 13, 2009
Location: Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: 45° 59.023′ N 81° 55.657′ W
Roy at the Radio, hosting the Little Current Cruiser's Net
As you most of you know who are following along with us, this has been an amazing journey. Although we have seen some special places and incredible scenery, it is the people you meet along the way that make this journey memorable. The crew of Three@Sea would like to give a very special “Cruiser Shout-Out” to Roy Eaton who hosts the Cruisers’ Net for the North Channel of Lake Huron. Roy lives in Little Current, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada; and hosts the Cruisers’ Net each morning at 9:00 a.m. on VHF Channel 71 during July and August from the Anchor Inn in Little Current.
For those of you who have never had the chance to cruise, a number of different areas in the world host cruisers’ nets. Each morning, these VHF marine radio programs provide traveling boaters with weather reports, news highlights, local information, and act as a central point of communication for boaters.
Of the several nets we’ve had the chance to experience, Roy’s is by far the most accurate, thorough and informative. Our first morning anchored at Beardrop Harbor, the three of us gathered around the radio with our tea and coffee to listen to the Little Current Cruisers’ Net for the first time. We were taken on a journey by Roy’s Charles-Kurault-sounding voice, and entertained by his information, facts, and dry sense of humor. Each morning thereafter, we were sure to have the radio tuned to VHF channel 71 so as not to miss his report. We always learned some new historical fact, along with the necessary wind direction and speed. 🙂 During his broadcast, Roy invites traveling boaters to stop and experience the show in person when transiting the Little Current Area — that was an offer we just couldn’t refuse.
So, Saturday morning off we traipsed to the Anchor Inn. We found Roy in an upstairs room with a half
Cruiser's gathered to listen to Roy's broadcast.
dozen other boaters gathered around. Roy immediately greeted us at the door with an easy smile and a twinkle in his eyes. It is obvious he loves what he does. He reads his report from a five page script he painstakingly prepares each day. His preparations begin the night before with a couple hours of research on significant historical events and occurrences for the following day. Then each morning he begins about 5:20 a.m. compiling current news, information and weather. He likes to get his information from several sources so as to present as unbiased a view as possible. He gathers it all together in a very complete script, and then heads off to do the broadcast.
Depending on the number of boats checking in (ranging from a handful early in the season to more than 90 during peak season) his show usually ends around 9:40. But his commitment to the cruising community doesn’t end there. Since cell phone coverage is spotty at best in the North Channel, he has made his phone number readily available to boaters and their families to assist with communication of important family information. He has taken on the difficult burden of letting a cruiser know of a loved ones passing; he’s made hospital and transportation arrangements for inured cruisers; he helps connect old boating friends looking for one another; and takes a genuine interest in the boats cruising through these beautiful waters.
Ayla broadcasting her ocean conservation message with Roy.
We learned this first hand. After meeting Roy that first morning we left him with our boat card and thanks for a great program. The next morning at 8:30 we are treated to a surprise visit by Roy. He had taken the time to visit our website, and being a fellow cruiser and retired high school principal, he was thrilled with Ayla’s commitment to the environment, and trying to the spread the word among young people. He invited her to join him that morning at the radio, to spread her message of helping to protect our oceans and waterways. It was a very generous and genuine invitation. Ayla was thrilled.
In the last several days since the broadcast, numerous cruisers have sought Ayla out to offer their words of support about ocean conservation, and to learn more about our trip and her passion. Roy certainly has the ear of the boaters in this area. 🙂 In addition, Roy took the time to share several ideas with Ayla and offer her special encouragement to make a difference in this world.
Roy Eaton is scholar, philosopher, philanthropist, cruiser, broadcaster, and all around inspiration.
Roy with his wife Margaret and Ayla
Thank you Roy for all you do!!!!!