Commodore Edward M. Hodder Dinner

February 16, 2013 Edward M. Hodder Dinner

Last night we held the Hodder Dinner eight of the ten boats were present. This year we have three new members. Each new member may and generally is more then one person, I will explain.

The Edward M. Hodder Cruising Award is given to Members of The Royal Canadian Yacht Club who have completed the requirements of the Hodder. In two cases it has been awarded to a single handed sailor, but most recipients are married couples with or without children. Of the ten recipients two are power boats and the rest are sail boats.

The requirements are you spend at least one night at 41 ports or anchorages around Lake Ontario and The St. Lawrence River. It is named for Dr. Edward  Hodder who was a racer, cruiser and Commodore of our club for 19 of its first 26 years. In 1857 Dr. Hodder wrote a cruising guide for Lake Ontario and dedicated it to the members of our club in the hope they would get off the dock and cruise around the lake.

I created the rule book which each member fills out as they cruise, in 2004. The idea came from a discussion I had in 2003 with a good friend Peter Edwards. It has been enthusiastically accepted by the cruising members of the club and is starting to spread. Good friends Ted and Sue Baker of The Kingston (Ontario) Yacht Club have copied the idea and have created The Frontenac Award for their club.

When Peter Edwards and I first thought of the Award we had no idea it would be as successful as it has become. We were asking Members of The Royal Canadian Yacht Club to stay over night in 40 or more ports, harbours, islands or friends docks and mooring balls. Since we had no idea that The Award would go anywhere originally it was run by me and financed by both The RCYC and private donations. Now that we have 21 awardees all decisions are made by those who have The Hodder.

I think that it would work in many other locations. If you would like to learn more or wish to ask me any question please get in touch.