Going less than 10 km/h, Karen Boyer and Kerry Harmon made their way from the downtown boat launch to Old Brewery Bay.
It was as fast as their 1950 Dispro would go as they headed to the Leacock Vintage Boat Festival at the Leacock Museum.
“You can’t wakeboard behind these boats,” quipped Boyer, who, together with her husband, Harmon, is president of the Dispro Owners Association.
The group was well represented at the festival Saturday, and the Dispros — which got their name because of their disappearing propellers — turned some heads.
“People are intrigued by their unique designs,” Boyer said. “They first seem to be attracted by the wood because it’s so beautiful, but then they ask, ‘Where’s the motor?’”
The Bracebridge couple relishes the opportunity to share the story of the Dispro with curious visitors.
“It’s fun to share what we have at events like this,” Boyer said. “I love history and preserving history.”
Their boat was made in Gravenhurst more than half a century ago. Other vessels on display this weekend include a number of locally made boats, including a canoe built by William Bush around 1903. It was purchased in 2009 by the Orillia Heritage Centre, which partnered with the Leacock Museum to organize the show.
“We wanted to have it interactive so people can really learn about the history,” said Shannon Jackman, one of the organizers with the Orillia Heritage Centre.
In addition to the boats, there are a few craft vendors and there are activities for children.
The festival began Friday. Rain on Saturday afternoon briefly affected attendance, but the forecast looks more promising for Sunday, when the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tom Rose, collections and program supervisor with the Leacock Museum, said the festival is a good fit for the location, and he noted Leacock owned a Dispro.
“This is the kind of thing Leacock did,” he said. “People often think of his writing, but this was his cottage. He came out here to relax, not just write.”
During the final day of the festival, the main focus will be on locally built boats.
