1956 Breaking the Lens Barrier QCYC

This film was presented to the Club membership in 1956 by Blake Van Winkle (Secretary 1920-23, Commodore 1935-39), John Welsh (Commodore 1955-56) and Al Rae Snr. (Commodore 1943-44 and 1964-65) and covers a 10 year period (1945-55). In the opening sequences there is a shot of the Motor Yacht Rip VII which belonged to Blake Van Winkle that appears to be anchored in a Sailpast which might indicate shots taken in the late 1930s. A newspaper article in February 1935 regarding Commodore Van Winkle’s election states “His motor cruiser “Rip VII” now becomes the flagship for the club’s fleet. Commodore Van Winkle is one of the best-known yachtsmen on Lake Ontario, having taken an active interest in yachting activities all his life, and for many years he has been secretary of the Lake Yacht Racing Association.” Sequences of dredging and the Ward's Island ferry have been edited out and presented in separate clips. There are also shots of Vahalla, Quest and shots of a launch from Taylor’s yard by the Western Gap, Bud Godden, Bill Bruce, Gord Menzies, Al Cox, Kewpie Cox (wife of Al Cox), Vi Rae and Ken Purchase skipper of Shilouette.