Among
the feast of wooden boats gathered for the Festival, including Allen Farrell’s
dory and a Larry Westlake handliner, will be two classics that have been
part of Sunshine Coast history for well over half a century.
The “Lorill A”, a 1951 rowboat built by Lorill and Bryon Hanney
in Halfmoon Bay, is unique in that she had to be restored BEFORE she was
launched - just 4 years ago. (See Harbour Spiel December, 2004)
And, “Balandra”, a 22’6” sloop designed by William
Hand, built by Collin Hanney and launched in 1945, and which is now READY
for restoration!
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Two brothers, two boats and a host of sea-life experiences which culminate
in their ongoing legacy at the Wooden Boat Festival.
Collin and Bryon Hanney began their sailing adventures in 1937. They discovered
the Sunshine Coast on the little 16’ sloop “Seaglide”
built by Bryon. They sailed out of Howe Sound and made their way upcoast
following the shoreline. They stopped to trace their further route from
a map at the old hotel on the waterfront in Sechelt.
They explored Smugglers Cove, Secret Cove, and upon rounding the point
into Bargain Bay, they met Allen Farrell - thus beginning a lifelong friendship.
Collin was inspired by Allen to build his own sailboat, and Balandra was
launched in 1945 - the same year that his daughter, Corlynn, was born.
Indeed, at aged three months, Corlynn sailed through the Uculta Rapids
and points beyond, cradled athwartships on the forward locker top!
There were no roads past Halfmoon Bay until the 1950s, and so Balandra
became the ferry to this favourite destination, where three years later,
Collin bought the family retreat property.
Balandra enjoyed numerous adventures, of which I became a part as the
second “first mate”, over the next 52 years - until her skipper
“crossed the bar” in 1997.
Bryon joined Collin “over the bar” just last year, and Corlynn
and I are now the stewards of their legacy.
The “Lorrill A” was restored by Bryon four years ago, and
Corlynn, as well as Bryon’s family, will continue to enjoy her from
home base in Pender Harbour.
Balandra’s journey has now reached a major crossroads. While she
is still sailing at the age of 63, the time has come for HER restoration
- her rebirth and ongoing journey!
Following the Wooden Boat Festival, Balandra will be donated to SALTS
- The “Sail and Life Training Society” of Victoria.
At the SALTS Heritage Shipyard, she will be expertly
restored, and given the opportunity to sail on new
adventures well into the 21st century. Funds raised
from the sale of the newly restored Balandra will be
used to help support SALTS and their efforts to
provide positive life changing experiences for youth,
aboard their beautiful tallships. A win-win choice for
Balandra about which I believe Collin would be well-
pleased.
Launched long before the computer age, Balandra’s history, her restoration
and her new journey can now be shared via her website, under construction,
at balandra.net
Corlynn and I will raise a glass of appreciation for Collin and Bryon’s
enduring legacies that we are privileged to share at the Wooden Boat Festival.
–Shendra
Hanney 2008
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