with Nina Slawek
15JUL09

Gone Fishin’

The martinis were proffered on a silver platter -- whether I was on the aft or poop deck, at the fish fry or sunning on the dock. A well mannered, well dressed man servant appeared at the most opportune times to ensure I floated comfortably through the two night fishing voyage.

My foray into the world of “la pêche” began in Winnipeg. In the great Canadian pursuit of pickerel, I rode a well-stocked wood panel lounger [bus] for the 2 hour trip to Kenora, Ontario.  From the bus banter, I immediately grasped that fishing is just like any other male interest. It’s all about size.

TPI had invited a few choice guests to fête their 15th on their vintage lake yacht, the Grace Anne II, and we were on our way to board the mahogany beauty. Everything was going swimmingly until they assigned me to the master suite. It was wretchedly embarrassing to witness how belligerent the jealous steerage guests became. I decided not to let their going on about it bother me, and thoroughly enjoyed my lounge, my dining room and my two beds with en-suite.

After a sumptuous dinner by Chef Nicky, and a rather brief night, we were whisked off in speedy motor boats to test our fishing flair and determine the group’s pickerel pecking order. I was told to gently, but firmly, hold the rod while raising and lowering it. I took to it quite naturally, I must admit. Each time the rod come back to life with the tug of a hungry fish it was exhilarating.

The gorgeous staff did their best to imbue some dignity into all the proceedings – from the sun-down cocktail hour to the après-dinner games – but everything deteriorated rapidly after the steerage guests resorted to a suite take-over and dumped my luggage in the hallway. Apparently they had plotted to leave me on the island after the fish fry, so when that didn’t work, they took matters into their own hands.

I suppose for “normal” clients, the combination of good food, luxury yachting and class A fishing is plenty enough enjoyment. Travel people have to have it ALL. They can’t help but go overboard. Personally, I felt I’d been graced.

Rates and group booking information can be found at: http://graceanne.com/

Mark Linton, RBC Insurance; Morris Chia, CEO of TPI and IAS Corp. which owns the Grace Anne II; Paula Rizos, Nolitours: Pat Rachey, Signature; Michael Baginski, Baxter: Phil Sproul, TPI; Nina Slawek, TakeOffeh.com; Melanie Carter, TPI; Doug Patterson, Insight Vacations

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