Sailing Agra: A Little Boat with a lot of Heart

Waiting for friends to join us for a day of sailing, summer 2023

A memorable last haul from Agra on a stunning fall day in 2023, capturing the serene beauty of the end of an era for Agra & us.

In the spring of 2022, we bought Agra a Chrysler 26 from an elderly gentleman who had clearly loved her well. She came with that feeling only older boats have, a little worn in, a little stubborn, and full of stories we’d never know. From the moment we first stepped aboard, we knew she’d be part of ours.

For the next two summers, Agra carried us up and down the Ottawa River, teaching us patience, weather instincts, problem-solving, and joy in the slow moments. We moored her at Lac Deschênes Sailing Club, which I affectionately nicknamed the Hillbilly Yacht Club. It wasn’t flashy or pretentious, it was welcoming, genuine, and full of good people. We were especially lucky to have amazing mooring neighbours, Tim and Raina, who always seemed to have advice, laughs, and great dock chats ready when we needed them.

We lovingly called Agra our Sea Turtle because, bless her heart, she was always the slowest boat on the water. But she was steady, calm, and determined, and just like a turtle, she always got us where we wanted to go in her own unhurried way.

Our favourite anchoring spot was Constance Bay, where afternoons melted into golden evenings without us ever noticing. We’d drop anchor, take a deep breath, and let the world quiet down. Some evenings we’d head to The Point for dinner, because there’s something satisfying when you arrive by boat. Other nights, we’d stay aboard and enjoy sundowners, you know that magical time when the sky turns soft, the air cools, and you’re exactly where you want to be, with nowhere else to rush off to. The Ottawa River has the best sunsets!

Our best sailing days, though, were the ones shared with friends. There’s something special about bringing people aboard, watching them relax, laugh, learn the ropes, and fall a little in love with sailing too. Those days felt like summer bottled up.

Agra was never just “a boat.” She was our escape, our floating cottage, our patient Sea Turtle, and the chapter of summers spent laughing, learning, and drifting across the Ottawa River. Every boat teaches you something different. Agra taught us gratitude, community, and to enjoy the journey, even if the bed is back breaking terrible. But even those awkward nights are part of her charm in our memories.

After three summers sailing the Ottawa River, something in me wamted more. As much as I adored Agra and everything she gave us, I realized I wanted something bigger, more room, more comfort, more with unknown horizons and adventures. Agra was the beginning of something. She didn’t just carry us across the river… she carried us toward a dream of seeing more of the world by sail.

And for that, she’ll always have a special place in our story. Here's to Agra, and to every adventure she carried us through... ⚓💙