"Cruising World," "Sudbury Star," "Manitoulin Expositor," and the list goes on. How does past Commodore Roy Eaton garner such prestigious accolades?

By rising at 6:00 a.m. every morning in July and August to prepare for his daily VHF 71 broadcast to those boaters encompassing a 50-mile North Channel radius from Little Current, that's how. North Channel weather and Georgian Bay weather reports; international, national and local news; the most recent sporting events; this day in history; Manitoulin Island happenings. It all takes place at "The Anchor Inn Bar and Grill" where local entrepreneur and owner Bruce O'Hare has generously provided a VHF unit and mounted a 120 foot antenna on the hotel roof.

Roy starts off each broadcast by asking if there are any emergencies. There have been a few and Roy has successfully supplied those in need with the necessary information and support systems. The Thunder Bay Coast Guard and the Trenton Air, Search and Rescue Team have Roy's name on their files in case they need that VHF 71 assistance. After the 20 minute broadcast Roy invites all the yachters to call in and give their boat's name and current location. This has helped to create a real sense of companionship as boaters get to know their fellow companions on the North Channel and the names of each others' boats. So much so that many of these boaters when docked in Little Current came to offer their assistance during Roy's broadcast and then stayed to mix and mingle.

In 2005, over 1000 skippers called in. In 2006, over 2000 skippers made contact! So, the stage was set for a party. Near the end of August, the 2000th caller was feted; it just happened to be Captain Dave Naples of "Yacht Paradise." Turner's of Little Current and The Anchor presented gifts to Captain Dave; other callers received beautiful vases of flowers from Margaret Eaton's garden. After the last piece of cake was eaten and the last cup of coffee downed, the celebrations wound down, but not without Broadcaster Roy dreaming about bigger and better plans for 2007!

If you find yourself anywhere in the North Channel during July and August of 2007, turn to Channel 71 on your VHF and wait for that professionally-delivered announcement, "It's 9 a.m. Welcome boaters, to the Little Current Yacht Club's Cruisers' Net."