Sept 15, 2020
Bernard Luttmer (1945-2020)
Bernard “Bernie” Luttmer (b. March 20 1945) passed away peacefully with his family at his side on September 1st 2020, following a stroke. Bernie was born in Groningen, Holland, son of Bernard and Tyja (Kleinenberg) Luttmer and brother to Barbera.
Bernie had a passion for sailing which began as child sailing on the canals in Holland. In 1960 Bernie immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta with his parents and sister. Bernie pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of Alberta and swam competitively on the university swim team where he met his beloved wife Jean. After university, Bernie and Jean moved to Toronto where Bernie worked as a professional engineer designing and building swimming pools.
Lake Ontario was calling and it was not long before Bernie bought his first boat - a Flying Dutchman. Bernie did everything with enthusiasm, and in typical Bernie style, Bernie and Jean also bought the small cottage where they kept their boat on Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering, Ontario. The cottage was bought from Ralph Swan, and this was the beginning of a long career in the marine industry. Bernie and Jean founded Swans Marina and ran the business for almost 50 years.
A leader in the boating community, Bernie supported the sport of sailing with an inclusive, generous, and hard work ethic. Throughout his life Bernie supported all types of sailors in various ways such as developing grass roots high school and family learn to sail programs, selling and servicing boats to new and long-term cruisers, and sponsoring racers and Olympic sailing athletes. You could always find Bernie tying down a stranger’s boat to weather a storm or enthusiastically sharing his love and knowledge of boating.
Despite working very hard, Bernie also found time for other things he enjoyed - swimming, skiing, singing, and family. He was a passionate and compassionate man, always caring and reaching out to those around him. Inspired by his own father who was an entrepreneur and an artist, Bernie enjoyed and supported the arts. He loved dearly and leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Jean; children Katherine (JP), Carol (Richard), Bernard (Nadia); grandchildren, Eileen, Clara, John, Bernard, Simon, Isabel and Audrey; nieces and nephews, Kim, Dean, and Jill; great nieces Kassandra, Tyja, and Sam; and extended family in Canada and abroad.
His spirit lives on in the wind that fills our sails and in all of us whose lives he touched. There will be a celebration of life party when large gatherings are permitted so that family, friends, and Bernie’s community can come together to celebrate his life in the way he would like. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ontario Sailing in support of Youth & Able Sailing Programs.
DEATH OF AN ONTARIO BOATING ICON
The Importance of a Sea Trial
I am frequently asked if I think it's important that a marine surveyor attend a Sea Trial when one of our clients is buying a used boat. In very simple terms, not including your marine surveyor on a Sea Trial is a failure to complete the full marine survey. Many buyers believe they are obtaining a marine survey in order to make sure they can get insurance on the vessel they are buying.
Once the buyers receive their marine survey reports however, most realize that the surveyor sees deeper into the condition of the vessel. Often, the surveyor finds a number of items that that the prospective buyer has overlooked.
Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.
Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you're looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.
Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.
Changing Scene
Open now! Nova Scotia & New Brunswick Boat Shows Unite for New Maritime Boating & Outdoor Digital Marketplace
Many businesses have had to be creative and find new ways to offer their services because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Halifax International Boat Show, Moncton Boat Show, and NB Sportsmen & Fly Fishing Show normally take place each winter, but the 2021 editions of these events have been postponed to 2022.
In an effort to keep boating and outdoor enthusiasts connected with the show’s dealers and exhibitors, the event organizers have moved to an online platform: The Maritime Boating & Outdoor Digital Marketplace.
VERATRON DEBUTS SMALLEST N2K GNSS ANTENNA
At a mere 2.4" in diameter, the Veratron GO is the smallest NMEA 2000® certified GNSS antenna on the market. Truly plug-and-play, the high-performance integrated GPS, GLONASS and Galileo receiver is available in two navigation models and a Bluetooth version for monitoring onboard networked systems.
Starting off the series is Veratron GO GPS, the satellite-only version. Alternately, Veratron GO Data offers a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) gateway that enables users to monitor engine, battery, navigation and other vessel performance data on Veratron's new NavDash mobile app.
Vesper Appoints U.S. National Channel Manager to Drive Sales of the Award-Winning Cortex Product Line
Vesper Marine, manufacturer of innovative marine safety and communication products, has announced that due to rapid growth in the vital North American market, Damien Frye, based out of Seattle, Washington, has been hired as U.S. National Channel Manager.
"We are thrilled to welcome Damien to the Vesper Marine team as U.S. National Channel Manager,” said Jason Young, Vesper Marine, Global Sales Director. “With an extensive resume in sales and service for marine electronics and safety products, Damien is well-versed in our product line, having previously managed our sales efforts in Alaska.
