Canada's National Boating Authority
CBF started to organize boating properly
Incorporated in March, 1950 as a non-profit organization for the promotion of boating in all its forms in Canada, the Canadian Boating Federation's growth has far surpassed the vision of those charter members, under the leadership of Commodore Reg. P. Sparkes, whose original desire was to have boating properly organized in Canada.
Today the Canadian Boating Federation is recognized as "Canada's National Boating Authority" and as much as the Federation was originally organized with a view to the control of boat racing, today the advice of the CBF is sought from Government agencies and boating organizations from coast to coast.
The Canadian Boating Federation is the National Authority in Canada for the Union of International Motorboating, Ghent, Belgium.
With the growth in boating over the years, the CBF has always shown leadership in the promotion of water safety and experimentation and approval in lifesaving devicesworking very closely with the Federal Department of Transport. Also it was realized many years ago of the need for proper boating education for the many thousands of boatmen who were unable for many reasons to enrol in the Canadian Power Squadron's Junior Piloting Courses.
As an outcome, the CBF Elementary Seamanship Course for Home Study was prepared and fills the void that enables many thousands of Canadian boatmen to obtain the education necessary for the safe and proper operation of their craft.
The CBF through its Council members and Directors, works very closely with Government Agencies on boating legislation and regulations. They have a very close liaison with Canada's marine industry and the Allied Boating Association of Canada-who represents Canada's marine manufacturers and distributors. The Canadian Boating Federation truly represents the sport of boating and all those who use boats.
Boat racing under the guidance of the Canadian Boating Federation has multiplied its popularity many times. Power boat racing regattas from coast to coast are sanctioned by the Canadian Boating Federation and in some cases jointly sanctioned with the sister organization, the American Power Boat Association. World Championships in Canada, sanctioned by the CBF, are recognized by the Union of International Motorboating, and all world records established have their recognition.
A relatively new sport on the Water-Pleasure Craft and Offshore Racing-is now a major part of CBF activities and promotion of this sport is gaining in popularity and has become a division of the Canadian Boating Federation.
Cruising, another major division of the CBF, is increasing in membership every year, and today constitutes the largest group membership in the Canadian Boating, Federation. In cruising, the CBF sanctions and organizes cruising contests and has the responsibility for the proper co-ordination of all events.
The Canadian Boating Federation belongs to its members. The management of the CBF is the responsibility of a Board of Directors-representing every division of its membership, and the control of the CBF is the responsibility of the Council whose Members are appointed by all clubs.
Article first published in 1950.