Tag Archives: outdoors

Fashion

Canadian Numi Transformative Bamboo Undergarments

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It may only be the start of September but we Canadians know that the days are indeed growing shorter.

As we approach Fall and Winter (sorry!) and the weather starts becoming cooler, one of the best ways to layer is using Numi’s bamboo undergarments and basics under your clothing.

“Originally on the market as Nudy Patooti, this brand launched in 2013 and quickly changed its name to better reflect their customer base. Focusing on sustainability, peace, and kindness, Numi works with women for women. Each detail of design is done to make life easier for the working gal.

Founded by Michelle Shemilt, this company was born out of necessity. As a former equity trader, Shemilt was tired of losing her work clothes to sweat and deodorant stains that affected every top. Rather than shell out the money for constant dry cleaning, Shemilt went to work on a solution to benefit not only her but other working women who suffered the same issue.  

Alongside a pro-woman mission, this brand also works for the world. Sustainability is a core goal for the company that works solely in eco-friendly fabrics and practices, Numi wants to leave a mark on their customers, but not the planet.” honestbrandreviews.com

The secret to layering, even in Fall and Winter, is to look stylish, not bulky.

Because their innovative collection consists of ultra-soft bamboo, you can seamlessly layer your fall fashions and holiday outfits in a multitude of ways. If that isn’t enough their transformative undergarments wick away sweat before it becomes an embarrassing stain or damages your clothes. 

Each piece is made with high tech fabric that absorbs perspiration and protects your outfit to keep you feeling fresh as you go between any kind of event such as from the office to holiday parties.  A Numi undergarment will get your favorite clothes back into regular wardrobe rotation while offering perks such as extending the life of your clothes, creating less laundry, lowering drying cleaning costs, and helping to regulate your body temperature.

Undergarments feature patented Sweat-Secret Technology, a high performance fabric in the underarm area to absorb moisture to help you stay dry and comfortable and your clothes clean.

Numi’s basic tees and tanks are also super comfortable essentials for layering, loungewear and sleepwear, and are perfect pieces to have in your wardrobe as the weather gets colder.

Both lightweight and stylish, their garments and undergarments will keep your body feeling fresh and fabulous underneath everything from your weekend sweaters to work silk blouses to holiday party dresses.

Transformative Highlights

  • Keep clothes clean and like new longer
  • Prevent embarrassing sweat stains from ruining an outfit (and your day)
  • Comfortably smooth the figure without being constrictive
  • Patented fabric technology absorbs and whisks away moisture from the body
  • Organic bamboo regulates body temperature, keeping you cooler when warm and warmer when cool (perfect for fall layering!)
  • Save money by not having to dry clean as often and save time by reducing laundry
  •  Eco-friendly: made of organic bamboo and sustainably manufactured in Canada

Great for all shapes and sizes.

Fitted and ultra-soft, you can choose from a variety of classic feminine styles to keep you comfortable and worry-free during the weekends, in the office, or anytime! For the Silo, Katie Guest.

Reviews

Watch For Polar Expeditions Features Northern Lights Coating

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Saint-Petersburg, Russia. April 2024. Raketa Polar – a watch created specially for polar expeditions – is back in Raketa’s permanent collection with a new design.

The journey beyond the polar circle is thorny and difficult: it requires great strength and long distances travelled in extreme conditions, both by land and sea. Following its long tradition of making watches for polar explorers, Raketa has developed a model for people who are ready to set out to conquer these boundless spaces.

The 24-hour dial is essential for time-reading beyond the polar circles where polar day and polar night can last for up to 6 months each. Six lines divide the perimeter of the dial into 6 quarters (4 hours each) allowing each crewmember to keep count of his watches/shifts during maritime expeditions. Another unique feature of the dial is the special Superluminova coating that reminds northern lights. It covers the entire surface of the dial and hands, ensuring perfect legibility even in total polar darkness.

The solid and robust case, with straight facets and sharp angles, is particularly adapted to the rigours of polar expeditions. The design of this case is harmoniously completed with a stainless-steel bracelet emphasising the masculine character of this timepiece.

The rotating bezel is engraved and enamelled with the name of all the Arctic ocean seas and their respective time zones, which allows using the GMT function. This 24-hour watch with a rotating bezel can be also used as a solar compass both in the northern and southern hemispheres.

The back of the watch reveals the beautifully decorated automatic movement which is entirely produced by the Raketa Watch Factory in Saint-Petersburg. The finishing of the rotor is reminiscent of northern lights.

Each Raketa Polar watch has a certificate confirming its technical fitness for use in the harshest natural conditions of polar regions. The certificate is issued within the frame of the “Arctic voluntary certification system” by the Nizhny Novgorod Testing Centre.

The price

The cost of the watch is 2.000 EUR (VAT included)/ $2,930 CAD. For the comfort of our customers, Raketa watches are delivered worldwide free of charge by DHL directly up to their front door.

Specifications

Factory:Raketa Watch Factory (Saint-Petersburg)
Movement:
Calibre:2624A
Functions:Automatic
Number of jewels:24
Testing positions:4
Average rate (s/d):-10+20
Average running time (h):40
Frequency/hour:18.000 / 2.5Hz
Bi-directional automatic windingYes
Stopper of self-winding unit activated during manual winding:Yes
Decoration:Polar lights
Case:
Material:Stainless steel
Size:41,6 mm
Front glass:Sapphire 
Back glass:Sapphire 
Rotating bezel:Yes
Crown:Screwed-in crown
Water resistance:20 АТМ
Hands:Superluminova
Dial:Superluminova
Strap/bracelet:
Material:Stainless steel bracelet
Width:22 mm
Sex:Male
Earth

Canada’s Changing Climate: What Key Cities Could Look Like With ‘Dune-Ification’

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How Climate Change Could Transform Cities into a Dune-Like Landscape

Dune’s cinematic and literary success reflects our fascination with desert landscapes. But the vast deserts of Arrakis, the movie’s fictional planet, hold a deeper meaning. They serve as a cautionary tale for our own planet threatened by desertification.

A new study by our friends at Top10Casinos.ca reveals how Canadian and other global cities threatened by climate change would look in the Dune Universe as TikTok searches around Dune: Part Two and climate change spike 7,700% in just 30 days.

Dune: Part Two, is already reaching massive box office milestones surpassing $150 million usd/ $204 million cad, and TikTok searches for the ‘new dune movie’ have soared 4,606% in just 30 days. In the past month, searches around the movie’s desert-like filming locations have increased 141%, while queries related to ‘climate crisis 2024’ have spiked 3,100% in the social media platform.

Known for its amazing cinematography and striking desert visuals, Dune’s landscape is something that makes it instantly recognisable. But the movie’s vast deserts are more than just a stunning backdrop. They serve as a stark warning of a potential future for our own world impacted by climate change.

Do Canada’s iconic outdoor skating rinks face a frosty future? While bundling up for harsh winters is a national pastime, a worrying trend is emerging. Since 1950, winter temperatures have soared by over 3°C, outpacing global warming by a factor of three.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, once known for its predictable seasons, is grappling with the impacts of climate change. The city is experiencing a rise in average temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves that strain infrastructure and threaten public health. Winters are becoming shorter and less severe, with unpredictable precipitation patterns bringing both heavier downpours that overwhelm storm drains and periods of drought that stress green spaces and water resources.toronto desertified

Vancouver. British Columbia

Like many coastal, seaport cities, Vancouver is feeling the brunt of climate change. Rising temperatures are a key concern, with projections for hotter, drier summers and wetter winters. Sea levels are also on the rise, threatening coastal areas with flooding. The City of Vancouver itself is planning for up to a 1.4 meter rise by 2100, which would inundate parts of the city during major storms.vancouver desertified

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal’s climate is expected to experience significant changes due to climate change. Average temperatures are projected to rise by 1.5-2.3°C by mid-century, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves. This can strain infrastructure, harm public health, and disrupt outdoor activities. The city is also likely to see increased precipitation extremes, with heavier rainfall events and the potential for more flooding.montreal desertifiedmontreal desertified

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Studies suggest Lakes Erie and Ontario, feeding the Niagara River, could see water levels drop a meter by 2050 due to increased evaporation and less snowfall. This decline could impact the Falls’ power and beauty. Additionally, more extreme weather events like flooding could damage surrounding areas. While milder winters might extend tourism, climate change poses significant ecological and aesthetic challenges.niagara desertified

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Reviews

Groove Life Silicon Rings Are For Modern Living

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Traditional metal rings are uncomfortable, costly to replace or repair and can lead to serious injury of caught on rocks, wires or other objects – turning a fun day into a medical emergency in minutes.

Instead of worrying about losing or damaging expensive, meaningful jewelry, let Groove Life provide a peace of mind with the Groove Ring. The Groove Ring features a comfort fit band made from low profile, flexible silicone that’s been imprinted with their patent-pending inner grooves. These grooves allow proper airflow, keeping moisture out and comfort front and center.

The Groove Ring is a revolutionary new accessory for the active user who wants to do it all without worrying about losing a finger or prized possessions.

Backed with a lifetime warranty, the Groove Ring provides breathe-ability, flexibility, safety, security and style.


Offered in a variety of colors, sizes and styles the Groove Ring is the perfect accessory for all. Leave your worries behind while planning your next great adventure with the Groove Ring. For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.

Culture

Can Another Ottawa Residence Win Canada’s Best Garden Street?

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Congratulations! Russell Avenue in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood is the winner of the Canada’s Best Garden Street contest.
Russell Avenue in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill
neighbourhood is the winner of the Canada’s Best Garden Street contest.

Toronto, ON Garden Days – The month of June hosts Canada’s three-day celebration of gardens and gardening. There are loads of Garden Days official activities scheduled across the country, and almost every province has a Flagship Event for you to enjoy. It’s the perfect time to get dirty in one’s own garden, visit a nearby public garden or spend some time in a local garden center.

You’ll be in great company
If you’re planning travelling around the province or across Canada this Summer, be sure to visit a few of the many public gardens that we’re becoming world renowned for.  Dr. Richard Benfield, author of ‘Garden Tourism’ estimates that annually there are 6 million garden tourists in Canada.

And the winner is . . .

On the occasion of our upcoming National Garden Day, Friday, June 13, the Canadian Garden Council is pleased to announce the winner of the Garden Days’ ‘Best Garden Street’ Contest which celebrates the contribution that public and/or private gardens have made to the quality of life on individual streets and neighbourhoods.  The winner of $1000 worth of Marks’ Choice Lawn and Garden products from Home Hardware, and the bragging rights to be named ‘Canada’s Best Garden Street’ is: Mary Moreland, Russell Avenue, Ottawa.

Garden Days spokesperson, Mark Cullen, recently said, “The partnership between the hand of man and Mother Nature has produced some of the highest quality green spaces and gardens in Canada and on earth.  Garden Days, a new idea that’s all about this successful collaboration, has been sown on fertile soil.  I have no doubt that the ideas and principles behind the concept will sprout and grow into national significance.  And the sooner the better.”
This coming weekend join in the national celebration of everything that the Garden contributes the quality of all our lives.

Garden Days are a family affair. Photo: Pierre Boucher
Garden Days are a family affair. Photo: Pierre Boucher

Organized by the Canadian Garden Council, and kicked off with National Garden Day, always the Friday before Father’s Day, Garden Days is a three-day celebration of gardens and gardening.  The program’s objective is to draw attention to Canada’s garden culture, history and innovations and to underscore the importance of public and private gardens, the values of home gardening and the promotion of environmental stewardship. For the Silo, Courtney Charette.

Reviews

Fearlessly Stream Your Fave Tunes With Everything Proof Speaker From Yatra

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Summer is the prime time for family and friends to gather around the pool and celebrate the warmer weather. And what is a good party without the latest summer hits? Pump up the party with the perfect summer companion; Yatra Aquatune 9612 speaker.

Many speakers are too quiet, don’t have much battery life, and can be damaged in the sun, sand and sea. Leave your worries behind – Yatra has got you covered!

The Yatra Aquatune 9612 is the perfect pool party companion. This 9 watt, high performance speaker perfectly projects your favorite music while providing durable, compact entertainment. The speaker is not only sleek and stylish but also waterproof, weatherproof, shockproof, and dustproof, meaning you won’t have to worry about sand clogging the speakers or damage if it gets tossed in the waves. Fearlessly stream your favorite tunes with Yatra, enjoying the sun, sand and summer with your favorite songs at hand.

The Aquatune 9612 will be the life of the party and every beach day go-to. Jam to your favorite tunes, loud and proud with Yatra.

On a tight budget? The Model 5712 Aquatune is a great option.

To view the full line of Aquatune speakers and other Yatra products please visit www.shopyatra.com.

For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.

Earth

This May Be Last Chance To Save Ontario Greenbelt From Sprawl Developers

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Ontario’s Premier is facing intense pressure from real estate and development lobbies. These groups are peddling myths that are intended to weaken the Greenbelt and Growth Plans so that the development industry can build more sprawling cookie-cutter subdivisions, instead of building a greater range of family-friendly and affordable housing options. Send a message to the Premier to show your support for protected local food and water sources. Tell Ontario to stop sprawling developers from paving over the Greenbelt.

 

GOOD GREEN JOBS FOR ONTARIO Ontario’s plan to retrofit buildings to increase their energy efficiency will create nearly 33,000 jobs over five years. Our new report, Building an Ontario Green Jobs Strategy shows how the province can ensure it creates good jobs and career opportunities for people who need them most. Find out more.
Tips & tricks
for non-toxic spring cleaning		 While spring brings warmer weather, sunnier days, and beautiful flowers, it also brings the reminder that it’s time to air out, declutter our homes, and do some spring cleaning. With these tips, your home will be sparkling and toxic-free!

*Feature image- Perth, Australia’s unsustainable urban sprawl. photo: heraldsun.com.au

Click me to learn about Tree Planting incentives 🙂

Culture

Watershed Forests Returning On Former Farmer Fields

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The Grand River watershed was 85 per cent forest 200 years ago. However, tree cover dropped to just five per cent by 1900 as land was cleared for farming and urban areas. Today, the tree cover has rebounded to about 19 per cent. Environment Canada suggests a healthy watershed needs a tree cover of about 30 per cent.
The Grand River watershed was 85 per cent forest 200 years ago. However, tree cover dropped to just five per cent by 1900 as land was cleared for farming and urban areas. Today, the tree cover has rebounded to about 19 per cent. Environment Canada suggests a healthy watershed needs a tree cover of about 30 per cent.

New forests are rising on old farm fields in Mapleton Township  in an effort to improve water quality in streams feeding Conestogo Lake reservoir.  About 70,000 trees are being planted this year and next on two parcels of land totalling 40 hectares (100 acres) on the north side of the reservoir.

The GRCA is planting a variety of species that are native to the area, including spruce, tamarack, white pine, bur oak, silver maple and cottonwood. In addition to the new forests, the GRCA will also do some reshaping of the landscape to create some seasonal wetlands that will also help improve water quality and provide additional habitat.

As the trees grow in coming years, the areas will quickly become home to a variety of animals, such as deer and wild turkeys. Later, as the forests mature, it’s expected that several bird species including scarlet tanagers, ovenbirds and great horned owls will take up residence. A 12 hectare parcel near Wellington Road 10 and Concession Road Five has been planted this year. The second parcel of 28 hectares is near Concession Road 5 and Sideroad 15. About 18 hectares has been planted this year and the rest will be planted in 2015. The land was acquired by the GRCA when it built the reservoir in the 1950s. It has been leased to farmers since then.

These two parcels of land were prone to erosion which sent a lot of sediment down the streams into the reservoir, explained Ron Wu-Winter, watershed forester with the GRCA. In addition, the sediment also carried nutrients – phosphorous and nitrates – which are found in manure and commercial fertilizers. The nutrients would spur algae and plant growth in the reservoir, resulting in lower water quality.

The northwestern part of the Grand River watershed contains some of the best farmland in Ontario. As a result, the forest cover is some of the lowest in the watershed. Forest cover is estimated at 15 per cent or less. A healthy watershed should have forest cover of about 30 per cent. Trees help raise water quality in several ways. They soak up nutrients in the soil, so reduce the volume that runs off the surface into a watercourse. Trees along a stream shade it, keeping it cooler in summer which is good for some coldwater fish species.

The total cost of the project is about $150,000. About $50,000 was contributed by the Grand River Conservation Foundation. It is also supported by the Trees Ontario Foundation which is contributing $65,000. For the Silo, Dave Schultz.

Tree Facts
* Across the entire watershed, the GRCA will plant about 400,000 trees this year, including 95,000 on its own land and 300,000 in partnership with private land owners.
* The GRCA operates a nursery near Burford, in Brant County, where it grows more than 150,000 trees a years from 60 different species.
* Since it was created in 1934, the GRCA has planted more than 27 million trees on both private land and its own land.
* The Grand River watershed was 85 per cent forest 200 years ago. However, tree cover dropped to just five per cent by 1900 as land was cleared for farming and urban areas. Today, the tree cover has rebounded to about 19 per cent. Environment Canada suggests a healthy watershed needs a tree cover of about 30 per cent.
* To learn more about the GRCA’s tree planting program, go to the Tree Planting section of the GRCA website. The GRCA helps private landowners develop planting plans, plant the trees and find grants to offset costs.

Supplemental- Turning farm land back into forest- http://www.udel.edu/PR/Messenger/04/03/PTturning.html

Culture

Pelican ProGear Elite cooler: King-sized, smartly designed, North American made

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Pelican King Size Cooloer

EDMONTON, AB – May, 2014 – Cold beverages won’t be getting warm anytime soon in the Pelican ProGear™ 20QT  Elite Cooler. Perfect for use while fishing, boating, camping or hanging out on the beach, the newest Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler holds up to 21 U.S. liquid quarts (18.9 liters). Additional tailgate and picnic friendly features include a stainless steel lock protector that doubles as a bottle opener, four integrated cup holders in the lid and an extra-wide pickup handle for easy team and individual carrying.

Like all Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers, the 20QT is built tough to exacting military standards and is engineered with rugged polymer
exterior walls. Its extra-thick polyurethane foam core works with secure Press & Pull latches and a freezer-grade o-ring to deliver extreme ice retention.

“The new Pelican ProGear 20QT Elite Cooler now gives tailgaters, golfers and beachgoers another reason to enjoy the fresh air. With Pelican core DNA built in and extreme ice-retention, this cooler is as tough and dependable as Pelican cases used by professionals who work in extreme environments around the globe,” said Stephan Corti, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales – Pelican Products, Inc. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an extended fishing trip or hunting adventure, this new portable cooler is designed to protect and keep your food and drinks cold for the duration.”

The cooler is available in either Marine White or Outdoor Tan and has an MSRP of CAD$274.98. Manufactured in the company’s South Deerfield, Massachusetts facility, the Pelican ProGear 20QT Elite Cooler (along with the 35QT, 45QT, 65QT, 95QT, 150QT and 250QT models) can be purchased through their authorized Pelican Dealer network. All Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers are backed by an industry leading lifetime guarantee of excellence.

The Pelican ProGear brand includes rugged, protective consumer products designed to allow users to transport and protect all that they value, regardless of environmental conditions. The line is presented to consumers via www.PelicanProGear.ca.

About Pelican Products
Pelican Products, Inc. is the global leader in design and manufacture of both high-performance protective case solutions and advanced
portable lighting systems. Their products are used by professionals in the most demanding markets including fire safety, law enforcement,
defense / military, aerospace, entertainment, industrial and consumer. Pelican products are designed and built to last a lifetime.
The company operates in 19 countries, with 28 offices and six manufacturing facilities across the globe. For more information,
visit www.Pelican.com or  www.behrmancap.com.

 

 

Earth

Creating Cleaner Air in Ontario Province Has Eliminated Coal Fired Generation

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Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy "Getting off coal is the single largest climate change initiative undertaken in North America and is equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road."
Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy “Getting off coal is the single largest climate change initiative undertaken in
North America and is equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road.”

Ontario is now the first jurisdiction in North America to fully eliminate coal as a source of electricity generation. The Thunder Bay Generating Station, Ontario’s last remaining coal-fired facility, has burned its last supply of coal. Operated by Ontario Power Generation, Thunder Bay Generating Station was the oldest coal-fired station in the province.  The plant is scheduled to be converted to burn advanced biomass, a renewable fuel source. The province has replaced coal generation with a mix of emission-free electricity sources like nuclear, waterpower, wind and solar, along with lower-emission electricity sources like natural gas and biomass. Read more below the following infographic.

Ontario Energy Infographic

Ontario has fulfilled its commitment to end coal generation in advance of its target of the end of 2014. A coal-free electricity supply mix has led to a significant reduction in harmful emissions, as well as cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Providing clean, reliable and affordable power is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic
partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

*   Thunder Bay Generating Station came into service in 1963.
*   Converting the station to advanced biomass will retain 60 jobs in Thunder Bay.
*   Last year, Ontario introduced the Ending Coal for Cleaner Air
Act http://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2013/11/ending-coal-for-cleaner-air-in-ontario.html , which would ensure coal-fired generation as a source of electricity in the province never happens again.
*   Since 2003, Ontario’s coal closure plan has eliminated up to 30 megatonnes of emissions annually. The closure of Thunder Bay Generating Station marks the end of coal fired emissions from electricity generation in Ontario.
*   According to a 2005 independent study, “Cost Benefit Analysis: Replacing Ontario’s Coal-Fired Electricity Generation http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/docs/en/coal_cost_benefit_analysis_april2005.pdf ,” the estimated cost of coal generation was approximately $4.4 billion annually when health, environmental, and financial costs were taken into consideration.

LEARN MORE

*   Learn more about the financial, environmental and health impacts of dirty coal.<http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/docs/en/coal_cost_benefit_analysis_april2005.pdf>
*   Learn more about how Ontario’s air quality is improving in the Air Quality in Ontario Report for
2011.<http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@ene/@resources/documents/resource/stdprod_104486.pdf>
*   Read the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) study on outdoor
air pollution as a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths<http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2013/pdfs/pr221_E.pdf>.

QUOTES

“Getting off coal is the single largest climate change initiative undertaken in
North America and is equivalent to taking up to seven million cars off the road.
Today we celebrate a cleaner future for our children and grandchildren while
embracing the environmental benefits that our cleaner energy sources will bring.”
— Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy

 

Culture

Victura: beloved sailboat taught JFK about life, family, leadership and winning

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Victura and the Kennedy's

 

James W. Graham’s new book — Victura: the Kennedys, a Sailboat, and the Sea –offers new insights into the dynamics and magic of the Kennedy family and their intense relationship with sailing and the sea. Many families sail together, but the foot sloop purchased in 1932 shortly s move to Hyannis Port, stands apart.

Throughout their brief lives, Joe Jr., Jack and Bobby spent long hours on Victura, competing in countless races every summer. They were joined by their younger brother Teddy when he grew old enough. Joe Jr. and Jack ranked among the best collegiate sailors in New England, driven by their father Joseph P. Kennedy who insisted that winning was essential. Among their sisters, Eunice emerged as a gifted sailor and fierce competitor, the equal of any of her brothers.

JFK Sailing Victura

Tracking their story beginning in 1932 when Jack was 15 and continuing today in an identical family boat of the same name, readers will learn to admire the Kennedys for what Victura taught them about life, family, leadership, determination, winning, and dealing with tragedies.

Celebrating the sailboat’s deep influence on Jack, Bobby, Ethel, Ted, Eunice and other Kennedys, it offers a new way of experiencing their intimate sibling relationships and growth as an extended family. Kennedys credit young Jack’s sailing with helping him survive the sinking of his PT boat in the Pacific. Life magazine photos of Jack and Jackie on Victura’s bow helped define the winning Kennedy brand in the 1950s. Jack doodled sketches of Victura in Oval Office meetings, and his love of seafaring probably played a role in his decision to put a man on the moon, an enterprise he referred to as “space-faring.”

The notion of "Space-fairing" developed by JFK came about as a result of his sailing experiences and love for adventure. CP
The notion of “Space-fairing” developed by JFK came about as a result of his sailing experiences and love for adventure. CP

When the Kennedy siblings married, sailing connected them with their children and nephews and nieces. Sailing was an everyday event, even in dangerous weather and in the darkness of night.  The sport influenced how they celebrated and observed happy events, managed grief, and grew close to one another.

Ted loved Victura as much as any of them. In the years following the untimely deaths of his three older brothers, Ted sailed with his children and the children of his lost brothers as crew. He also sailed past the shoals of personal shortcomings and an ebbing career to become known as the “Lion of the Senate,” helping fulfill patriarch Joe Sr.’s desire that his children pursue careers in public service rather than in business.

Rich with colorful and intimate anecdotes, the book features author interviews with family members, including children of Ted, Robert and Ethel Kennedy.  Victura is a story of redemption, strong family bonds, character, sport, tragedy, the power of metaphor and the influence of a little boat on the lives of great men and women.

In Victura, James W. Graham charts the progress of America’s signature twentieth century family dynasty, in a narrative both stunningly original and deeply gripping. This true tale of one small sailboat is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the impressive story of the Kennedys. For the Silo, Jim and Lynda O’Connor, and Paul Krupin.

Victura
The Kennedys, a Sailboat, and the Sea
James W. Graham

ForeEdge, an imprint of the University Press of New England
$29.95 cloth 978-1-61168-411-7
$22.99 ebook 978-1-61168-599-2
Official publication date: April 1, 2014
280 pp., 28 illus., 6 x 9″

For more information visit

About the Author

James W. Graham, a communications and public affairs professional for a major-brand retailer, was a senior adviser to former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and the Illinois House of Representatives. He races and cruises his sailboat Venturous out of Wilmette Harbor, north of Chicago.

What People Are Saying

“This wonderfully-written book takes a well-worn subject — the Kennedys — and gives it as fresh a gust as the sailors on the sturdy, little Victura themselves must have felt a thousand times off the Nantucket shore. In going to sea on board the Victura, Joe, Jack, Bobby and Teddy Kennedy entered their metaphor of quest, braced themselves for the unknown, and left their country, in the end, with an imperishable poignancy in its heart.”

— Richard D. Mahoney, author, Sons and Brothers

“The Kennedys saw the world and nature as a magical place, full of mystery and adventure. They especially enjoyed challenges and the freedom of activities like sailing, skiing, river running, climbing and just being outside. Two thirds of the surface of planet earth is liquid: the sea is vital to life — a huge source of both pleasure and fear — and a great teacher. Victura, a small wooden sailboat, became
the center of adventure, companionship and love for this remarkable family. Author Graham knows the sea, sailing and the Kennedys. Sail on Victura, to new horizons.”

— Jim Whittaker, first American to summit Mt. Everest, former CEO of REI, author of Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond.

“Victura is more than Graham recounting the sailing experiences of the Kennedys. In this well-researched but warmly written book, Graham sometimes goes several pages describing an election, or a Kennedy family intrigue, and then gracefully brings the
story back to the sea, showing how, in best and worst of times, the family pulled together around sailing.”

— Rich Evans, book review, SAILING magazine, March 2014

JFK Sea Quote