European Specialty

As promised, the weather co-operated with brilliant sunny skies, as our annual event at Crown Isle took place on May 8-9-10 2009. Over 80 Porsche enthusiasts from Vancouver Island, Canada West and beyond, along with their Porsches, descended upon the resort for the weekend.

Friday saw the Golf Tournament, Lunch at Gary's Bistro and the Welcome Bar-B-Que. During the evening, as all got reacquainted, the Poker Tables became active and very noisy. By 11 pm all were supposed to be sleeping, waiting for the next day.

As usual, the wash stations became active at daylight and by 6:30 am, cars were being parked for the Show and Shine and People's Choice display. Also a few members with self-inflicted headaches where noted. The bright sunshine did not help them, but did make the growing number of gleaming cars look impressive. Our sponsors, Canadian Direct, were on site to answer questions. The breakfast buffet was impressive and a welcome sight.

By mid-morning the cars were all parked and on display. The course was set up for the "Turbo Challenge" and the lineup of participants grew. Meanwhile, in the main building, many of the spouses where finding the Pampering Room. By early afternoon, box lunches where distributed and many sat on the lawns around the cars and ate, others waited for the much anticipated Porsche Drive. Soon the cars were lined up around the entrance, a quick photo chance for all, a drivers meeting to explain the route and the "rules". Then over 50 Porsches left for a tour and stop at a local waterfront park. Then the focus moved into the banquet room. Dress for the evening was casual. But for the first time, by presidential authority, Doug and Carolyn Hoare were allowed to dress formally as they were the Masters of Ceremony for the night. At least they thought so. After a fantastic buffet, the festivities began. There were tables covered with many great items from our sponsors for awards and door prizes.

PCA President, Kurt Gibson and his wife Angie, once again were in attendance, and had also brought "Charlotte" home for a visit. Kurt gave a presentation about his travels around North America with "Charlotte". Kurt was also presented with the official boots for wearing while looking after her. "Cones of Shame" again were handed out, and this year, living up to the thought that many make mistakes and try to hide them. The largest cone went to Kurt, who had left his driver's license at Speedway Motors in Victoria and had no idea where it was. With the support of Pirelli Tires and Giuseppe, and other great sponsors, over $2500 was raised at our auction for The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children. "Marvin" who is Charlotte's brother, was also auctioned and went to Ray Gumbel from Canada West Region. We are sure they will be meeting in their future travels in Porsche Land.

As the evening continued we were entertained this year with the appearance of "Zigster The Trickster". Well as long as one did not laugh too loud, leave the room for any reason, or basically stayed awake and sat on your hands, you might not have become part of his act. He was a lot more than a comedian and magician; he belonged to the Kia Car Club. He entertained for well over 90 minutes and no one was immune. By late evening most of the awards and door prizes had been awarded and sleepy ones headed for their beds.

Sunday morning saw just golfers around the club house, until rally participants started to surface. A few sick looking co-pilots were noted. Also some drivers had a greenish tint. Luckily they all managed to find the way back, not sure if they all completed the route though. The Sunday Brunch was exquisite, along with more door prizes and awards. The QA Foundation made a presentation about how our monies go to help the children. After a few more rounds of laughter, all departed for home.

With the help of the Organizing Committee and their spouses, our very generous sponsors, support from Crown Isle Resort and the many who attended, Crown Isle Retreat 2009 was once again a great success. Thank you, everyone!

List of Event Winners

• Golf: Canada West Group
• Poker: Steve Heminger
• Turbo Challenge: Patrick Repp
• Concours: Al Klus/Mike Woods/Paul Young
• Show & Shine: Lennox McNeely
• Rally: Brad Blaney/Paul Young
• Raffle/Auction:
  • Stuffed Bear - Don Atchison
  • Pirelli Tires - Don Atchison
  • Wickaninnish - Shelly Olsen
  • Blackrock - Mei Lui
  • CDI Golf Bag - Mei Lui
  • MCL Clock - Alex Roethe
  • Grand Pacific - Bruce Vandeercoi
  • Marvin - Ray Gumbel

List of Sponsors

• MCL Ltd
• Wickaninnish Inn
• Canadian Direct
• Grand Pacific Hotel
• Pirelli Tires Canada
• European Specialty Cars
• Speedway Motors
• Blackrock Resort
• Sleep Country
• Forward Automotive/Gallery

So many others through their generosity help make the weekend a success! THANK YOU!