Queen of Hearts Dory Club getting a new dory, floating dock

The smell of wood filings is in the air and the paint is still a bit tacky at the J.C. Williams Dory Shop in Shelburne, N.S. (All photos by CBC's Natalie Dobbin)

Workers are putting the finishing touches on the Queen of Hearts Dory Club's first new dory since the group launched in 1997. This one will be named Community Spirit, which is exactly what's kept the group rowing near Cape Sable Island for nearly 20 years.

"We've made the place famous for dories," said founding member Wylie Blades.

Blades started the club with his friend David Eldridge in 1997. It's about keeping the fishing and marine heritage alive, but it's also about bringing people together and getting a good workout.

"It's very gratifying to see that other people have taken up what we've started and are continuing it," said Blades.

Membership has ebbed and flowed over the years, but the group has continued to build, with star athletes and recreational rowers coming out of the club.

"Once you touch the oars, it's infectious and you'll never stop being a dory rower," said Blades.

Community members have donated all of the dories to the club, but the club also gives back to the community. The group holds races to raise thousands of dollars for community causes.

Members row throughout the week. Tuesdays are fun row nights where anyone can go out on the water with club members and try rowing.

The dories weigh over 180 kilograms and it takes a lot of work to get in sync with your rowing partner, but the club members lend a hand.

"Now, listen to the sound. There's a rhythmic clicking of the oars," said Blades while out on the water.

The club will also get another boost soon: the municipality plans to put in a floating dock.

Nicole Nickerson, the president of the club, says this dock will make the dories more accessible.

"With the clubhouse, a floating dock, another new dory coming, I think we're doing good, for now," Nickerson said, laughing.