Unique sailpast and salute planned in honour of Admiral Kingsmill
Portland groups collaborate to plan festivities

A combined effort of four local groups will result in a 'sailpast and salute' honouring Admiral Kingsmill in Portland on July 31.

Portland Outdoors along with the Rideau Lakes Legion Branch 231, the Big Rideau Lake Association and the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society will organize the fun-filled family event, which is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Boaters are invited to line up in Portland bay at 2 p.m. from where they will be led past the Township of Rideau lakes' Hannah Property on Water Street to be saluted by a stand-in and costumed Admiral Kingsmill as the 'Big Rideau Lake fleet' passes.
Organizers anticipate many interesting antique, classic, power and sailboats from the area will take part in the sailpast. The event is free and anyone with a boat can join. Anyone who is interested in viewing the event from land is welcome to join at the Hannah Park property.

Following the boat parade on the lake there will be a chicken barbecue at the nearby Portland Community Hall beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Admiral Kingsmill was founder of the Royal Canadian Navy in 1910 and resided near Portland on Grindstone Island.
An Ontario Heritage Trust plaque was unveiled at the Emmanuel Anglican Church Cemetery on Hwy. 15 in Portland in recognition of Admiral Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill who is buried there. Kingsmill died on Grindstone Island on Big Rideau Lake in Portland in 1935.