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Victoria Harbour Ferries’ water ballet returns for Mother’s Day

Click to play video: 'Victoria Water Ballet returns in time for Mother’s Day'
Victoria Water Ballet returns in time for Mother’s Day
Victoria's famous Water Ballet featuring the city's Harbour Ferries made a special appearance, Sunday, to celebrate Mother's Day. Brett Ballah reports – May 14, 2023

The water ballet is back for another dance in Victoria Harbour.

Every summer, mariners at the controls of the city’s harbour ferries put on a unique performance to showcase their skills at the rudder, and on Sunday the special guests were mothers.

“It’s a very important gig. It’s family, friends, kids and everybody. Large crowds and every year it gets bigger and better.” said Murray Boyce, the event’s DJ.

It’s a unique ballet that is celebrating everything motherly.

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Jay Janower’s Mother’s Day Tribute 2023

“Mother’s Day has many, many wonderful opportunities for me and this was one of the best,” said Antonia Huber, a visitor from Campbell River.

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“Being on the water in glorious weather with a dear friend. What’s better? It was awesome. A great little treat.”

The captains were careful not to hit their mates, with their boats side by side with no room to spare.

“The biggest reason why I do the ballet is because it’s fun and it’s super challenging,” said Stan Histon, the ballet leader.

Skippers said they communicate through a meaningful stare. They start in a circle, then into figure eights.

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Captains love what they do, with one returning for nine straight years.

“People come down just to see it on the weekends,” said Murray Anderson. “It’s not a dangerous thing but it’s challenging in that you have to pay attention all the time. It’s super focus, super concentration. No time for old man lapses.”

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On a beautiful day with so much in the capital to do and see, one final gift on this day is mothers travel free.

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