Tuesday, July 24, 2012

TALLSHIPS 2012 in Halifax

Good Tuesday from Prospect.

My Sister and Niece, at the helm of Thursdays Child, passing Georges Island, Halifax 
(Think she looks at home?)
As many of you may know, July 19 - 23rd was the Tall Ships 2012 here in Halifax. I was able to be on the water for both Sunday and Monday for the sail past. 

The sail past was quite nice, although I was disappointed in the small number of ships here this year again.

It has been quite a few years since the big gathering and I suppose it's what we expect.

Mind you I'm not complaining, thank you to all the ships that came by, it is neither easy nor cheap to get these here, so we very much appreciate it.

As for the weather, well just simply amazing. We have had such a streak of fine weather that no one can complain that it's raining today, except of course for the group who have set sail for the RNSYS club cruise. My wife and I had planned to meet up with them this weekend coming and we'll keep an eye on the weather for the next week before we decide. I like fair weather sailing.

As you can see, if you have been following lately, that the sailing weather here in Nova Scotia has been amazing.

USS Eagle at dock
Well back to Tall Ships. I had the pleasure of sailing once again with a new found friend Tom Vokey, whom I sailed to Saint-Pierre with,  and his girl friend Edith. We spent the day sailing up and down the Halifax harbour while checking out the ships. Unfortunately a perimeter was set up around the ships them so far out that there was no way of getting a great view from the water.

It wasn't until Monday's sail past that we had a chance to really see our visitors.

Monday brought my sister and my two nieces as crew for the sail past. You'll see my one niece has taken to sailing and likes the idea of being skipper. Hope for one more family member to join us yet.

As I said, today has brought rain, good thing too, I need to get focused on work.
Tom and Edith

I've posted a few photos from those two days. I know some of the ships names but not all. Comment and let me know what they are if you can.


Amastad in front of Georges Island, Halifax
Name this one

Life of Reilly II
Peter with his staff out to check the ships out

Amastad
HMCS Bounty

Picton Castle

Gazel
Navy Fire Boat


Roseway

Some ships went east and some right to other ports

Halifax waterfront was packed
Enjoy, Derek

Monday, July 16, 2012

I'm Back from Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Good Monday from Prospect.
My Possy, Mark, Peter, Richard, Dirk,Tom and me in front
Fishing boats, Saint-Pierre
Hey, I'm back. Been away for the week on the Route Halifax Saint-Pierre Ocean Race and have some stuff to share.

I effectively, lived without internet for a week and survived, funny huh? Lost it off Cape Breton and would only get updates when we were out sailing off the coast of Saint-Pierre. My phone and iPad would populate when I wasn't looking. It's not that the Island doesn't have internet, it was just difficult to acquire what was set up for the sailors. Too many people sharing the same connection. I kept a few logs to keep my mind up to date during the trip since I couldn't post daily.

The Route Halifax Saint-Pierre race starts in early July in Halifax harbour and finishes 2-3 days in Saint-Pierre. It's a sponsored event hosted by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and the Saint-Pierre Yacht Club.

The race was an amazing trip. It's not just about racing to Saint-Pierre to win honours, (we did capture 4th in our division for the ocean race and the Grand Prix with our canvas enclosure up) it's about a glorious 2.5 day trip to a wonderful place with amazing people.

I only knew 2 of our 6 crew when we left. Actually only met Dirk de Haan as we left the dock to start the race. By the time the week was over, and I had to leave, I had 5 great comrades with bonds for a life time.

Saint-Pierre
We were, Peter Blunden (skipper), Richard Dube (navigator and cook), Dirk de Haan (driver and main trim), Mark Jollymore (driver and trim), Tom Vokey (trim and driver) and myself (trim, photographer, inshore tactics).

The hearts of the Saint-Pierre people are huge and warm. They couldn't do enough for us and we were amazed. They are so gracious. Our host family, Jean-Pierre and José Poirer, were wonderful and I hope to see them again soon.

Mariners Monument, Saint Pierre et Miquelon
The weather, although I'm told is always foggy and cold, was warm and clear with moderate winds pushing us downwind to what I now refer to as the little northern Bermuda. Little European streets with brightly coloured houses, both shingle and stucco sided and a rich history dating back to the discovery of North America.

Anyone that has never been, or thinks it's not the place to go, needs to rethink. I'll fly back with my wife and daughter as soon as we can. It will be the leisurely cap to a great trip.


I've dropped in a few pics, enjoy, Derek


Peter and myself on Life of Reilly II before the start of the inner harbour race (Grand Prix on Thursday)
Saint Pierre
Post Office in Saint-Pierre


Crab Pots, I think
Our race fleet tied up at Saint-Pierre Yacht Club


Our race fleet tied up at Saint-Pierre Yacht Club
Saint-Pierre Yacht Club
Saint-Pierre

Last night meal on Life of Reilly II before I flew back