In this weeks Herald column, I talk about the sure signs that summer is coming, when the pleasure baots enter the water. Another sure sign is the beginning of the Wednesday night race series.
These hardy sailors were out in the middle grounds last night in intermittent rain and fog. – but they photographed well.
Ships were delayed entering port yesterday due to weather. Ships started moving in the Evening, though weather remained an issue. the pilot boat was directing vessels to turn to starboard, and sail a course of 030, in order to shelter the pilot boarding operation. The First ship to arrive at 1900 was the YM Movement for Fairview Cove (Above).
Second in line was the PCTC Grande New York (above) which sailed for Autoport. The Cruise ship Fram was the third vessel to arrive. It was scheduled to arrive yesterday morning, but instead spent the day waiting out the weather in the approaches. the Ship extended its stay, and will now sail this afternoon.
the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C arrived last night, and tied up at Tall Ships Quay on the waterfront. Its a Nice opportunity to view one of these vessels up close.
The Schooner Avontuur
arrived Tuesday, and works as a cargo ship. Originally from the
Netherlands, it was in regular cargo service between 1920 and 2005.
After working as a day sailer for a few years, in 2014 it became an ambassador for wind powered global trade.
the ship had a very nautical entry to port over the noon hour, with the pilots guiding the ship into port via radio from the pilot station, before boarding just inbound of Maugers Beach. The ship tied up at pier 25.
Monday brought 2 cruise ships to Halifax, with Zaandam tied up at pier 22, and Norwegian Dawn was hidden at pier 31. Zaandam departed for Sydney NS, and Norwegian Dawn for Saint John NB.
Today brought 2 cruise ships, the Silver wind at Pier 23 (above), and the Amadea at Pier 22. the PCTC Copernicus Leader (Below) passes the dredging operations at pier 42 while outbound for Antwerp Belgium from autoport.
Halterm saw 2 ships – Skogafoss for Eimskip occupied Pier 41, and Bomar Rebecca for Tropical at Pier 42. A late arrival of note was the CCGS Private Robertson VC, the first of the Hero Class Midshore Patrol Vessels, and normally stationed in Sarnia Ont.
The Mexican Navy’s sail training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc is tied up at Pier 24. the ship is open to the public until Wednesday 11am-8pm
She is the last of four sister ships built by the Naval Shipyards of Bilbao, Spain, in 1982, based on a design similar to the 1930 designs of the German firm Blohm & Voss so she is a modern version of the USCGC Eagle. Her contemporaries Include Gloria (1968 Columbia) Guayas (1977 Ecuador) and Simon Bolivar (1980 Venezuela)
After languishing for a number of years in Toronto, the Tall Ship Caledonia is on the move again, this time back east. The Ship was converted in 2008 by Canadian Sailing Expeditions as a cruise vessel, but the venture never really got off the ground, and the ship was re-possessed by Caterpillar Financial. the ship was moved to freshwater from Lunenburg in 2012.
It now appears that the ship has been acquired by Boston’s Navy Yard Hospitality, who will moor the ship in the former Boston Navy Yard. the ship will be used as a floating restaurant alongside – with permits in place until October. If successful, the venture may be Renewed.
Originally listed for sale for 12 million, the Caledonia can by yours now for $1.49 million US.
Today marks 2 milestones in the AOPS Program. ISI rolled out the Bow Mega block around 4:30 Friday afternoon, where it will join the 2/3 of the the future HMCS Margaret Brooke which rolled out in September.
Also Friday morning, construction began on AOPS #4 – the future HMCS William Hall, with the first pieces being welded together.
It was also noticed that one of the Radars on HMCS Harry DeWolf was undergoing testing, and at least one generator on board the ship was operating.
This week in the Herald, I cover the announcement that Group Ocean will be building 4 new Tugs for the Navy. These will replace the 5 Glen Class tugs, and 2 Fire Class boats. 3 Glen Tugs are currently stationed in Halifax. Firebird was retired and sold in 2014. The remaining 2 tugs and fire-boat are in service in Esquimalt.