Parade of Sail in Halifax
Aug 9, 2017
photos Credit: Tara Mills
Perfect weather made for a wonderful day in Halifax on August 1st for the Parade of Sail. A nice southwest breeze came up as the “Tall Ships” exited the harbour giving spectators a chance to see these beautiful boats under full sail. Led by Bluenose II the fleet was an eclectic mix. From the 295’ US Coast Guard ship (barque really) Eagle to some smaller yachts such a the venerable (1913) 56’ ex- Le Havre Pilot Cutter Jolie Brise, it was an impressive site.
From what I could gather over the previous days the crowd favorite was definitely the Spanish replica El Galeon, perhaps due to her “Pirates of the Caribbean”look. The RDV 2017 site has this to say about her:
El Galeon
“Unique replica of the Spanish galleons that for three centuries linked Asia, America and Spain and allowed the greatest interchanges of culture, people and ideas in History. They ruled the navigation through the oceans of the world and became the only commercial and cultural vehicle between continents, being responsible for the first worldwide globalization.
Eagle
This replica was built in Spain by the Nao Victoria Foundation to be a unique-in-the-world vessel where tradition and modernity meet and represent the Spanish culture. Apart from its singularity as a replica, it has more than 3,400 square foot of decks open to visitors, which make it a floating interpretive center of the history of the Spanish galleons and their role in the dissemination of the Spanish culture throughout the world and its relationship with America.”
Along with about 30 staff of Seamasters Marine Services Ltd. I had a perfect view while anchored near Maugher Beach. The Dartmouth based company had declared an “Employee Appreciation Day” and treated its staff to a day on the water to take in the spectacle. GC
Jolie Brise