Photos by Shirley Underwood
Local Southampton residents, Shirley and Ken Underwood, and Michigan friends, Doris and Tom Taddonio, enjoyed the Sunset sail on the tall ship, The Playfair, at the recent 15th Annual Marine Heritage Festival in Southampton.
“The view of the sunset on the July 25th cruise, had very little wind, top speed was about 1.5 knots under sail and 5 knots on motor launch. We were only 1.5 – 2 km from shore, and had Chantry Island in our sights during the sail. The crew was very friendly, exuberant and knowledgable,” said Shirley Underwood.
Captain Christine Chesterman talked about the phenomenon of St. Elmo’s fire, while First Mate Anneke Jones listened attentively, with Chantry Island in the background. Anneke joined the tall ships as a student when she was 12 year old, and now at 18 is qualified as a Captain for ships under 150 tons and sailing in sheltered waters.
Christine, the daughter of diplomats and who who has lived globally, is a full captain, and has completed her training, exams and 24 months of sailing experience in Canada, Norway, and European waters.
“We had a tour of the below decks, the galley, head, and crew quarters,” said Underwood. “The ship is 72 feet long, so bunks are narrow and can hold 24 bunks. When there is a crew of 30 including students they set up hammocks and, if sailing at night there are always 4 to 6 on watch – so they simply switch bunks.
The ship out of Hamilton is part of the Brigs ‘Youth at Sea’ summer camp program, ‘The Tall Ships Expeditions Canada’, for teens 13 – 18, is part of the three-ship expeditions that include the sister ships the St. Lawrence II and the Pathfinder.
The program is designed for youth who are looking for adventure, fun, friendship, and to explore the world while empowering and inspiring them through the challenges of sailing a traditionally rigged ship. The youth development summer camp experience helps to build confidence, strength, and leadership while the unique shipboard environment encourages teamwork and a sense of responsibility and, at the same time, inspires youth to be a positive force in the world.
