Winged Spirit updates Published by Diane

Winged Spirit Update

Winged Spirit Update, June 2015

Can't believe it is the end of June already. Our vessel Winged Spirit, is in top shape for the sailing season of Summer 2015, which  looks very promising for us. After many upgrades to the vessel, we have presently embarked on our voyage to Nova Scotia, more specifically to the Bras D'or Lakes, in beautiful Cape Breton. Nominated one of the "Greatest  sailing destinations of the world", " A sailing paradise of pristine waters". Our port for July and August will be St Peter's, just beyond the historic tidal lock canal, that connects the Atlantic Ocean with Cape Bretons Island, the "Bras D'Or Lakes.

The Winged Spirit has been gradually upgraded since her purchase a year ago. She is a beautiful 1989, Merlin CS sailing vessel. We found her in excellent condition, but in need of many upgrades, as all of her, equipment, sails and electronics was original.

Importantly, all electronics have been replaced last year: chart plotter Nav Pod, radio, wind, speed and depth instruments. 

The standing and running rigging, was updated this year,  with new back and head stay, new furler stanchion block, new "crisp" sails, a full battens Main Sail, Genoa and a Doyle Stack Pack. The boom was dressed with new running and reef lines and the sheaves has been replaced for smoother operation right from the cockpit.

Last but not least, a little face lift.  Interior cushions reupholstered, all Teak Wood thoroughly cleaned and oiled. A few pieces of art was added, including a brass bell and oil lamp for comfort. To complement the galley, we have equipped the vessel with a new propane BBQ and a hot water tank. As of this year, she can also go "off the grid" as we have equipped the vessel with solar panels. What else can a crew or captain ask for but ,"Fair Winds"!

I have posted one photo only, taken the evening before our departure. Hopefully in the near future, I will have a compilation of photos to share of the "Winged Spirit" makeover. 

Happy summer and happy Sailing!

Diane

Another Blog published by Diane . 2015 Winter rental Stuart Fl

Spreading my Wings

Saturday, 24 January 2015

Photo Tour, Winter Rental Florida 2015.

Welcome to my photo tour of our 2015 Winter Rental in Stuart, Florida.

It all starts with a sunrise walk, right out our front door, to the rest of the property. Then a tour of our living quarters, with breakfast in the sun room. Followed by an afternoon photo shoot of the pool area. It all finishes with a few last photos of the garden taken just before dusk then at dark. Enjoy! 

Meeting with our Southern USPS Brothers.

Meeting with our Southern USPS Brothers.

A few photos taken last Wednesday with our Southern Brothers of the USPS, St.Lucie River Power Squadron. The United States version of our Canadian Power Squadron (CPS). We met for their monthly luncheon at the Prawnbroker Grill, on Ocean Boulevard, Seawalls Point, Florida. What a great way to meet fellow boaters and get informed about their upcoming events, seminars and safe boating classes. 

The Grill was absolutely delightful, so was the members. Lots of their questions and interests was related to our tides. Of course I had to boast about our own little Wonder of the World, "The Bay of Fundy", home of the highest tides of the world. 

Published by Diane.

Panama Canal Tour. Blog published by Diane

Panama Canal 101

December 18 2014.(Late entry)

Panama Canal 101.

One of the man made "Wonders of the World".

I must say, visiting the Panama Canal interpretation Centre was very interesting. But a boat ride in the Canal itself,  was the highlight of my trip. 

Here is my 101 version of this amazing engineered structure, the Panama Canal. It's this canal, the one and only,  that connects "two continents" the Atlantic and the Pacific.

All they did, more than an century ago......("all they did"....ya right), they've cut through a chain of mountains and created a large artificial lake that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

It was mostly done by pic and shovel and the use of explosives of the first generation. 

The canal, is an actual large lake ( only 50 miles long......),  located 21 metres above sea level. With the use of 3 locks at each end, they  use the force of gravity to fill and empty the locks, rising or lowering ships large and small to sea level. The Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.  Et voila!

The Panama Canal operates year round, 24 hours a day. Generating billions of dollars into the Panama economy. (For us to sail the Winged Spirit across the the canal, it would take us about 8 hours and would cost $800.00 US.)

I have tried to include photos of the locks, and the canal in chronological order. Photos of vessels, buoys/ranges we encountered and the work being done on the expansion, to be completed in 2015.

Take a look!

THE LOCKS. (Photos of a Panamax going through the locks, these vessels are specially built to fit the canal,  by length, width and depth. They are now building new "Super Panamax", made to fit the newly expended canal.)

THE LOCKS. Photos of a smaller vessel Going through the locks. 

IN THE CANAL. Photos of our ride and vessels encountered on our tour in the actual canal.

BUOYS AND RANGES ( Did you say Red, Right, Return?)

NEW CANAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.