The Ships

 I have stated earlier I truly love the look and feel of the older ships, full keels, cut aways, barn door rudders and a nice large ships wheel.



Another aspect I like is twin masts.
The look of a Ketch or a Yawl is like nothing else.



Imagine, if you will, having just spent the day beating to windward, sailing a reach and havin' fun on a run.
With the wind and spray in your face and your clothes rife with the feel and smell of fresh air and sea salt.
Man what a day!
Now you're slipping into a nice anchorage or catching a mooring buoy, looking forward to a relaxing evening, good food and perhaps a touch of the grape.
As you make your approach you survey the other ships in the anchorage and notice all the other ships around have single masts.  All nice ships, but surprisingly similar to one another.
Then you arrive in a salty looking ketch.
The sails are luffing as you ghost into position, every head in the anchorage or at the dock turns to see the ship, Then you notice the slight nods and grins from those in the know.  You see the wanting and wishful looks from those wishing they could be at the helm of such a fine ship.
You stand a touch taller, there is a bit of a swagger in your step as you tie off the mooring bridle and step to the mast to collect the main, you don't worry over the mizzen as she'll keep you head to wind.
You secure the sails, tie off the halyards, coil the lines, squaring your ship away for the night.
In the last few moments of setting her right, you notice several dinghies heading your way; friendly folks who are bringing snacks and possibly a cool one, all wanting to see and feel your ship beneath thier feet.
Son of a gun, you just made new friends!!



Now to the reality
Soon I will be putting ships similar to the ones shown above into a charter operation.
All of which will be well maintained vessels that just want to be sailed and admired.
The ships will be from the sixties, seventies and eighties, all with class and dignity.

Although these vessels may seem smaller by comparison to modern ships, the sea motion and secure feeling while sailing one of these classics will more than make up for any "room" you essentially won't miss.

Anyone of these ships would be ideal for a couple or small family; small and strong thus having sails that are easier to hoist, set, reef, trim and douse.  This simply means more time at the helm, taking turns piloting, sharing stories and having family time like never before!!

Fear not savvy sailor, the cabins are plenty big for ducking out of a squall or hanging below in a shower or during fall and winter sailing seasons, when part of the crew will be below, playing games, cooking warm hearty meals or just taking the occasional nap. With full galleys on board, just set the hook, sheet in the mizzen sail and hunker down for a nice home cooked meal.

You have arrived.

Please click on the Sailing Charter Forum page and share your thoughts.