Day 78: I saw three ships

Actually it was only two ships. Well actually, actually, it was more like a dozen or more, but two stood out from the rest. The sailing ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington are in Vancouver for a few days. We only heard about it through a friend who'd seen them down in Steveston at the weekend, and decided we should head down to the beach to take a look.

We got to the beach just as the ships reached their furthest point from the harbour and were turning to head back in to port. Both were under sail, and both looked tiny next to the bulk carriers anchored in the bay. We timed our walk along the shore quite well, matching their inbound speed, and we reached the harbour by the Maritime Museum a few minutes after the Hawaiian Chieftain had docked. The Lady Washington took her time coming in, giving us plenty of time to get photos of the old ship and new city together, and I guess they had someone new at the wheel as they took a looong time to manoeuvre into position and reverse into the berth. Somewhat disappointingly, though understandable, both ships had diesel engines in addition to their sails. It spoils the illusion to hear them chugging around like tugs.

I think we'll head down again tomorrow night to catch them as they sail out of the harbour.

The Lady Washington