Living History — Foul Weather Mars Tall Ship Sail Past

 Published Date: 29 June, 2013
The USS Niagara under sail off Cleveland, Ohio in 2010. The vessel was in Hamilton Bay, Canada yesterday under somewhat less ideal weather conditions.

A fleet of five tall ships dropped anchor in the harbour off Hamilton, Canada late this week as part of the city’s ongoing War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations. The collection of three brigantines, one barquentine and a three-master was led by the USS Niagara — a reproduction of the famous vessel Oliver Hazard Perry commanded during the decisive Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The ships, which will spend the weekend on Hamilton’s waterfront, are open to the pubic for tours. Area residents flocked to the edge of Hamilton Bay on Friday to watch the five vessels take part in a sail past. MilitaryHistoryNow.com was there to take in the sight, but inclement weather kept the ships far out of range of our zoom lens. We did manage to get these following shots (see below), the first of which has been enlarged to within an inch of its life.

Sadly, this is as close to the Niagara as the hundreds of spectators on the northern edge of Hamilton Bay got during Friday's sail past. Contrary winds kept the vessel and four other tall ships from cruising too close. High winds from off the lake to the east prevented the Niagara from unfurling its sails. It glided into port under engine power.
Sadly, this is as close to the Niagara as the hundreds of spectators on the northern edge of Hamilton Bay got during Friday’s sail past. Contrary winds kept the vessel and four other tall ships from cruising too close. Gusts from off Lake Ontario to the east prevented the Niagara from unfurling its sails. It glided into port under engine power.
Calm before the storm -- The Fair Jeanne from Ottawa, Canada near Hamilton Friday morning.
Calm before the storm — The Fair Jeanne from Ottawa, Canada near Hamilton Friday morning. By the time all of the vessels had assembled for the parade of sail, looming rain clouds put a damper on things.

4 thoughts on “Living History — Foul Weather Mars Tall Ship Sail Past”

  3. I was crossing the Skyway bridge just after the last ship crossed into the harbour. Cars were at a stand still to see them. That was one traffic jam I didnt mind

    Reply

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