Sailing Log

Tina Christine sails in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands.

“Tina Christine” was the original name for Great Bear Charters‘ 57 foot schooner Singawing.  The sail boat was named for Bettina Christine Antle, one of the original owners.  Bettina generously provided many wonderful photographs from the first launching.   This beautiful vessel took 3 years and 1.3 million dollars to build.  It was constructed in British Columbia by Naumann & Dunbar.  In 1983, surrounded by friends and family, with a blessing by Reverend Ron Sands, the schooner was lowered into the water.  Tina smashed the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the bow of the boat for its proper christening.  Bettina Antle would later charter to Desolation Sound, which is still one of Great Bear Charters’ fabulous destinations.

In November, Andrea and Matt cruised up to the Gulf Islands to gather more history of  Great Bear Charters‘ 57 foot schooner Singawing.  They met the original architect, Grahame Shannon, and the two previous owners, Bettina Christine Antle and Christopher Paton-Gay.  Grahame Shannon’s website “Blue Book of Boats” has a page dedicated to Singawing’s construction (originally called “Tina Christine”).  Here is a photograph of Andrea and Matt taken by Bettina Christine Antle.

In 2009, Matt decorated Singawing with 2,500 feet of lights.  The almost 10,000 bulbs included a reindeer in the bow.  Great Bear Charters held a party onboard while cruising around Admiralty Inlet with Christmas music abound.  It was a festival by sea.

On December 12th Great Bear Charters lost their greatest love, the sweet golden retriever, Ruby.  Many kind words, cards, and a lovely Christmas tribute were created by the local marina community.  Donations were given for a charity in Ruby’s name and a lively photograph of Ruby hangs on the Christmas tree there.  The photograph is from a time Ruby spent frolicking in the sea foam in La Push, one of the many amazing places Ruby experienced with Andrea and Matt.  The day before Ruby passed on, she went on a tree hunt in the Olympic National Forest, running around with children, making doggie snow angels, and selecting the perfect Christmas tree for Singawing.  One thing many people will remember about Ruby is her amazing bows and hankerchiefs that were always elegantly tied around her neck.  Ruby had style like no other dog.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

We are lucky to have a local visit by the renowned author and wildlife photographer Matthias Breiter.  On Wednesday at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, he will be speaking about his new book titled “Inside Passage”.  His work has been published internationally, including the National Geographic Magazine, and he is completing a doctorate on brown bears in Alaska.  The lecture is free, beginning at noon, however, you must call to reserve a spot.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Breiter’s first hand experiences and to view his photographs.  The beautiful images are reminiscent of what you would find cruising with us on an Alaska Yacht Charter, Broughton Archipelago, Great Bear Rainforest, or Inside Passage to Princess Louisa Inlet.  View Matthias Breiter Gallery on his website as well.  We hope to see you there!

Whether you are sailing up the Inside Passage to Alaska, Broughton Archipelago, Princess Louisa Inlet or towards Great Bear Rainforest, there is nothing more spectacular than cruising aboard Singawing on a beautiful windy day with blue skies abound.

Ruby, Great Bear Charter’s beloved golden retriever, is healthy and strong after having surgery this fall.  She was very brave and is back to her frisky self, begging for treats in the Port of Port Townsend.  Ruby is almost 15 years old, no longer joins us on charters but still loves to sail and hike.  Here she is sailing aboard Singawing in Admiralty Inlet, enjoying a beautiful sunny fall day.

Paul Nicklen’s photograph of a Kermode Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest made the cover of National Geographic in August.  The opening sentence for the article reads; “In a moss-draped rain forest in British Columbia, towering red cedars live a thousand years, and black bears are born with white fur.”. The cover is a stunning photograph of a black bear with white fur, called a Spirit Bear by native tribes.  Paul’s intention by photographing these mysterious and unique spirit bears is to raise awareness and further protection of these extremely rare animals.  The photographs also demonstrate the majestic beauty of what is often referred to as the “last frontier”, the Great Bear Rainforest.

View Paul Nicklen’s photographs of the Spirit Bear: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/nicklen-photography

Read the complete article: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/barcott-text

Pacific Wild is an organization committed to protecting the Great Bear Rainforest.  If you would like to learn more about the fantastic wildlife and scenery existing there, refer to their website for photographs and videos:

http://www.pacificwild.org/

Their “Great Bear Blog” has regular updates as well.  They posted this month about working with a local elementary school, providing students with motion-centered infra-red cameras and education for further research.  What an amazing opportunity for these children, made possible by World Wildlife Fund.

Learn first hand why so many people are working to educate about and protect the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a Pacific Northwest Charter!