Sailing Log

The beamy design of Singawing makes her very stable in all kinds of weather.  The original owner, Mr. Antle, asked architect Grahame Shannon to design a boat that one or two people could sail with ease.  Following the completion of the boat, Mr. Antle was so pleased with the vessel’s smooth sailing, that he wrote the following letter to Mr. Shannon.  Almost thirty years later, Great Bear Charters confirms Singawing’s amazing abilities.  Just last summer, returning from a charter to Alaska, crossing the straits at 10 knots, Singawing cut through the wind while other boats turned around to protected coves.

The letter to the Architect, Grahame Shannon, in appreciation for the smooth sails aboard Singawing.

Here is a stunning photograph of Desolation Sound by Bettina Christine Antle.  The sound is known for having the longest drop from mountain top to sea bed in all of North America.  Well protected from development, it remains untouched with sculptural mountainscapes and wildlife abound.  A vacation aboard Great Bear Charters is a phenominal way to witness such beauty.

Desolation Sound

In the winter, Gray Whales migrate south from the Arctic Ocean to Mexico.  In the safe warm waters, many bear calves before returning on a northerly journey in the spring.   This time of year, as the Gray Whale migration turns towards the west coast of United States, Alaska, British Columbia and Canada, many people look forward to the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.  Their complete trip is believed to be the longest annual migration of any mammal, between 10-14,000 miles long.  In March, the Gray Whales will begin to pass through the Puget Sound and Everett, Washington.

Great Bear Charters witnessed Gray Whales spouting everyday on their last trip up the Inside Passage and offer the same unique opportunities on charters to Alaska.

Here is a video by National Geographic showing the risky nature of such a lengthy trip for these animals; Gray Whale Migration

As well, a film premiered in January titled “Big Miracle“.  It is a true story about three Gray Whales that became stranded in Alaska during their migration south.  What makes this story remarkable is the diverse groups that become involved in an attempt to save these large beautiful whales.   An oil tycoon, environmentalists, Inupiat native people and the Soviet Union come together to rescue the whales.

Whether Great Bear Charters is sailing to Alaska or other Pacific Northwest and BC destinations, they always prepare the most fresh, organic and local foods available.  Mt. Townsend Creamery‘s artisan cheeses are always onboard.  These award winning European style cheeses are made using traditional methods with local milk from the Olympic Peninsula.  We visited this week to pick up the latest tasty treat.  Cristina Widman is a fabulous hostess.  She provides tastings of all their delicious cheese options and is willing to share details about the cheese making process, which one can view through the glass windows behind her.

Seastack is named for the pilar-like rock formations of the Pacific Northwest shores. It was awarded Best in Class 2010 by the American Cheese Society.

Cristina Widman provides tastings at Mount Townsend Creamery.

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!