1943 Custom Schooner Tall Ship

SELLER DESCRIPTION

Built in 1943 by the British Ministry of Defense, the Empire Sandy saw duty as a salvage and rescue vehicle during World War II. Many times she sailed under repeated fire through the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Her hull and superstructure bore the marks of 20 millimeter cannon shells from enemy aircraft. After the war, she was renamed and sailed to the Canadian Great Lakes where she towed log booms on long voyages for paper companies. By the early 1970's she was sold for scrap, but the shipwrecker was reluctant to cut her up because the hull was in pristine condition. After an inspection of the vessel revealed what a true gem she was, she was purchased and over the next few years was refitted and launched anew in 1982. Old steam engines were replaced with a 400 hp. diesel, new masts and rigging were constructed and sails were made by an old sail maker whose grandfather made sails for the Portuguese "White Fleet".Presently, she is Canada's largest sailing ship cuising Toronto Harbor and the Great Lakes in summer and Nassau, Bahamas in winter. Presently, she is configured to handle 275 passengers with two below deck bars and five dining rooms. You may also dine casually on deck.Gourmet kitchens provide ample space for galley staff and chefs.Contact Ezra Androus for more information.