Putting on a Brave Face

With the 2020 tourist season a virtual washout, many businesses are suffering. Halifax's harbour cruise business is certainly one, with only two boats operating and two more laid up for sale. Murphy Sailing Tours, operated by Ambassatours, still offers harbour tours, but with distancing requirements limiting the number of passengers, revenues must be way down.

The three masted schooner Silva of Halifax is popular and does sailing trips around the harbor. Built in 1939 in Sweden it was rebuilt in 2001 to return it to close to its original form. 

Famed party boat Harbour Queen I, built in 1985 is ferrying people to and from George's Island now that the historic site is open to the public. Fleet mate Theodore Too built in 2001 is putting a brave, but badly faded, face on things, while listed for sale.

Another member of the fleet, Kawartha Spirit, despite being built in 1964, having spent most of its life in fresh water  is likely in excellent condition. It is idle and listed for sale in Lunenburg

Ambassatours also operates the Harbour Hoppers, some of which are still running, but in much reduced numbers.

They also offer "deep sea" fishing trips on a boat called Autasi. It is the former Peggy's Cove Express, renamed after a redecorating with handsome indigenous art work.

And then there is the J.Farwell a 45 foot Beneteau that also offers sailing tours - whether there is wind or not.

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