SEA STAR TRAVEL LOG: Crossing from MA to Halifax, NS

Whales but not sure what kind

We left Provincetown at 6:45 AM. About six hours into the crossing to Halifax, we sighted some blows first, and then the backs and fins of whales. We assumed they were Fin Back Whales. Further out into the Gulf of Maine we sighted blows again. This time the whales were a small group, maybe three of the endangered Right Whales.

Our crossing was relatively uneventful in 3 to 5 ft. seas and we motor sailed most of the time using our main sail. Our AIS receiver and radar kept us informed of the larger ships at night as it was foggy, and we passed some fishing boats closer than we might have liked; they drifting by like shadows. As we arrived at waypoint off Brazil Rock, fog started to set in and fog continued until we were well into Halifax Harbor. We appreciated the professionalism of the Halifax Harbor Authority and with Dan at the helm, we were able to find our way under radar to the Northwest Arm where finally we sighted some coastline through the fog.

Our eventual anchorage was mooring at Armdale Yacht Club- still in restricted visibility, but we were able to see the clubhouse, the dock for diesel, and the other boats on moorings. We met Knot-a-gan, another Island Packet sailboat.

The following day, after much needed rest, we enjoyed a night on the town in Halifax and we enjoyed talking to many Yacht Club members who wished us well in Nova Scotia and were very proud of their city and heritage.

We were able to rent a car to return our crew to Yarmouth, where Daniel and Steven caught the ferry to Portland and on to Boston.

Here are pics from Armdale Yacht Club and Halifax.