The Spirit of Bermuda, Canadian Maritimes – Sable Island

Day 6 – Friday August 13 – Sable Island

Sable Island is an amazing little island located 120kms off of the Nova Scotia coast. Approximately the same size as Bermuda and with a similar shape it lays perched in a precarious location and has claimed many a ship since it’s discovery. The island itself is a protected national park that at any given time may have a handful of scientists living there. During our visit there was a total of 9 residents!

The winds had dropped and by 10am the ship’s anchor was down. We anchored on the north side in of the island about 8knts of breeze and 20 feet of water. The tricky part came when it was time for the surf landing, there are no docks on the island so the only way ashore is on the runabout (rescue boat) on the beach, the problem however is the beaches are quite a heavy surf. To say we had a rough landing would be an understatement, swimming in Canada, check! Did I mention that the waters are home to the largest population of Grey Seals in the world and therefore also home to many Great White Sharks, with lots of seal carcasses to prove it!! The rest of the crew made it relatively easily but not after jumping in up to the chest in icy cold water.

The island itself was amazing, stunning and so untouched. We spent half of the day walking the beaches, watching the horses and seals. The other half was spent touring the research stations which conduct some of he most exclusive research in the world, everything from weather to hardcore physics.

An amazing day that was finished off with a great sunset and a brisk sea shower on deck!

The immediate are is a rich oil ground

Flying the courtesy flag

Dropping the sails as we arrive

Captain scoping land…

Our welcoming party, 2 of 9!

The wild horses of Sable Island, introduced 250 years ago they have thrived and make the island their home

South Beach, hundreds of seals watched from the water, some not so lucky!

Check the huge shark bite in his rear, he made it ashore but never survived

This little fella had bite marks on the other side and unfortunately we frightened him back into the water…

A Minkie Whale skeleton washed ashore years ago.

One of the instruments located on the island, this one measuring the sun’s intensity

The locals! All 9 along with their supplies live here.

Us on the beach.

Another Grey Seal carcass

Sable at dusk