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Marine architect designed and shipyard built in 1957, she was originally christened ‘John Antle V’ after the 1910 founder of the Columbia Coast Mission. She was dedicated to year-round, all weather humanitarian patrol of BC’s isolated coastal communities. She carried on this task faithfully until 1962 when the Mission Ships were sold.
Her heavy displacement stability was further improved with the installation of
fixed stabilizers in the 1990s. The engine room was completely
upgraded with state-of-the-art soundproofing in the 1980s. Her original 671
Detroit Diesel was factory rebuilt in January 2006. Orcas, dolphins
and porpoises are actually drawn to the muted throb of her low rpm
propulsion.
Navigation /
electronics are constantly upgraded. Safety systems meet all CSI requirements.
Step aboard….be
welcomed by quality construction; two-inch thick teak doors, polished brass
and the feel of a well-found vessel. At anchor, power is provided by the ship's
silent 2,200 watt Trace inverter. The sound-enclosed diesel generator is only
used for Sonia's convection oven. We respect the tranquility of all anchorages.
Coast Guard inspected and boat house kept, she is continually updated and maintained
in ‘Bristol fashion.' Comfort is assured in her teak and oak appointed cabins.
Guests sleep under goose down duvets. Her galley, re-equipped in 2001 to the
requirements
of chef/mate Sonia, easily generates the savoury menus that prompt our
guests to return year after year. Often mistaken for one of the fisheries or
forestry
vessels
plying
the early coast, she shares their heritage: rugged and reliable.
Author Margaret Craven, voyaged aboard our vessel to remote Kingcome Inlet to
research her best selling book, I Heard the Owl Call My Name. The
native Kingcome congregation still enjoys the original organ transported to
the village
aboard this ship. Her years in the Mission service are featured in God’s
Little Ships and The Columbia is Coming. These ships met the social
and medical needs of remote settlements, canneries, logging camps and lighthouses,
as well as providing
spiritual comfort when requested.
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An experienced, licenced skipper of coastal BC exploration since the 1970s, owner
/ Captain Nils Lovenmark is also a veteran of bluewater sailboat deliveries
in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific. He will offer course choices, shape
an itinerary and fine tune it with local knowledge as you go. An accomplished
whitewater and ocean kayaker, he’s qualified and competent in every aspect
of your voyage through our magnificent Inside Passage.
YOUR CHEF
Sonia, retired from nursing, has enjoyed creative cooking since her teen years,
and is enthusiastically embarked on her second career, artful Chef de Cuisine.
An engaging hostess, guests of all ages are delighted with the cheerfulness and
hospitality in her galley. Menus are prepared from scratch, hearty and flavourful.
The accent is on fresh and healthy. Chelsea’s supplies of fresh veggies and herbs
are
augmented by Sonia’s organic garden. The numbers of repeat charterers in the
guest book and their colourful comments testify to the quality of Sonia's meals.
..."Sonia, your superb culinary skills made every meal a feast"...
Barbara Violante, California
When not afloat, Sonia and Nils enjoy ballroom dancing, mountain biking, gardening, and exploring foreign shores. Their great love of good food, conversation and adventure qualify them the ideal team choice for your cruising holiday.
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