The tall ship Fair Jeanne spread her sails and departed Cobourg Harbour on Wednesday morning after spending several days alongside the east pier, where she became a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike.
The 110-foot traditionally rigged brigantine, based in Ottawa and operated by Bytown Brigantine Inc., has become a familiar sight in ports around Lake Ontario as it provides youth sail training and tall ship adventures.
Built by Captain Thomas G. Fuller and his family, the vessel is unique for its fiberglass hull constructed over steel frames. Standing 80 feet to the top of the mast and carrying 4,500 square feet of sail, Fair Jeanne serves as a floating classroom where young people aged 14 to 18 learn the skills of traditional seamanship, including steering, navigation, sail handling and standing watch as working crew members.
Shortly before 8 a.m., the crew gathered quietly on deck for a final meeting before preparing the ship for departure.
In a fitting farewell, the Canadian flag was secured to the stern and crew members stood together, singing O Canada before getting underway.
Within minutes, the peaceful morning gave way to a flurry of activity as lines were cast off and the crew moved confidently about the deck preparing the brigantine for open water.
With the last mooring line released, Fair Jeanne slowly eased away from the east pier, gliding past Cobourg’s historic lighthouse before heading out into the calm waters of Lake Ontario under clear summer skies.
For those watching from shore, it marked the end of another memorable visit by one of Canada’s best-known Great Lakes tall ships as she continued her voyage to her next port of call.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
