Winterized Sailboats at Nepean Sailing Club
It is cold and sunny day in the Nation’s capital —Ottawa. So, I thought I’d take some pictures at the Nepean Sailing Club, which is just West of the city center and the parliament buildings. The weather is warming up here, but you can see the docks are still frozen in place with the winterized sailboats under tarps.
Our Last Canadian Winter for a While
This is weather that I’ve grown up with, and feel slightly nostalgic about, especially as this might be our last Canadian winter for some time.
We plan to sail in the Caribbean, starting in mid-July 2015 and from there — if the lifestyle suits us — we will decide if we want to circumnavigate.
I shall miss the sting of wind laced with snow on my face, and the crunch beneath my feet.
But, I won’t miss the time I spend organizing my kids’ gear in winter — like snow suits, boots, hats, mitts, and scarves — just to go outside.
From a Frozen Ottawa River to the Florida Keys
Meanwhile, my husband sent me the photo below from the Florida Keys today. He is sailing somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico right now, en route to Palmetto, Florida.
To me, this photo looks like something out of an expat brochure. I’ve lived in Ottawa for 30 years. And, it’s time to try something new — like palm trees and warmer climes.
Where Can You Live Aboard a Boat Through a Canadian Winter?
If you are planning to live aboard through a Canadian winter, options are limited.
Marinas in Canada that Allow Winter Liveaboards
On a very limited basis, some Canadian marinas allow people to live aboard through the winter, including:
British Columbia: Spruce Harbour Marina, Heather Civic Marina and Van Isle Marina.
Ontario: Port Credit Harbour Marina, and Bluffer’s Park Marina.
As for us? Our boat is in the Florida Keys and we’ll take it from there.
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