“Cannon Fire” – Tall Ships Tour, Bath, Ontario
“…this beginning motion, this first time when a sail truly filled and the boat took life and knifed across the lake under perfect control, this was so beautiful it stopped my breath…”
― Gary Paulsen
This image was made this past Friday, as the tall ships entered the waters between the town of Bath, Ontario and Amherst Island, on Lake Ontario. As some of the ships neared shore, they put on a show of mock cannon fire for the spectators gathered on shore.
This ship, the VS Niagara was one of the larger vessels in the tour, is a two masted brig with a hull length of 37.49 meters and is registered in the USA.
I’m personally fascinated by these marvelous vessels with their complex rigging and billowing sails. It’s like seeing a live history lesson. Last night the ships reenacted the “Battle of the Bay”, a naval battle on Lake Ontario between Upper Canada and America, during the War of 1812. Though the battle was actually between the British and Americans, most of the British forces were tied up in Europe with the Napoleonic wars, so most of the combatants were Canadian Militia.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/250 sec, f/8.0, ISO 200
Ed Lehming Photography 
Gorgeous shot, Ed. I agree that these ships are so breathtaking under sail. Canon fire would make me jump 3 ft into the shrouds, but I find it exciting when it’s on the water. Yes, living history is soooo awesome! Thanks for sharing this beautiful post and reflection.
My daughter and I spent a day at Sail Boston. We took a ride on the schooner Ardelle, which sailed to New York instead of Canada.
Bon voyage if you have a chance to ride one up there.
Great capture, Ed! It’s fascinating that once upon a time, this was state-of-the-art transportation!
Pretty amazing
Very impressive! 🙂
Thanks
Wonderful capture 😀
Thanks
Wow. I love this. When Tall ships visit Finland, this do not happen.
Thanks