Perfect sailboat liveaboard charter Nova Scotia, Canada

The magical Bras d’Or Lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the historic St. Peter's Canal. This is Where the Ocean Meets the Inland Sea.

• Steer the boat & handle the sails • Experience the UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere at sea level • Amazing wildlife sightings at St Peter’s Inlet • Pass through a historic tidal lock canal • Try your sailing skills on the inland sea and on the Atlantic Ocean

This is a hands-on sailing adventure on the Atlantic Ocean and the renowned Bras d'Or Lake in Cape Breton. Take the helm, handle the sails, assist with navigation, or simply sit back and enjoy. At the very pleasant and well-equipped St. Peter's Lions Marina, you will live onboard like a sailor in port.

Meet your boat and skipper at the Marina on your arrival evening for a welcome and introduction to the shoreside amenities and the yacht. Drinks in the cockpit and dinner 'at home at the marina' - or dine out only a few feet to the town center - are available. Take use of the available amenities and the companionship of other sailors. (Perhaps do some stargazing.) Spend the night on the ship.

Set sail after breakfast towards the Bras d'Or Lake through the island-studded St. Peter's Inlet. You could see eagles, hawks, and a variety of gulls overhead, herons and deer along the coast, and a few seals in the water. Anchor in a safe cove for a swim and lunch. Then, venture out on the large lake for some open water sailing to hone your abilities. Take the helm, manage the sail, or simply relax and enjoy the journey and surroundings. The skipper is ready to offer sailing advice and training. Return to Lions Marina and spend the night on the water.

Today, we'll go via the historic tidal lock canal (which has been in operation since 1869) in preparation for a sail on the Atlantic Ocean. Views of neighboring Isle Madame and the southwest coast of Cape Breton Island are excellent. We may witness pilot whales, seals, and a variety of bird species in the ocean and Lennox Passage. Return to St. Peter's at the conclusion of the afternoon.

You'll be sailing on a freshly renovated classic Canadian cruising sloop with plenty of character and modern comforts to ensure your sailing vacation is safe and enjoyable.

Our sailboat is a Niagara 35 sailing yacht designed by acclaimed marine architect Mark Ellis and constructed in 1980 by the iconic Canadian boatbuilder Hinterhoeller. She is one of 260 hulls manufactured in this type between 1978 and 1990. The Niagara 35 was designed as a passage-making yacht, built to the highest industry standards, and has proved to have accomplished Ellis' idea of '...building boats for longevity in the way they pleasure the eye and their durability in usage' for over four decades.

She likes to sail at 6 knots in our regular summer breezes and can maintain 7 knots or more when the wind picks up to 15 knots. She tracks readily, responds to the helm, and steers herself easily in a variety of situations. Tacking and jibing are a breeze because to the doubled mainsheet system and large self tailing winches for the foresail.

Captain and a crew of expert consultants and assistants have meticulously repaired and refitted it to near-new condition over the last 5 years. Upgrades for the twenty-first century include a solar-powered electrical system, electronic navigation instruments, refrigeration, LED lighting, new wiring and plumbing, a new diesel auxiliary engine, and other features.... Fresh rigging and canvas, new interior finishes and upholstery, warm air heating for the shoulder seasons, hot and cold running water, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private head are all standard features. It offers spacious accommodations for day sailing with up to six passengers or live-aboard for four. Both the vessel and the master have been approved in accordance with Transport Canada Small Vessel standards.

She is crewed and outfitted for day sails and multi-day expeditions on the Bras d'Or Lake and Cape Breton's coastal waterways.