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Wednesday, January 28, 2015
C.C.G.C. Westfort in Meaford
Just onshore by the Meaford harbour, the C.C.G.C. Westfort is on permanent display, set off by a very interesting heavy-duty chain fence. Obviously an old anchor chain from a big Great Lakes ship.
It's a former Great Lakes Coast Guard ship that was based on Lake Superior, sent here on retirement to be on display. It's quite a local landmark.
The old anchor chain forms an attractive fence for the display, though it's open at both ends so you can walk right under the boat.
On the other side the ground is at a higher level, as if you're at a dock, with another smaller chain used for fencing. Here it means something, because there's a 4 foot drop beyond it.
You can get quite a close look at the fittings of the ship, which I find interesting, not knowing anything about them. And there's a small information plaque off to the left.
I was surprised once I read about 'self-righting' vessels to learn that most smaller boats like this on the Great Lakes are probably self-righting. It depends on being able to seal all the hatches in a storm, and having some ballast at the bottom of the boat, but it would (in theory) turn right-side up again by itself. Wouldn't want to be the one to test it!
And I managed one nore shot of the light tower on the outer breakwall, just as the light flashed.
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It is quite an impressive, workman boat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful boat - at first I was concerned about the shallowness of the hull, until I read the part about self righting - very interesting boat - and great photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's a NICE looking boat. I wouldn't want to test the self righting part either!!
ReplyDeleteNice that this boat has been preserved for everyone to get an up-close view.
ReplyDeleteThe boat is cool, looks very very cold there.. Great shots. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely vessel, and the lighthouse in the same colors really makes the last one priceless.
ReplyDeleteit's really beautiful with that red against the white! and the chain fencing is very fitting, too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting...I would not want to test the self righting part either, but I sure would like to see this in person. I do not know why, but big boats and ships fascinate me. Maybe because I don't see them every day.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I have taken photos of this boat too but NEVER in winter. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the red and white - very striking.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos . She is a beaut . Lovely looking boat . Thanks for sharing . Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteOn all levels, great captures, it screams I can withstand any and all storms!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful red and white looking ship.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Such great winter shots. Now I'm shivering...
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of this cool looking boat and the sturdy chain fence. Loving the colors of the boat paired with the snow.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine crawling under that boat. It gives me shivers just to think of it! Great final shot of that light! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey get some big storms on the lakes (Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald came to mind when I read about that feature), so the self-righting is important.
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Love that huge chain fence! And good catch with the light.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good looking boat!
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