During
April 2014, Schwalbe, Charlie, his female partner Somporn Chaingmanee and their
pet dog where in the Bahamas with a plan to head to Bermuda then onto the UK. On
the way Schwalbe encountered 60knot winds and high waves during which they lost
the topmast and several pieces of rigging, Blown 1600 nautical miles off course
before getting help from the container ship APL Tourmaline who supplied fuel
and supplies, they eventually after 32 days made it to Halifax in what Charlie
describe as “exceptionally scary experience”.
While
docked in Halifax Charlie got a $75000 estimate for repairs to the damaged Schwalbe.
Actually having no money and hoping to obtain a work visa, Charlie became a
fixture on the Halifax waterfront while his partner was deported by immigration
officials. Living on the vessel where he ate, slept and did his laundry,
Charlie became a nuisance to the Halifax Waterfront Development Corporation. Having
paid no berthing fees, he was eventually asked to up anchor and leave. So avoid
further conflict in Halifax Charlie sailed for Lunenburg where he hoped to have
repairs made to Schwalbe.
During
the stay in Lunenburg, Schwalbe broke free from its mooring in the harbour and drifted
across the water to Feltzen South where at high tide, she landed on the rocks and
became very well grounded.
To
alleviate concerns of pollution the Coast Guard removed all fuels and lubricants
from the vessel with the hope of invoicing Charlie for the service, but alas
they could not he had done a runner ….
So
today much to the dismay of the locals Schwalbe remains at Feltzen South. Charlie
on the other hand was eventually tracked down and advised that under the Canadian
Shipping Act he still owns the vessel and is responsible its removal, to which
he replied that he has no money or insurance coverage and if anyone wants the
boat can have it …!!!!
A
little history about the Schwalbe ~
She
was built in Germany in 1927 with 2.25” oak planks on oak frames. At 57ft on
the water line, she is 80ft long overall. Previously used as a fishing vessel,
she was cut in half and had an extra 13ft added.
Here is a link to a youtube video of Schwalbe in much better days ~
 |
| Lunenburg in the far distance |
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