Sailing South Labrador Chapter 2

In this year’s presentation Jayne and I prepare Phantasia to launch at bustling Lewisporte Yacht Club, on Newfoundland’s rugged and beautiful east coast. After Pot Luck celebrations & fun kitchen parties at LYC, we set out in the company of local boats Showa and Lola to explore some of their favorite harbours in the Bay of Exploits and Notre Dame Bay, such as Knights Island, Fortune Harbour, Triton and Little Bay Islands.
Leaving the protected waters of Notre Dame behind, we pilot Phantasia up Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, visiting the harbours of La Scie, Great Harbour Deep and Bide Arm on the way. We sail past Fishing Point Light and enter St Anthony Harbour, spending a couple of days to do some re-provisioning there.
Sailing north we round craggy Cape Bauld to overnight at Noddy Bay and then cross The Straight of Belle Isle to anchor and explore the abandoned outport at Labrador’s Henley Harbour, protected by the magnificent black basalt cliffs of Castle Island.
Battle Harbour’s wharf and excellent dining room is welcome after encountering fog and icebergs on the route there. We visit Mary’s Harbour and attend the town’s “Crab Fest”, complete with snow crab buffet and fireworks.
After rafting up with John and Phyllis on Morgans Cloud in Occasional Harbour, it’s on to explore more of the astounding beauty and solitude of South Labrador: Lady Arm, Squasho Run, Caplin Bay, Domino Run & Punchbowl. We stop to re-provision and explore South Labrador’s regional centre at Cartwright, then set sail home to LYC, visiting Porcupine Harbour, the former whaling station of Hawkes Harbour, Lord Arm, Port Charlotte, Pinsent’s Arm, Charlottetown and a return visit to Battle Harbour.
From Battle Harbour we enjoy another fair crossing of The Straight of Belle Isle in light south west winds, sailing back to St Anthony. From their a final 120-mile overnight sail takes us all the way down to the safety of Notre Dame Bay & Lewisporte.