Story

The 200-foot topsail schooner the Empire Sandy was built in 1943 in Willington Quay-on-Tyne. After the conversion in 1982, from a WW11 rescue tugboat, she sails with 11,000 square feet of canvas and has double cannons that are fired at special times. Sails are hoisted as the ship departs and the wind is harnessed to propel the 740 ton Empire Sandy along Toronto’s scenic waterfront. Wide expansive decks and wood paneled dining areas set the tone for a comfortable, exhilarating experience. Transport Canada Marine Safety certified to carry up to 275 passengers; the Empire Sandy has hosted a variety of charters, dockside tours and sail training experiences. Weddings, corporate functions, dinner dance events, canal tours and more. The Empire Sandy is also certified for out of town trips and a prominent feature at many town festivals including Tall Ship Festivals on the Great Lakes.