CULTURAL CRUISE
Unique Chinese charters set for Charlottetown Harbour
Unique Chinese charters set for Charlottetown Harbour this summer
A bright red dragon is expected to make a big splash in the Charlottetown Harbour in 2017.
An authentic Chinese junk sailing ship has been refurbished to hit the water in late May as a commercial tour boat.
Montgomery Gisborne and Danni Luo purchased the 49-year-old ship in 2016, which was being used as a private yacht.
They hope the vessel, with its bright red exterior and authentic Chinese design elements, will offer a unique charger experience to visitors and locals.
The ship has been renamed Hai Long, which means Dragon From the Sea in Mandarin.
“Hai Long was built in Hong Kong by the oldest, continuously-operating shipyard in China,’’ noted Gisborne.
“Its craftsmanship is outstanding and it is made made entirely of teakwood, which is the same type of wood as the treasure ships of the Ming Dynasty.’’
Tours will be offered in both Mandarin and English. Passengers will learn about the unique history of Chinese immigration to P.E.I. while being treated to the tastes of authentic Chinese food and music inspired by the Ming Dynasty.
“We’re thrilled that visitors to Charlottetown will have the opportunity to sail on Hai Long,’’ said Heidi Zinn, executive director of Discover Charlottetown.
“We have several high-quality charter tours operating out of the harbourfront, but the junk ship is unlike any other vessel in the harbor and will definitely be a new and unique adventure for our visitors.’’
The ship is expected to set sail three times a day starting in late May and running to the end of October.