2007 Canada $20 Tall Ships - Brigantine Fine Silver (No Tax)

Tall Ships Collection - Brigantine (2007)

The North America we know today owes its veryexistence to sailing ships. Indeed, without the abilityto ride the wind, the world's first explorers wouldnever have ventured across unknown seas.

The brigantine was a popular sight at sea during the"Golden Age of Sail." This two-masted ship wassquare-rigged on the foremast with fore- and aft-sailson the main (second) mast. The square rig allowed theship to take advantage of steady trade winds andcurrents while the fore- and aft-sails were setlengthways along the boat so the ship could sail closerinto the wind. This combination made the brigantineideal for coastal sailing where winds are more variable.It was an effective ship for the seal hunt and also as atrade vessel to the West Indies and Brazil.

Every ship was designed to exploit certain advantages.Whether it was speed, maneuverability, cargo capacityor ease of handling, the small and handy brigantineplayed an important role in the marine history ofNorth America.

Perhaps this is why these magnificent vessels havesuch a powerful allure. Despite the modern ability totravel faster, higher and deeper, we are transfixedevery time they grace Canadian ports. We arereminded of the importance of dreams. After all, ournation was born upon the tall ship's sail.