Iconic Sails Reborn in Vancouver Harbour

The Big Sails that proudly billow over Vancouver's beautiful harbour will soon be sparkling with new life as the 7 month-$21 Million refurbishment nears completion. The sails were first erected at Canada Place in advance of Vancouver's Expo 86 and have become an iconic landmark for many. Cruise ships that ply the Alaska Cruise route have departed from under the sails for decades and tourists from all over the world have wondered at the majestic "big top".

The Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre has had a booming trade under the sails during this same peroid. I myself worked Security there 1987-88 and assisted many trade shows to roll in and roll out from under the sails. Those were busy, busy times!

The old sails had a projected life span of approx 20 years and were getting tired. The new sails made up of the same Teflon & Fiberglass mix (with some high tech additions!) are expected to last 30 years or more. The material from the old sails have been donated to various groups that will recycle it into emergency shelters and tents to be used locally and for international applications. This is a good thing.

So..hoist up the sails!

(and splice the mainbrace?)