The BIG Cruise For A BIG Cause Is A BIG Success – 100 Miles, 100 Passengers, 100 Wooden Boats

Vintage Postcard of Steamship Sagamo - Lake Rosseau, Ontario

Last November Woody Boater featured a story about a unique event that was being planned by the nice folks from the Toronto Chapter ACBS next summer, the opportunity to recreate a part of history and contribute to Cancer Research. We are happy to report that the event is now a BIG success and may become even BIGGER by possibly adding a second ship if folks continue to sign up for this historical summer event.

On Saturday, August 18, 2012, the “RMS Segwun” will depart from the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario and follow the route of the “Sagamo” on Lake Muskoka through the locks at Port Carling and on to Little Lake Joe. Along the route, the “RMS Segwun” will be joined by over 100 wooden boats; some will complete the entire journey, others will join en route.

Vintage Postcard of Sagamo in Port Carling, in Muskoka Lakes

The original 100-Mile Cruise ran from 1922 to 1958 as part of the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company’s efforts to make the ships more than simply a means of transportation to and from the hotels and cottages on the lakes. Passengers could travel by rail from Toronto, spend the night on board the “Sagamo”, and be ready for departure at about 7:00 a.m. Along the route, other ships such as the “Segwun”, the “Cherokee”, and the “Medora”, bringing additional passengers from Bracebridge, Foot’s Bay, and Rosseau, would meet the “Sagamo”, which also often stopped at Windermere, the Royal Muskoka Hotel, and Clevelands House.

To see the original Woody Boater story from November and the full description of the event you can click here…

On Friday we received this update from our friend Kathy Rhodes, Editor of Classicboat Magazine, the Toronto Chapter ACBS quarterly publication… 

Hi Texx – Here’s the most up-to-date information on our Big Cruise planned for August 18. I hope you were able to get tickets on the Segwun as it sold out in less than a week – and they said it couldn’t be done! There is a possibility of adding a second ship if there is sufficient interest, so a waiting list is being kept. We have also kept aside some tickets that will be offered at a discount to our gold level sponsors.

Thanks as always for your help,
Kathy Rhodes, Toronto Chapter ACBS
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BIG CRUISE FOR A BIG CAUSE
Friday, August 17 – Saturday, August 18, 2012

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this amazing historical event as we recreate the famous 100-Mile Cruise from Gravenhurst Wharf in Muskoka to Little Lake Joe and back. Over 100 wooden boats will accompany the RMS Segwun along the route. Bring your boat and be part of the action.

This event is being organized by the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) – Toronto and Manotick chapters, the Trent Severn Antique and Classic Boat Association, the Dispro Owners’ Club, and the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society.

Sagamo at Elgin House, Muskoka Lakes (circa 1907)

BIG CRUISE ITINERARY/COSTS

Friday, August 17 – BBQ Dinner and Skipper’s Meeting – Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre – $30/person
• Cocktails (cash bar): 6:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 18 – Big Cruise for a Big Cause – $25/boat – registered boat captains will receive a special commemorative burgee.

• Depart Gravenhurst Wharf: 8:30 a.m.
• Arrive at Port Carling Locks: 11:00 a.m.
• Arrive at Port Sandfield Locks: 12:00
• Arrive at Little Lake Joe: 2:00 p.m.
• Depart Little Lake Joe: 2:30 p.m.
• Arrive at Port Sandfield: 3:30 p.m.
• Arrive at Port Carling: 4:30 p.m.
• Arrive at Gravenhurst Wharf: 8:00 p.m.

TRAVEL THE ENTIRE ROUTE OR JOIN AT ANY POINT

BIG CAUSE: CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY

ALL participants in the Big Cruise for a Big Cause (including boat passengers) are strongly encouraged to donate generously to the Canadian Cancer Society. In appreciation for your minimum donation of $30, you will receive a commemorative photo. This overhead view of the Segwun surrounded by 100 or more wooden boats will be taken from the air, professionally mounted, and mailed to you following the event
Information regarding making your donation online will be provided with the registration package.

SPACE ON BOARD THE SEGWUN HAS ALREADY BEEN SOLD OUT!

To have your name added to a waiting list, please contact Christi Gardner at Christi@realmuskoka.com or call 705.687.6667.

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you or your organization would like to sponsor this event (Gold sponsors – $600; Silver sponsors – $300), please contact Jim Watt at jm.watt@nexicom.net; John Kutcy at jkutcy@ca.ibm.com; or Clancy Goodfellow at clancyg@wordendisplays.com.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Kathy Rhodes at classicboat@i-zoom.net.

So if your were considering attending the Big 100 Mile Cruise for a Big Cause this summer, in one of the most historic and naturally beautiful areas of the country, please contact either Christi Gardner or Kathy Rhodes above for more information. The folks at the Toronto Chapter ACBS, Manotick Chapter, and the Trent Severn Antique and Classic Boat Association are very well organized and know how to host a world class event.

Texx