North Bay Power and Sail Squadron

CPS Chartered Cruise on the Wenonah II

A Gravenhurst Power and Sail Squadron Event which was intended to bring in members from neighbouring sqadrons. North Bay was the furtherst squadron attending! Commander Terry Lang and Past Commander Caven Ford (and their mates) were in attendance. On behalf of the North Bay squadron, I'd like to offer congratulations to the Gravenhurst squadron for hosting a first rate event, and to The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society for doing such a wonderful job building the Wenonah II. A fine addition to the Muskoka Fleet

Below, we see the newly referbished Wenhnah II on the right, and the R.M.S. Segwun on the left. There is a temporary wooden structure around the wheelhouse on the R.M.S. Segwun while she undergoes repairs. The R.M.S. Segwun was scheduled for her first sail of the season 6days from when this picture was taken.

Below we see the Wenonha II boarding for the CPS cruise. Take note of the huge CPS flag flying from the bow mast.

At a ecent district meeting, Gravenhurst Power Squadron extended an invitation to all squadrons in our district to join them for a Pre-Launch cruise of the recently re-built Wenhnah II Steam Ship. The cruise will take place on Saturday June the 8, 2002 at a cost of $25 per head. Early registration is advised as space is limited.

Due to the continuing and overwhelming popularity of the R.M.S. Segwun (the oldest working steamship in North America), and the demand for increased capacity, the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society is pleased to announce a new legend: the construction of R.M.S. Wenonah II, a brand-new and magnificent sister ship, scheduled for service in May, 2002. Featuring state-of-the-art designs that duplicate the imagery of the past, while reflecting advanced construction and operating systems, this proud 127 foot vessel will preserve the 1907 Muskoka style in historical details.

Wenonah II will provide a spectacular new carrier for regular cruises, charters, special events, corporate affairs - or just quiet, romantic dinners for two in the glow of the evening sunset. And where the Segwun’s focus has been on Lake Muskoka, Wenonah II will now allow both ships to cover Lakes Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka.

Plans call for test sailing in September 2001 and a Gala Launch Ceremony to commemorate Wenonah II into daily service in May, 2002.

By extending the popularity of heritage water cruises to all three Muskoka Lakes, Wenonah II will bring benefits to everyone in the area, today, and for generations to come.

The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society is a non-profit organization incorporated with charitable status. With a mission of preserving the Muskoka Tradition, the Society oversees the R.M.S. Segwun, Wanda III and other artifacts of the steam era. Principal projects are:

Phase 1: The complete restoration of the Royal Mail Ship Segwun - completed.

Phase 2: Building of Segwun Heritage Centre, which contains the Society's Interpretive Centre, gift shop and administrative offices - completed.

Phase 3: Restoration of Mrs. Timothy Eaton's 1915 steam yacht Wanda III - completed.

Phase 4: The completion of the Wenonah II for the 2002 sailing season - in progress.

Phase 5: Wooden Boat Museum, Boathouse and Training Centre - tentative date summer 2002. (This complex will provide the Society with a structure to house the Wanda III and collect and display Muskoka's vintage watercraft. As well, a training school will be initiated for teaching maintenance skills required for the preservation of wooden boats.)
The successful completion of the Wenonah II project will help preserve the RMS Seqwun indefinitely. And it will assist the Historical Society to continue celebration of Muskoka's marine history through the new projects listed above.
Members of the general public are encouraged to join the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society. You can obtain an application form at the Segwun Ticket Office or Interpretive Centre, 820 Bay Street, Gravenhurst ON, P1P 1G7.