TUGFEST weblog

The Tugfest blog is an international maritime enthusiasts news weblog. Articles that are posted here include news about the annual tugboat festival (read the festival), photo essays, world tugboat news, events and other general maritime news related to the great lakes and beyond. Have news to share? Simply click here - if it floats - we'll post it for you.

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Parade of Lights:

We'll finish this month with the Joyce B Gardener & Cambrian in the parade of lights. This was a popular event with the spectators. They where viewing the event from various lookout points around the harbour. More photos of the parade of lights on the 2005 photos.

Capt Bob |10:50 EST |Comments (0)

Scottish Thistle:

Here she is showing her stuff in the colour parade. Capt Bill Polnick at the helm gave her a good work out in the low power race, it was fun to watch. Thanks for making the long journey from the Sault Ste Marie Capt Bill.

Capt Bob |09:08 EST |Comments (0)

The Queensville

This action shot demonstrates the power needed to be a contender. The Queensville, with Capt Roy Wilson at the helm, gave the field a good run. Because of his efforts the pace was stepped up a notch. She was a joy to watch & the crowd loved it.

Capt Bob |14:16 EST |Comments (0)

Grandbanks II Action Shot:

In this action shot by Ted Krug, the Grandbanks II is just warming up. Everything she had went into the medium power race & it paid off with a win. The Captains of the tugs are always pleased to see action shots of there vessels, and Ted was sure up front with this one. Capt Paul Groves will be pleased, it is impressive.

Capt Bob |09:27 EST |Comments (0)

High Power Winner:

As you can see the throttle was all the way down and the Avery Bay came through to win the high power race. This is an excellent shot of her roaring to the finish line. I was told that even the Gerbil was put into action in this race and it paid off. Capt Dan Avery and crew put on a good show. It sure was pretty.

Capt Bob |09:02 EST |Comments (0)

Low Power Race:

This is an action shot of the low power race, from the start line, Cambrian, Patches, White Bear & Lady Marion I in the lead. The low power race was won by the White Bear. Action shots that you will be seeing are compliments of Ted Krug, Thanks Ted for some great shots.

Capt Bob |11:14 EST |Comments (0)

A Close One:

The medium power race was another close one. The winner was the Grandbanks II. This race was a crowd pleaser and even had the judges on their feet. Workboat #10 was second and Nimbi gave all she had but ran out of time. Well I guess it's back to the boathouse to twig the RPM, polish the prop and repaint the bottom with some secret formula that will make her slip through the water faster. Congratulations to Capt Paul Groves of the Grandbanks II, winner of the medium power event.

Capt Bob |21:07 EST |Comments (0)

The Tugboats

The first profile is now online. The Tug Alert -- moored in Buxxards Bay, Massachusetts -- a 26' towing tug built in 1973 by TBI ( Tug Boats Inc. ). Click on "The Tugboats" (on the navigation bar above) to read the impressive history of this vessel.

Lighthouse Keeper |13:20 EST |Comments (0)

Baleen:

The Baleen out of Penetang, with Capt Joe Algrove & his crew Phillis. A former fish tug, Joe kept the turtle on and took advantage of the extra living space. The interior is well laid out with bunks for six. Joe has done an superb job of the interior, using pine and mahogany. We always enjoy our visit with Joe and Phillis on the fun tug Beleen.

Capt Bob |09:19 EST |Comments (0)

White Bear

The White Bear won the low power race event. She was a last minuate entry, but came through for the win. We thank Capt Derek Chantler of Chantler Barge for taking the time from his busy schedule to be with us. We will have more action pictures of the three race events coming soon.

Capt Bob |08:45 EST |Comments (0)

C.C.G Cove Isle:

The Cove Isle in the just for show even. Again, we would like to thank Capt Cheese and his crew for participating in the event. The general public enjoyed her at the open house, it was a highlight. After the event she went up on dry dock for some bottom painting. We hope to see her again next year in Tugfest 2006.

Capt Bob |09:27 EST |Comments (0)

Chippewa & Cove Isle

Just for show race event, at the tugfest 2005. Chippewa & Cove Isle pushing hard to catch the Joyce B Gardiner (out of site). It was a spectacular event and a real crowd pleaser.

Capt Bob |10:24 EST |Comments (0)

Photo finish?

Here's the Avery Bay And Regan, peddle to the metal in the high power race. Avery Bay was the winner and Mink Isle was a close third in the background. No doubt, it was a good match.

Capt Bob |09:38 EST |Comments (0)

Just for Show Event:

Here is a picture of the Joyce B Gardiner in the just for show event. She won the most impressive tug award. She was very impressive, as you can see. Julie Gardiner can be seen on the bow and if she had a paddle, I'm sure she would have used it. The Joyce B. Gardiner ran with C.C.G Cove Isle and the M.V Chippewa. More pictures coming.

Capt Bob |10:06 EST |Comments (0)

A Tuggin' good time for all;

From the Parry Sound North Star, Wed Sept 7/05: The smoke has cleared, the tugs are gone but what a time was had by all. Organizers Bob Corrigan and Capt Jack Kennedy are very pleased with the turnout of tugs as well as spectators.  The event, a partnership between the WPSHC Auxiliary and the Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce, raised $900.00 that will be directed towards the Auxiliary pledge to the new Health Centre. There where 18 tugs in the races and three in the just for show event. Spectators where seen enjoying the show from the fitness trail Stockey Center and Big Sound Marine break-wall.  At the town dock the tour of tug as well as the sail past was well received. The trophy for best dressed went to the Cambrian, most impressive tug award went to the Joyce B Gardiner and she was also a close second for the best dressed. The trophy for low power in the first race went to White Bear  (Capt Derek Chantler) Medium Power award was won by the Grand Banks 11 (Capt Paul Groves) The high power award was won by the Avery Bay (Capt Dan Avery)  The awards dinner was held at the Waubano Shrine Club for the Captains and Crew. Tugs came from as far away as Port Dover to the south and Sault Ste Marie to the north, there where tugs from Owen Sound and Penetang. A surprise tug was from San Diego and only heard about the event in Penetang the week before. We thank the M.V. Chippawa for participating in the just for show event with the Joyce B Gardiner and C.C.G vessel Cove Isle. Photo above: From left, Capt. Jack Kennedy, Bob Corrigan, West Parry Sound Health Centre Auxiliary president Drene Corrigan and Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce manager Perry Harris.

Capt Bob |15:18 EST |Comments (0)

MV Columbus comes to Parry Sound:

The cruise ship MV Columbus cruised into Parry Sound Harbour this morning. Built in 1997 and modeled after Germany's finest luxury ships, the vessel was designed specifically to accommodate the locks of the Great Lakes. Despite its relatively short time in service, the ship is well on its way to claiming four-star status thanks to its delightful facilities, outstanding cuisine, and attentive, international crew. As a German owned and operated cruise ship, marketed in both the U.S. and Germany, all programs and announcements are in both English and German. The ship contains 134 outside cabins, 63 inside cabins and 8 outside suites (2 with verandahs). Each cabin features a fully equipped bathroom with shower, toilet, washbasin, and hair dryer. Amenities include a mini bar, desk and chair, a safe for valuables, and ample closet space. All cabins have a telephone and color TV with four ship channels—including one linked to an onboard camera displaying the view from the bridge. In addition, most outside cabins have sitting areas. The MV Columbus features a large restaurant, a lounge for dancing and special events, a Palm Garden with bar, a galleria with group seating areas and wine bar, library, swimming pool, pool bar, fitness room, sauna, boutique/gift shop, hair salon, and photo lab. It’s length is 472.8 ft, width 70.5 ft, draft 16.8 ft. It cruises at 18.5 knots. Passenger capacity is 423 and a crew of 170. Ports of call include Chicago, Illinois; Duluth, Minnesota; Little Current, Ontario; Midland, Ontario; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sarnia, Ontario; Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Mackinac Island, Michigan. It will be making another visit here on the 20th of Sept. It's always exciting when the Columbus arrives. We wish her a great sail and a safe return. More photos of her on the photos page.

Capt Bob |22:35 EST |Comments (0)

Tugfest Award Winners

Left to right: Capt. Bob Corrigan, Most Congenial Captain award; Capt. Paul Groves, Medium Power award; Capt. Dan Avery, High Power award; Capt. Jack Kennedy, Best Dressed Tug award; Sandy Gardiner, Most Impressive Tug award. Missing from photo, Capt. Derek Chantler, Low Power award. Congratulations to all the captains.

Capt Bob |10:23 EST |Comments (0)

Coming Soon!

We're making some significant changes over the coming days designed to keep your interest long after the lake has frozen over. Some of the changes you should expect include:

• A tugboat biography page. We'll profile some of these unique vessels and their captains.
• Photo rating. We want to know which photos keep you coming back. On the photo page you'll have the option to rate each photo from 1 to 5.
• More links. We're listening to you. We'll be adding more links to keep every tugboat enthusiast happy
• More polls. We've had a lot of success with the simple poll on the news page (half way down on the left). Keep checking for the next poll so you can give your input.
• We're always looking for your input. Contact us if you have any suggestions. We want to hear from you.

Lighthouse Keeper |09:55 EST |Comments (0)

 

 

 

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