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.
The Francie:
Dave Matthews, of Jack Matthews Marine Service, has just completed a new tugboat for John & Carol Archer of Archer Barge Service in Bracebrigde Ont. Dave designed and built the vessel which took just over a year to complete. The tug is 26' long, 11' wide and draws 3' 6". All steel construction & powered by a 6 cylinder 335 HP Cummins Diesel Engine. It has a twin Disc 5091 transmission with 3:1 reduction, turning a 33x35, 4 blade propeller. This is the seventh work boat that Dave has supplied to the Muskoka area. This one will be used to push a sixty foot deck barge. She is hull#19, more pictures of the Francie on 2005 photos.
Capt Bob |09:41 EST |Comments (0)
Tacoma & Seattle Tug Races:
Tacoma & Seattle Tug Races: Check out this site on our links, they have some great action shots by Carl Cook. Looks like they have been at this for some time & have done a good job on their site. Take the tour.
Capt Bob |21:33 EST |Comments (0)
The Waterford Tugboat Roundup:
The Waterford Tugboat Roundup began in 1999 as a way to preserve and promote the maritime industrial heritage of the New York State Canal System and other adjoining inland waterways. The tugboat history of the region, and particularly Waterford, is especially rich. For most of the 20th century, tugboats lined the shores here, whether waiting to lock up through the magnificent “Flight” or competing for some day work with a local company. The ubiquitous sight of these smoke-belching work horses festooned with manila and wood fendering, decks bunkered with coal against a back drop of elaborate detail work that tended to belie the strict functionality of these old girls, has been replaced by that of sailboats, cruisers, and catamarans lining the docks. For one weekend each year, however, Waterford’s historic waterfront is transformed back into a rendering of its commercial heyday during which names like Godfrey, Coyne, Bushey, Matton, Kehoe, and Cowles figured so prominently. Tugs new and old moor stem to stern for adulation and education, enchanting the young and reminding the young at heart of days gone by. The event is sponsored annually by the Town of Waterford and the Waterford Maritime Historical Society, in addition to many generous corporate sponsors. Usually held the weekend after Labor Day, the festival has grown steadily and attracts approximately 25,000 people to this sleepy canal town in the heart of upstate New York’s Capital Region. In addition to tours of the vessels and other displays, there is an ample supply of music, food, children’s activities, vendors, boat rides, fireworks, and family fun. In the back ground of this photo is the Nolan D. This tug was once owned by Ray Davis of Tobermory. It participated in the Great Canadian Tug Races in Sault Ste Marine Ont & was a contender in the Parry Sound Penetang tug races back in the 80's. It's nice to see her participating in this event.
Capt Bob |18:10 EST |Comments (0)
Edward Groves:
Another acquisition to the Groves Marine Fleet. This model built by Joe Fossey of Barrie Ont & is a replica of a 1900’s steam tug. Paul had her refitted with a new radio controlled engine, lighting & repairs to deck fittings as well as cleaning. All that is needed is water & you can spend the day watching her maneuver. The Edward Groves was named after Paul’s father, a fitting tribute.
Capt Bob |08:45 EST |Comments (0)
Tug Wavy II:
We finally got the Wavy II home to Pointe Au Baril, her new home port. With a favourable weather forecast on Thursday Oct 20th, & a bright night with stars & a 3/4 moon we departed Britt at 8pm. The bay was calm with a gentle roll & no wind, perfect for our journey home. We arrived at the Pointe Au Baril lighthouse at 11.30 pm, set the hook and had a good sleep. Friday the 21st, calm, clear and cold, we pulled the hook at 8 am & headed for home, an hour away. Our mission was completed, we are home safe. I can't wait to see what Capt Bob Madigan will do with the Wavy II. Hopefully we will see her at the 2006 Tugfest. More pictures of the Wavy II on the 2005 photos page. The Wavy II is a Hurley tug built in 1947 in Bronte On. Can. Length 40ft, beam 13ft, draft 3 1/2 ft, power 471 Detroit Diesel. 20 registered tons. She was originally registered as the "Erie Cove".
Capt Bob |20:59 EST |Comments (0)
Renagade:
Shes all decorated for the colour parade, a pretty boat with a comfortable interior. Bob and Sandy put over 2000 miles on her last summer.
Capt Bob |08:35 EST |Comments (0)
Renagade:
Home Port San Diego, Ca. A Lord Nelson Victory Tug, owned by Capt Bob White. Bob and Sandy were touring Georgian Bay this summer and came to our Tugfest in Parry Sound. Some of the pictures you will see were taken by Bob and we are grateful for them. The Renegade is layed up in Penetang for the winte for some refitting. Bob and Sandy will be back in the spring to continue their tour. We are looking forward to seeing them again.
Capt Bob |08:40 EST |Comments (0)
Mummery:
Another look at the Mummery with crew at the ready.
Capt Bob |08:19 EST |Comments (0)
Mummery:
Mummery running with the Scottish Thistle in the low power race. She purrs along nice, notice the smoke from the stack, it must be the turbo kicking in. Home port for the Mummery is Parry Sound Ont. The Owner is Capt Brian Kennedy.
Capt Bob |11:29 EST |Comments (0)
Pankhurst M:
Action shot of the Pankhurst M in the high power race. She was the winner of the event in 2004. This year a new comer, the Avery Bay, took the trophy. I am am sure you will find Capt Norm in the boat house this winter trying to find that extra R.P.M for the 2006 event. Thanks Capt Norm for a great show.
Capt Bob |12:29 EST |Comments (0)
A Ducks View:
A close up of the Pankhurst M. Capt Norm Menary has her in show condition. Her home port is Owen Sound, Ont.
Capt Bob |07:48 EST |Comments (0)
Crowd Pleasers:
A shot from the town dock with the spectators looking on. The Oueensville and the Scottish Thistle are in the foreground. On the deck of the Scottish Thistle you can see Capt Bill Polnick and Dolly. On the Oueensville is Capt Roy Wilson. The tugs where just leaving for the colour parade.
Capt Bob |10:11 EST |Comments (0)
Work Boat #10 & scuffy:
This picture gives you a closer look at two of the Groves Marine tugs. It's early morning and the Captains have not had their coffee yet. In a few hours they will be hard at work in the Big Sound.
Capt Bob |20:37 EST |Comments (0)
Regan:
Home port Sault Ste Marie, the Regan with Capt Jeff Avery at the helm. This photo shows her awesome power. We think it could almost take a couple of water skiers. She was in the high power race and came in a close second. You can just see the bow of the Mink Isle on her port side. This action shot was taken by Ted Krug.
Capt Bob |08:06 EST |Comments (0)
Scuffy & Work Boat #10:
In this picture Scuffy is pumping iron with her big sister Work Boat #10. Scuffy fell short in the long haul, but her sister has a lot of respect for her efforts. Capt Craig Groves was at the helm of Work boat #10 & Capt Bob Young was at the helm of Scuffy. Both vessels are part of the Groves Marine Fleet.
Capt Bob |08:18 EST |Comments (0)
Lady Marion I:
Another look at Lady Marion I, all dressed and ready for action. Home port Britt Ont. Owner Capt John Glasgow.
Capt Bob |10:27 EST |Comments (0)
Lady Marion I:
Just a sneak peek at a pretty lady.
Capt Bob |07:49 EST |Comments (0)
NIMBI:
All the way from Port Dover, On Nimbi is ready to take on all challengers. In this shot she is leaving the harbour to enter in the medium power race event. Nice to see the Nimbi and her crew, they always brighten up our day with there presents. Thank you Capt Rob Young & crew.
Capt Bob |08:34 EST |Comments (0)
M V Chippawa III:
A great action shot of the MV Chippewa III in the just for show event. She had a wedding party on board at the time and they enjoyed the action as well. She has some history as one of the maid of the mist boats in Niagara Falls, Ont. We will feature the MV Chippawa III in our tugboat profiles in the near future. At the present time she is doing charters and dinner cruises departing from the Parry Sound harbour.
Capt Bob |10:16 EST |Comments (0)
Mink Isle:
We start the month with this shot of the Mink Isle, home port Snug Harbour. In this shot Capt Bob Parr has just gone past the viewing stands, and is on his way to compete in the high power race event. We have 160 new photos of the event and will be showing you them in the coming weeks. All photos will be posted in the 2005 photos, after they are featured. Our official photographer for the event was Ted Krug, he and helmsman Gary Barager worked in close to get the action shots that you will see. We at Tugfest thank Ted & Gary for the work they did.
Capt Bob |09:44 EST |Comments (0)
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