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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Glasgows in Town:

Lady Marion at the town dock Parry Sound. John & Marion Glasgow stopped in for a couple of days, to resupply as well as to pick up their son for a cruise to the Moon River area. Tug Lady Marion will be at the Parry Sound Tugfest Aug 25th & 26th. At the present time we have 17 tugs coming to the event, the tugs range in length from 136ft to 18ft. Mark this event on your go to calendar, you will have a great time.

Capt Bob |09:11 EST |Comments (0)

USNSCS GRAYFOX

 We had an interesting visit from the USNSCS Grayfox a training ship used to offer cadets training in all aspects of ship's operations. She is currently the largest Sea Cadet training ship in the United States and is cared for and maintained by all cadets in Michigan and sometimes even our ambassadors from the North, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. The Grayfox receives no financial support from the government. All money needed to operate the vessel comes from donations, grants, and fund raising activities conducted by the crew.    The ship is run by the cadets with the officers serving in a supervisory role also, we have regular Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with several civilians who volunteer their off duty time to assist us in our endeavors.    Built by Marinette Marine in Marinette, WI in 1985 and, she was one of ten 120-foot type Torpedo Weapons Retrievers. Orignally designated TWR 825, she was originally used to launch and retrieve test torpedoes and targets. It was assigned to the U.S. Navy Atlantic Undersea Testing and evaluation Center (AUTEC), Andros Island, Bahamas. Due to the changing development of underwater weapons. TWR 825 was no longer needed by the Navy. The ship was taken to Green Cove Springs, Florida, and placed into mothballs in 1995. It was here that the vessel was discovered by an enterprising group of sponsors who decided the Sea Cadets needed a ship to train on. A request was then made to the Secretary of the Navy to have her transferred to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Paperwork was set into motion, and TWR 825 was obtained on August 15, 1997. A group of 15 dedicated volunteers brought the vessel up from Florida. She arrived in Port Huron, Michigan on August 26, 1997 to a group of excited and anxious onlookers. Grayfox is 120ft in lenght beam 25ft 178 gross tons draft 7.6 two four blade 54" props give her a top speed of 15.5 knots cruising at 12 two Caterpillar 3512TAC engines at 1175hp running at 1800rpm. We thank Commanding Officer LCDR William Barnhardt for visiting with us in Parry Sound Check out the Web Site http://www.geocities.com/hannandivision/grayfox.html

Capt Bob |08:52 EST |Comments (0)

Tug Prescotont:

The PRESCOTONT is of steel specially strengthened for ice breaking for all year round service and as built to the requirements of the Canadian steamboat inspections and Lloyd's Register, being rated 100 A1 for towing purposes. Her keel was laid June 30 (1930), the vessel launched on Sept 11 and delivered ready for service after carrying out satisfactory trials on Oct. 10, which is considered a record for a vessel of this type. her principal dimensions are as follows: Length overall, 117 feet;  breadth overall 27 feet;  depth, 13 feet 6 inches, extreme, 12 feet;   speed, 11 knots. Home Port at this time is Penetang Ont, Capt Paul Gaynor has indicated that he will try to be in Parry Sound for tugfest 2006. Come down and have a look you will not be disappointed. Check out the Web Site www.prescotont.com pretty impressive. Thanks Capt Paul looking forward to meeting you.

Capt Bob |13:11 EST |Comments (0)

Tug Restless:

Tug, "Restless" was built in 1938 by Palmer Johnson, as a Prototype for a Army Corp of Engineers fleet contract. After failing to secure the Bid, vessel was later "Pleasurized," with the addition of a Aft Cabin over the former flush deck. Powered by a John Deere Lugar Diesel turning a 5 bladed  36" Prop. Vessel is all Wood Construction. Relaunched in June 2005 after a 2.5 year refit after being abandon for 7 years being left in a field. Yacht interior installed at that time. Many fixtures and hardware are from former old Great Lakes Freighters. (such as all glass, which are Beveled Panes from a old Wheelhouse) Roland Schultz. I was introduced to Roland at the Great Tug Races Sault Ste Marie Ont, he has done a great job on this tug, you can see Roland & Tug Restless at tugfest 2006 in Parry Sound Aug 25th 26th. We are looking forward to the visit.

Capt Bob |23:46 EST |Comments (0)

Cutter Still Watch;

This is a picture of the Cutter Still Watch based in Penatang Ont. She was once a Coast Guard Vessel under the name Villa Marie she is 134ft in length and powered by two Fairbanks engines at 640 hp each with 500hp electric motors driving the props. Owners Tom & Ann Marshal. In the picture you can see some of our tugfest Captains from left to right Bob Parr John Taylor John Jacklin Pual Groves, Capt Jack Kennedy took the picture onwer Tom Marshall was not available for the picture.

Capt Bob |15:31 EST |Comments (0)

Low Power Race:

In this 2005 tugfest photo, the Queensville is running just ahead of the Mumery in the low power race. Capt Brian of the Mumery said the prop was dirty and it slowed her down, I bet this year you will need sun glasses to look at that prop.

Capt Bob |17:21 EST |Comments (0)

The Parade

Here we see the tugs lining up for the colour parade, 2005 tugfest. On Aug 25th 2006 they will start with the light parade at 9. 30pm, come down to the town dock and enjoy the spectacle.

Capt Bob |08:39 EST |Comments (0)

Great Tug Race:

View from the Dollar Boat, in the Great Tug Race Sault Ste Marie Ont. This is the Kelsey T doing her stuff in the Fish Tug Event.

Capt Bob |12:16 EST |Comments (0)

The Great Tug Race:

Well, we are just back from the Great Tug Race in Sault Ste Marie Ont. Our own Grand Banks II from Snug Harbour won a trophy, the Mink Isle of Snug Harbour got a mention, and the Dollar Boat of Point Au Barril came in fourth with a good show. The weather was co-operative until the late afternoon when it let go with a down pour, the spectators took shelter but stayed for the finally with the big boys. We enjoyed our visit with the Sault group. Many thanks to Julie Gardiner and her group for another great event.

Capt Bob |10:19 EST |Comments (0)

 

 

 

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