SEGWUN NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

August 26, 2014 10:16 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society, owners of the iconic RMS Segwun, are embarking on a significant fundraising campaign to ensure that our "grand lady of the lakes" continues to be maintained in the best possible condition.

Built in 1887 and as North America’s oldest operating steamship, Segwun requires routine care and maintenance on an annual basis. However, there is an immediate need to replace the decking under the ship’s wheelhouse.

"Segwun’s second deck flooring under the wheelhouse has not been replaced since the early 1960’s", indicated John Miller, President of the Muskoka Steamships Association. "Our goal is to continue preserving Segwun in impeccable condition to ensure her career continues on the Muskoka lakes for future generations. It is essential that we have this work done this coming winter and have the ship ready for our 2015 sailing season", noted Miller.

The restoration project will be led by Fred Mischler, a Swiss trained, master boat builder who has worked on Segwun for over 35 years. "Weather over time has caused damage to the wheelhouse decking and it is really imperative that this wood be replaced", confirmed Mischler. The project will take several months to complete and will entail raising the wheelhouse before replacing the wood with cyprus or fir. The estimated total cost for the project is $125,000.00.

The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society funds its operations primarily through cruise ticket sales. However, the unfavourable weather this summer has resulted in lower visitation and passenger counts for Muskoka Steamships.

This fundraising campaign will be the first significant call out for support for Segwun since her centennial in 1987. The Society’s Board of Directors and management have passionately propelled the campaign with over $50,000.00 already raised.

The Society is asking that supporters please contribute to the campaign by visiting the fundraising website page at www.realmuskoka.com/HelpSegwun or by contacting John Miller directly at Muskoka Steamships at (705) 687-6667.

 

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