By John Francis, Bruce Peninsula Press
Tobermory’s largest-ever tour boat arrived in town on Thursday, June 11, 2021. She is the Tobermory Legacy, formerly Miss Midland.
She pulled up at Lee’s Wharf, where she now sits beside her sister ship, the Tobermory Flash. She is the second vessel brought to town by Tobermory Cruise Line.
Tobermory Legacy will bring a new “offer” to Tobermory — something that has never been tried — daily lunch and dinner cruises. The meals will be provided by Las Chulas restaurant, from the Tobermory Cruise Line facility on Hwy 6. The cruises will last two and a half hours; the route will run past Big Tub Lighthouse, Doctor and Russel Islands, then through the Otter Island Channel and up the east side of Cove Island to the Lighthouse, then around Flowerpot Island and back to port.
Tobermory Legacy also offers a fully licenced bar and regular live entertainment. Sunset cruises will be offered on weekends.
Tobermory Legacy was built in 1974 by Marlin Yachts Ltd of Gananoque, Ontario. She hosted sightseeing cruises in the southern section of the 30,000 Islands from 1975 to 2019, She also catered to weddings and other social events, karaoke evenings, live on-board entertainment, etc.
She is 90 feet long, with a 19.5 foot beam; she draws 5.5 feet. She has twin 203HP Volvo diesels which give her a cruise speed of 10 knots.
The top deck has rows of seats with airplane-style trays built into the seat backs. The lower main deck is enclosed, with removable bench-style seating in the cabin. The rear of the main deck is outdoors, with perimeter seating.
She is certified for 300 passengers but Tobermory Cruise Lines Manager Mike Lee says the working capacity will be somewhat lower.
She will begin service in early July, when recreational boat trips are allowed.
