Hind Andrew - RMS Segwun

Author Maria Da Silva was captivated by her first cruise aboard Segwun as described in the text.
Courtesy of Andrew Hind and Maria Da Silva.

A part of this history was shared with us when we climbed up to the wheelhouse to chat with the ships skipper. Captain Jim Caldwell, who retired in 2010, was a veteran sailor, a man perhaps more comfortable with the subtle roll of waves underfoot than on dry land. After 29 years aboard ships plying the Great Lakes, Caldwell had served on Segwun for a further 21 years. Ive had a lot of great times and met people from all over the world, the captain told us, a faraway look in his eyes. And this ship, with its history, is hard to leave.

While spinning the ships wheel, Captain Caldwell told us tales of Segwun s past and related some of his memories of his time aboard her. We eagerly soaked it all in, and it was at that time that we conceived the idea for this book; we felt strongly that the stories he regaled us with that night should be shared by all.

When we finally descended from the wheelhouse and wandered into the cozy lounge, we met Kate Cox, who had been working as a bartender on Segwun for 14 years. She served us with a mile-wide smile, the fabulous beverages she brought us warming our chilled bodies. For the rest of the cruise she kept us entertained with stories about the ship and the people who had been aboard, crew and passengers alike. Some stories were hilarious, and some touched the heart strings, but all were entertaining.

Kate spoke about the vessel with obvious affection. Everyone loves this ship, she told us. It seems magical somehow. During her years aboard, Kate had met numerous celebrities on the ship, including Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, and soap opera star Lisa Rinna and her husband, actor Harry Hamlin. Maria also learned that her favourite actor, Nicolas Cage, once filmed a movie on the ship.

But its the common people who Kate remembered the most, the people like her who fell under the enchantment of Segwun . People from all over the world love this ship because [they feel as if] theyre going back in time. Its the nostalgia. Theres nothing more romantic, more memorable, than a sunset dinner cruise aboard the Segwun , she told us. Theres something magical about the ship. Can you believe that in all my years aboard, it has never rained during a wedding? It might have rained in the morning or been overcast, but it has never rained during the ceremony. Its almost like the ship is blessed.

There is something special about a cruise aboard Segwun . Theres an authenticity in the way her coal-fired steam engines can be felt through the deck plating; in the sound of her whistle, the beating heart of Muskoka can be distinctly heard.

As the ship slowly docked alongside the wharf, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the experience the spectacular views of the lakes, the great food, and the wonderfully hospitable crew. And we discovered a new appreciation for the Segwun itself. This historic vessel that has been sailing on the Muskoka Lakes for more than a century had a rich story to tell, and its a story we were honoured to write.

Today, Muskoka Steamships operates a second vessel alongside Segwun the modern Wenonah II that combines all the style of a 1907 Muskoka steamship with the latest conveniences. Although she dwarfs Segwun in size, we believe that newer and bigger doesnt always mean better. Segwun , despite her age and more intimate stature, remains a unique vessel, and one that links us to the history of this region.

So lets step aboard this historic steamship and slip back in time to find out why she is so cherished.

A Note About Names

The RMS Segwun has gone by two names during her lengthy history; she began in 1887 as Nipissing II but was renamed Segwun after an extensive rebuild in 1925. Throughout the text, we refer to the ship as it was known in the historic period being discussed. The Muskoka Navigation Company has also gone by a number of names, all of them relatively subtle variations. To avoid confusion, we refer to it as the Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company throughout.