Week-long cruise on steamer ‘Edward L Ryerson’ was dream come true for raffle ticket winner
March 31, 08 by TheFleetIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
By Krista Brazeau | Source: Sheboygan Press (many photos)
The average vacationer normally wouldn’t consider a weeklong voyage on a 730-foot straight-deck bulk carrier the ideal get-away. Yet Sheboygan native Jack Dahler calls it “a dream come true.”
Having spent his entire life in Sheboygan, Dahler has been fascinated with freighters, mostly content to admire these massive vessels from the shoreline.
“I’ve been watching the freighters go by for years and never thought I’d get the chance to set foot on one.”
Last summer, when long-time friend Larry Tuzinkewich offered to sell Dahler a $20 raffle ticket from the Door County Maritime Museum that offered the prospect of a trip aboard the Edward L. Ryerson, Dahler jumped at the chance. Tuzinkewich’s only request in return for the ticket was an invitation to join the Dahlers if they won.
And they did.
The Ryerson was built in 1960, primarily with one type of cargo in mind — iron ore, and after a short hiatus beginning in 1994, the Ryerson returned to service in April of 1997.
“Captain Eric Treece said that if given the opportunity, many people would stand in line to pay $10,000 for a chance at a trip on a ship like the Ryerson,” Dahler said.
The unique opportunity to be a guest on a working freighter, however, is usually only available to shipping companies’ customers as a perk. Central Marine Logistics made this rare chance possible by providing the trip for the museum raffle, with proceeds going to the museum’s annual fund. The event resulted in ticket sales of more than $19,000.
Holding up his end of the bargain, Dahler boarded the Ryerson with his wife, Carol, along with Tuzinkewich and his wife, Ann, on Aug. 7. “We were given a 24-hour window to drive to Lorain, Ohio, while the boat was unloading,” Dahler said.
The group then set sail with an empty cargo bay across Lake Erie, Lake Huron, through the Soo Locks to Lake Superior.
“It was very relaxing, beautiful views of the lakes,” Jack said. “Calm seas, sun and — no bugs!”
In just four hours, the ship was loaded in Superior, with 24,000 tons of iron ore, and then headed back to Ohio to arrive exactly one week later at 2:30 p.m.
“Watching 24,000 tons of iron get loaded onto the boat was really something,” Dahler said. Being well-acquainted with the history of the Ryerson and freighters in general, getting a glimpse of the boat in action was something he won’t soon forget.
Dahler and company also were treated to an educational tour of the ship.
“There was no cruise director, so we were basically on our own and had complete run of the ship.”
According to Ann Tuzinkewich, the group was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“In the wheel room we learned how to navigate the Ryerson, how to read all the instruments and follow along on the computer as to which vessel we were passing, where they came from and what they were transporting. We were given the chance to get behind the wheel and actually navigate the vessel.”
Along with a carpeted guest lounge looking over the stern, complete with comfortable couches, chairs, tables and even a television, the boat has “four individual state rooms with windows looking out over the front of the boat,” Dahler said.
“The rooms were great and the food was very good. For a working boat, it was exceptional!”
“Captain Treece and his crew were amazing. From the minute we arrived until we left we were certainly treated like royalty,” Ann said. “Joey, who is second cook on the Ryerson, certainly aims to please and spoils you with all his excellent breads, pastries, etc. Before I left, he made sure I had my hot blueberry muffins to take along.”
When asked if he’d enter the raffle again if given the opportunity, Dahler said, “Why not? I never thought I’d win. It was a once in a lifetime trip that you can’t buy at any price.”
01 • Brian Kelsey Says: 01.04.08 at 3:46 pm
Just thought you would all like to know that the Door County Maritime Museum is holding another freighter raffle! What follows is the information.
Win A Freighter Adventure Cruise!
Sturgeon Bay — The Door County Maritime Museum is privileged to have received a special raffle prize from the wonderful folks at Great Lakes Fleet/Key Lakes Inc. – an adventure on a Great Lakes freighter – Edwin H. Gott (1,004’), Edgar B. Spear (1,004’), or Roger Blough( 858’)! Trips onboard a working freighter are only available to the shipping companies customers. The only way for the general public to take a cruise on a working Great Lakes freighter is through a raffle.
If you are the winner, you and three friends will set your sails for a 6-1/2 to 7 day voyage. This trip is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to cruise on a working freighter during the Great Lakes sailing season – between June 1 and September 30, 2008. Departure port and dates will be coordinated with the winner and the winner must be flexible concerning scheduling and port of departure/return. The freighter itineraries will be between Duluth, MN to Conneaut, OH or Two Harbors, MN to Gary, IN. Guests must be 21 or older and are required to adhere to all company policies and safety procedures. Accommodations include rooms with 2 twin beds and private bath. Each freighter is equipped with owner’s lounges that boast spectacular views. On the Speer and the Gott, your view from the owners lounge is forward across the vessel and on the Blough you look aft at the beautiful water you just traversed.
Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100; proceeds benefit the Museum’s annual fund. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum’s headquarters in Sturgeon Bay or by phoning 920.743.5958. The drawing will take place on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the Museum’s headquarters (120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay) at 6:30 p.m. Winner need not be present to win.
The Door County Maritime Museum was founded in 1969 and preserves the rich maritime heritage of Door County, Wisconsin and the Great Lakes. Headquartered in Sturgeon Bay, WI, the Museum operates seasonal facilities at the Cana Island Lighthouse and in Gills Rock, offering visitors a comprehensive view to the County’s local maritime legacy. Museum information can be obtained by phone at 920.743.5958, email at info@dcmm.org or by accessing the Web site at http://www.dcmm.org.
02 • Greg Says: 01.04.08 at 6:49 pm
Thanks for this story. I entered that same raffle with $100 of birthday money but came up short. The raffle is once again taking place and information can be found be found by calling or writitin the museum at 120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
920.743.5958 (phone) & 920.743.9483 (fax) http://www.dcmm.org/
Thanks for the information on the cruise sure is good to read what I missed.
The two bumper ships (Calloway and American Republic) are in Sturgeon Bay being tended to as we speak. They look like two fighters in their corners with the trainers tending to them side by side.
Have a good day!
Greg