Sweepstakes
Built in 1867 in Burlington, Ontario, the Sweepstakes was a wooden schooner used for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
In 1885, she struck a reef near Cove Island in shallow water close to the lighthouse and sank. The vessel was later towed into Big Tub Harbour, where inspectors determined she was beyond repair. She was stripped of usable rigging and equipment before being intentionally abandoned in her current resting place.
1856
1885
°C seasonal
Boat /DPV 2 Moorings
Schooner
Beginner, Snorkel
Conditions can change quickly with wind direction. Carry a light, SMB, compass, and cold-water exposure protection. Stay clear of overhead features unless properly trained.
Conditions can change quickly with wind direction. Carry a light, SMB, compass, and cold-water exposure protection. Stay clear of overhead features unless properly trained.
Trip Details | |
|---|---|
Departure | time |
Surface Interval | no idea |
Parking | somewhere |
Best Season | Not winter |
The Sweepstakes is one of the most intact and accessible schooner wrecks in the region
- Bass
- salmon
- Hull is almost completely intact and clearly defined
- Cabin structure and most rigging have been removed
- Windlass remains intact on the main deck
- Large rectangular openings in the deck mark former mast positions
- Shallow depth makes the wreck easily accessible to divers and snorkelers
