EDITOR’S NOTE: This story appeared on the front page of the October 3, 1974 issue of The Manitoulin Expositor under the headline ‘Chi Cheemaun arrives at South Baymouth.’ It records the first arrival at the brand-new docking facilities of the newly-launched Chi-Cheemaun ferry. That shakedown crossing was 50 years ago from this coming Friday, September 27 (the same day and date a half century ago.) The reporter, Doug Ibbitson, was a staff member of The Expositor at that time.
“Oh, isn’t she just beautiful?” … “Why, it’s so big!” … “Look at the little old Norgoma beside it!”
These comments, along with gleeful waves and smiles from about 100 people gathered at South Baymouth, met the gleaming new M.S. Chi-Cheemaun as she made her first run from Tobermory Friday morning, September 27th, (1974.)
Word of the new ferry’s impending arrival apparently spread quickly across the Island Friday morning, as observers gathered at the dock early as 8 am to be sure they saw Chi-Cheemaun’s first arrival at South Baymouth.
Shortly after 9 am a speck appeared around the point, and everyone knew it was really Chi-Cheemaun this time.
Children from across the Island were on hand for the event, due to the fortunate coincidence of a teachers’ convention Friday. They ran to and fro as adults snapped photographs and made admiring comments on the tall, ultra-modern vessel.
Officers and crew members of the Norgoma had just berthed their ship in her slip, and had time to clamber out on deck in time to look almost straight up at Chi-Cheemaun’s prow looming far over their heads as she glided smoothly by towards the new, untested docking facility.
Carrying only one very small vehicle in her cavernous hold, Chi-Cheemaun was riding high above her water line, and this emphasized her tall profile in comparison with the Norgoma.
Captain Del Chatwell eased his new ship into the new berth with great care, and the first docking will probably go on record as the slowest for the new ship. She must first pass the dock and then back and sidle into the loading and unloading ramp.
After several attempts, the crew and officials succeeded in getting the loading ramps on the dock and aboard, Chi-Cheemaun fit snugly.
Minutes later, all those people who had waited patiently to welcome the new ferry to the Island were permitted to come aboard and have a first-hand look at her facilities, including cocktail lounge, cafeteria, sundeck, and the huge hold in which a total of 113 cars may be parked enroute.
Norgoma has a capacity of 38 cars, while Norisle could hold a total of 48, and these two ships made the run in an average of three hours. Chi-Cheemaun is able to carry more vehicles than the combined capacity of the two older ships, and is capable of making the trip, even in rough weather, in about half the time.
Loading and unloading the two older ferries required the patience of an elephant, the organizational skills of a traffic cop and the job itself required a full hour. Chi-Cheemaun, however, provides “roll on and off” loading. Vehicles drive straight on through the bow at Tobermory, and straight off the stern ramp in South Baymouth.
At over 365 feet in length, and 62 feet across the beam, Chi-Cheemaun dwarfs the two older ships, and her twin diesel power plant can generate 7,030 horsepower which is translated into forward thrust by twin propellers for maximum speeds of 21 knots.
She is equipped with gyroscopic stabilizers on her hull to eliminate the familiar pitch and roll of heavy seas in the older ships. Also on board is the most modern radar, radiophone, and depth sounding gear.
Chi-Cheemaun went into full public service from Tobermory Sunday, and the Norgoma joined her sister ship Norisle in retirement. Currently berthed at Tobermory, the Norgoma will be transferred to Owen Sound and dry dock. Her future is still in question. The Norisle is up for sale, and tenders close October 15th.
by Doug Ibbitson
