IDENTIFICATION & VESSEL INFORMATION #
VESSEL DESCRIPTION #
The Say When was a yacht, a type of recreational vessel known for its use in leisure activities, cruising, and sometimes competitive racing. Yachts in the early 20th century, like the Say When, were symbols of luxury and were often owned by wealthy individuals or families who spent time in popular boating regions like the Thousand Islands.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT #
On December 21, 1917, George Burtch, a notable figure in the Alexandria Bay area, lost his yacht Say When in Carnegie Bay, which is part of the larger St. Lawrence River system. The incident is significant within the local boating community, particularly as it involved a well-known yacht in the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The circumstances surrounding the loss of the Say When are not fully detailed, but it is known that the yacht was lost in Carnegie Bay on the specified date. The specific cause of the loss—whether due to a storm, navigational error, or another incident—remains unclear from the available information. Given the time period, it’s possible that the yacht encountered harsh winter conditions, leading to its demise.
SITE INFORMATION #
Carnegie Bay, located near Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands, is a scenic area known for its beautiful waters and popularity among boaters. The coordinates provided place the incident within this bay, a sheltered area that is often used for mooring and recreational activities.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
If the Say When remains at the bottom of Carnegie Bay, it could be a point of interest for divers, particularly those interested in historical wrecks in the Thousand Islands region. The depth and condition of the wreck would determine its accessibility, but given the age and potential degradation of the vessel, it may be in a fragile state.
SIGNIFICANCE #
The Say When is remembered as part of the maritime history of Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands. Its loss in 1917 adds to the rich tapestry of stories involving luxury yachts and the boating culture of the early 20th century in this region. Yachts like the Say When were important symbols of the era, representing the leisure and social activities of the wealthy.
RESEARCH & DISCOVERY #
- Local Archives: Further information might be found in local archives or historical societies that maintain records of maritime incidents in the Thousand Islands region.
- Dive Reports: Any existing dive reports or exploration logs from Carnegie Bay could provide insights into the current state of the Say When wreck.
- William Lafferty Write-Up: William Lafferty may have written detailed accounts or historical perspectives on the yacht and its significance in the area.
- Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan: This plan might include references to historical vessels and incidents, potentially offering more context or links to the Say When.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan: A document outlining the history, development, and future plans for the waterfront areas, which could contain references to historical incidents like the loss of the Say When.
- William Lafferty Write-Up: Likely a historical account or detailed documentation of the Say When or similar vessels in the Thousand Islands region.
- Local Historical Societies: Potential sources for more detailed records or personal accounts of the Say Whenincident.
