IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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ESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Navarch was an elegant wooden yacht constructed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1889. With a length of just over 51 feet, the Navarch was a compact yet graceful vessel, well-suited for leisurely cruising and recreational use. The yacht featured a screw propulsion system, which was advanced for its time, providing reliable and efficient navigation through various waterways.
The Navarch’s design was typical of late 19th-century yachts, combining a sleek wooden hull with classic lines that emphasized both form and function. With its modest gross tonnage of 17 tons, the yacht was built for personal enjoyment, offering an intimate and luxurious experience on the water.
HISTORY: #
The Navarch began its journey in Boston, where it was registered and operated as a private yacht. By 1900, the yacht was enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, indicating its use on the Great Lakes. On December 12 of the same year, the Navarch’s ownership changed hands, as it was sold to a Canadian owner based in Windsor, Ontario.
Under Canadian ownership, the Navarch continued to grace the waters of the Great Lakes, symbolizing a time when yachting was both a leisurely pastime and a statement of elegance. However, the yacht’s journey came to a tragic end on October 4, 1922, when it was engulfed in flames and burned near Charlton, Ontario. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the event marked the final chapter in the life of this once-majestic vessel.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Navarch was destroyed by fire on October 4, 1922, near Charlton, Ontario. The yacht was completely consumed by the flames, leaving little behind other than memories of its elegance and the stories of those who sailed aboard her. The site of the wreck may hold remnants of the vessel, but given the nature of the fire, it is likely that little, if any, of the yacht remains.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck, and the exact location of the Navarch’s remains, if any, is not widely documented. Boaters and divers in the area near Charlton, Ontario, should always exercise caution and be aware of potential underwater hazards.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The site of the Navarch‘s destruction has not been specifically located or marked, and there is little information available regarding any modern exploration of the wreck site.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
Given the vessel’s complete destruction by fire, it is unlikely that significant remains of the Navarch exist. Any exploration of the site would be more symbolic, honoring the memory of the yacht and its place in maritime history rather than seeking substantial physical remnants.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Offers historical records and context for vessels like the Navarchthat sailed the Great Lakes.
- Local Historical Societies: In the Charlton, Ontario, area may have additional information or archival materials related to the Navarch.
PHOTOS: #
No known photographs of the Navarch in its final state exist due to the nature of its demise. However, images of similar yachts from the same era may offer a visual reference for what the vessel would have looked like in its prime.
KEYWORDS: #
Navarch yacht, 1889 yacht, St. Lawrence River shipwreck, Charlton Ontario wreck, wooden yacht, screw propulsion yacht, maritime history, Great Lakes yacht, Canadian yacht history.
