SOUTHERN TRAIL

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

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Name: Southern Trail
Type: Pleasure Motor Yacht
Dimensions: Length 96 feet
Depth: Approximately 35 feet (10 meters)
Location: Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario, near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: N 43° 37.256′ W 79° 19.599′
Construction: Wooden hull
Year Built: 1926
Sinking Date: Unknown (occurred sometime before 1992)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Southern Trail was a wooden motor yacht constructed in 1926, representing the luxurious and leisurely style of pleasure boating from that era. Motor yachts like the Southern Trail were designed for comfort and were often used for recreational purposes, including leisurely cruises, social gatherings, and short-distance travel on the lakes. The vessel’s wooden construction is typical of yachts from the early 20th century, combining craftsmanship with the elegance expected of pleasure craft of the time.

HISTORY #

Built in 1926, the Southern Trail served as a pleasure motor yacht during the height of the Great Lakes boating era. The vessel likely saw use in private ownership, offering its passengers comfort and luxury on the waters of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, specific details about its operational history are scarce, as are the circumstances surrounding its sinking. What is known is that the yacht found its final resting place in Toronto Harbour before 1992.

The sinking of the Southern Trail adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the Toronto area, where many vessels, both commercial and private, have met their ends in the waters of Lake Ontario. Its location near another wreck, known as The Tilley, makes this area a notable spot for divers interested in exploring the underwater remnants of Toronto’s nautical past.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Southern Trail lies at a depth of approximately 35 feet (10 meters) in Toronto Harbour. While the exact date of its sinking remains unknown, the vessel has been submerged for several decades, contributing to the underwater historical landscape of the region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the Southern Trail is accessible to divers, sitting at a moderate depth that makes it suitable for exploration by those with some diving experience. The wooden structure of the yacht has weathered years underwater, offering a fascinating glimpse into the design and construction of early 20th-century pleasure boats. Divers can explore the remains of the yacht, taking in the details of its craftsmanship and imagining the elegance it once displayed.