Lake Huron, Tobermory
Arabia
Some people consider the 130’ long Arabia
to be the “best schooner wreck in Ontario”. She certainly has a lot to offer,
but I would not call her the best. Kathy Eccles and Marsh in Lake Ontario are both very
interesting and intact schooners. Arabia does have one huge advantage over the Lake
Ontario wrecks - she does not have zebra mussels. There
is something special about being able to see the bare wood on the 100 year-old wreck.
Highlights: Include the
bowsprit with chains and deadeyes; two anchors still lashed to the bow; giant winch; the
wheel (it is off the starboard side); masts (laying on her deck) and on the bottom near
port side. Massive center board rises in the middle of the wreck.
Hazards: depth (100+
ft); perpetually cold water; bad current at times and occasionally bad vis. I had couple of really bad dives that combined strong
current and poor vis and can see where her reputation of a challenging wreck came from.
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