Post

Gunilda was built in Leith by Ramage & Ferguson, whose main business was luxury steam yachts. She was launched in 1897 for the Sladens, wealthy heirs of Cleeve Howe, Windermere and sold in 1903 to William L. Harkness, one of the largest shareholders in Standard Oil threadinburgh.scot/2024/05/02/t...

threadinburgh.scotRamage & Ferguson: the thread about the Leith shipyard that built luxury steam yachts for the rich and famousLeith is well known as a centre of the shipbuilding industry, but what’s less known is that for almost 60 years, one of its long-forgotten yards occupied an industrial niche building the luxu…
Philip K. Allan - Author@philipkallan.bsky.social

The wreck of the luxury steam yacht Gunilda, owned by American oil baron William L. Harkness. She sunk in 1911 in Lake Superior. The Great Lakes provide a perfect environment for preserving wrecks – deep, almost tide free and with fresh water. #wrecks #greatlakes #Canada

In August 1911 Harkness, family and friends were touring Lake Superior aboard her. Despite his wealth he baulked at paying the pilot’s $25 fee so took charge of navigation himself. He was using American charts, despite being in Canadian waters, and ran her onto the McGarvey Shoal at full speed ⛵🏝️🤦

0 reposts10 likes