A historic sailboat with deep ties to the local marine community will soon be on display at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.
The Mackinaw boat called the "Kayoshk" was donated to the museum earlier this year. Built in the 1890s by James Falls of Wiarton, it got its name from the Ojibwe word gayasshk meaning “Seagull”. It took its place in the local marine heritage books after Fred Millar bought it for $30 and then sailed it with his family in the Oliphant Regatta, winning multiple times.
Marine Heritage Society volunteers spent hundreds of hours helping to restore the boat to its former glory.
"Their expertise and knowledge in traditional rigging played a vital role in the restoration process, particularly when setting up the sails," the Museum said in a statement.
The Kayoshk is slated to make special appearances at the Friday Artisans and Tastes Market in Southampton on July 11 and 18. It will then be permanently put on display at the museum. A date for its officially unveiling is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
