Area residents and visitors feeling the need for speed will have a new option this summer.
Taking guests at speeds of up to 60 kilometres an hour, the Tobermory Flash will be sailing from the Midland town dock for the coming year.
Run by Landmark Cruises, the all-aluminum, open-air speedboat is certified by Transport Canada to carry 45 passengers.
And the company is promising a “boat cruise to remember” for those hopping aboard. Passengers will enjoy “a wind in your hair, music pumping good time,” as they tour Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands.
Landmark Cruises came to the area last year when it began offering boat cruises aboard the Georgian Legacy from Penetanguishene’s harbour. That ship, once known as the Tobermory Legacy and the Miss Midland, was renamed by members of the community during a contest prior to its first departure last spring.
While the Georgian Legacy is returning to Penetanguishene, the company is adding the Flash for those looking for a something a little faster with the tour still featuring a captain’s live commentary where he or she will include points of interest, historic facts and fascinating legends about Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands region.
“With spacious, comfortable forward-facing seating, our speedboat allows you to take in all the scenic highlights including excellent views of Beausoleil Island, Honey Harbour and more. Get up close and personal with the S.S. Keewatin as we view the historic ship from the water,” the company notes.
Cruises aboard the the Tobermory Flash, which is not wheelchair accessible, will begin in June, according to the company, which wasn't available for comment by press-time.
But for those wondering how one might take in the commentary in an open-air boat travelling at a high rate of speed, the company notes that during certain segments “we slow down so passengers can take in the beautiful Georgian shores and listen to the fascinating commentary about interesting facts and history of the area.
“We do reach top speeds up to 60 kph, however, we do slow down so passengers can take in the sights and listen to the fascinating commentary. Every tour on the Flash will be 90 minutes long.”
The company also released a map that provides a close estimate of the tour the boat will follow, pointing out the route is weather, boat traffic and time dependent at the discretion of its captain.
