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517 Riverside Dr, Clayton NY 13624 315.686.3771 | E-Mail Us

Thousand Islands - Visit Clayton NY in the 1000 Islands Region of NY

Thousand Islands Vacation Planner - Your Online Guide to the 1000 Islands

1000 Islands Charity Poker Run

Business description.

The 1000 Islands International Charity Run is extremely proud to bring people from around the US and Canada to Clayton and the Thousand Islands, NY, “The Fresh Water Boating Capital of the World.”

This event is brought to you by the Thousand Islands Charity Poker Run Corp.

The 1000 Islands International Charity Poker Run is a grassroots, volunteer-driven event dedicated to the charitable needs and economic development of the Thousand Islands Region. Our goal is to provide events such as The 1000 Islands International Charity Poker Run, as well as other programs and projects that promote and keep the historic integrity of our waterfront district, support programs that keep our community healthy and vibrant, give visitors and citizens alike unforgettable experiences with the beautiful backdrop of the Thousand Islands.

PO Box 56 Clayton NY 13624

1000 Islands Excursions

Welcome to 1000 Islands Excursions, a family-owned boat tour company dedicated to delivering unforgettable river experiences for groups of up to six people. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of private tours that cater to your unique interests to include:

• Island Winery Excursion • Family-Friendly Fishing Charters • Yacht Rock Sunset Cruises • Guided (two island) Land and Sea Eco-Tours • Customized Outings Tailored to your interests and your day

Tours can be mixed and matched, (think wine tour and sunset cruise). Many fun options can be added, such as a trip to Rock Island Lighthouse, star gazing, a trip to Boldt Castle, Morning Island Mountain Biking, Dinner & a Show, or an island picnic.

All tours are led by Captain Matt, who brings over 30 years of expertise in navigating the St. Lawrence River. As an Environmental Science teacher, a holder of a 50-ton Captain’s license, a NYS Certified Hiking and Fishing guide, and a PADI Certified Diver, Captain Matt ensures a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience for all.

No matter which tour you choose, our mission is to help you create lasting memories with your family and friends while vacationing in the 1000 Islands.

Visit our website for detailed information about our tour options. For custom tour itinerary suggestions, general inquiries, or personalized water pick-up arrangements, please call or text us at 607-592-6226.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

Founder and captain, Jordan, grew up year-round on one of the islands in the 1000 Islands region. Through his formative years, he developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and unique character of the area. Jordan’s passion for the region led him to creating a unique offering for visitors, providing the opportunity to fully experience all the special parts of the area that he has come to know and love.

At 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours, we believe that the best way to explore the 1000 Islands is by boat, and we offer a variety of tour packages that encapsulate the best of what the area has to offer. Whether you are looking for a quiet day on the water, an adventure-packed island-hopping tour, or a custom tour tailored to your specific interests, we have something for everyone.

As a young captain, Jordan brings a fresh and lively approach to experiencing the area. His enthusiasm for sharing the most captivating and charming parts of the 1000 Islands is evident in every tour that he leads. Beyond the tours, he’s always happy to share personalized recommendations for restaurants, activities, and attractions in the area to help you have the best time during your stay.

At 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours, we are excited to show you everything that the 1000 Islands has to offer. We invite you to come aboard and experience the beauty, charm, and excitement of this unique and captivating region.

Antique & Classic Boat Society

The Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS) is the world’s largest boating organization. Its members have a common interest in and love of historic, antique and classic boats. ACBS protects the heritage of classic boating by promoting preservation, restoration and education.

ACBS has 57 chapters around the world supporting the mission and vision of the society. Many chapters offer boat shows, restoration seminars and community service projects. ACBS serves as the governing body for the hobby by 1) establishing the parameters of what constitutes a classic boat, 2) the standards by which classic boats are judged and scored, 3) acting as a communication channel for our membership, the public and other interested parties and 4) providing knowledge about restoration, preservation, classic boating education and safety. ACBS also provides scholarships to worthy students at selected schools who are learning about boat building and restoration techniques.

Join the fun and discover the joy and excitement of classic boating. It is a family oriented activity that will create lasting memories and friendships!

The International Headquarters are in Clayton, NY at 422 James St. You are welcome to stop in and learn more about classic boating and this growing organization!

ACBS.org or call 315-686-2628

422 James Street Clayton NY 13624

Antique Boat Museum

The Antique Boat Museum, “…the largest and most impressive collection of inland recreational boats in the world…” according to Joseph Gribbins of Nautical Quarterly Magazine. When you visit the Museum at 750 Mary Street you’ll discover the largest collection of Antique and Classic boats on display in North America. Stop by the boat shop to see a restoration in progress. While at the Museum take a speedboat ride through the 1000 islands in a triple cockpit runabout. Take up the oars yourself in a St. Lawrence skiff and explore the shoreline of Clayton. Take a tour of George Boldt’s 106′ historic houseboat. The Antique boat Museum hosts a number of activities throughout the summer, including the longest running annual antique boat show and auction in the country. The Museum also offers classes and programs for adults and children. Before you leave make sure you check out the Museum store and pick up a keepsake for your own river memories.

750 Mary Street Clayton NY 13624

Bayside Marina

Located in the heart of the 1000 Islands, on a prime waterfront location on the St. Lawrence River, in the village of Clayton, Bayside Marina will quickly become your home away from home. We are a full service marina offering seasonal and transient dockage, boat & kayak rentals, boat repairs, and indoor & outdoor storage. Slips are complete with fresh water and electricity, and rates are affordable. Located in the protected waters of French Creek Bay, our all deep water slips will make your boating a breeze. Our central location offers easy accessibility:

to great fishing, beaches, and cruising around the U.S. and Canadian islands. we are a day trip to Gananouque, Kingston, and many state and provincial parks. only minutes to Alexandria Bay and Boldt Castle. we are walking distance to the town of Clayton with its world famous Antique Boat Museum, excellent restaurants, festivities, and golf courses. Our beautiful park like setting, spectacular main channel views, meticulously cared for grounds and facilities, along with our friendly staff, will make you understand why Bayside Marina is where “friends bring friends”. In addition, when you dock at Bayside Marina, you get two marinas for the price of one, with dockage at our Henderson Harbor marina included for the same price. We would love to hear from you. Call us at: 315-686-2121.

1061 State Street Clayton NY 13624

1044 State Street Clayton NY 13624

Bill & Jack’s Marina & Cottages

Waterfront cottages – furnished. Packages available with boat and motor rental. Fishing Guide available. Dockage and launch ramp. Marina w/ gas and convenience store. Store is open 7am to 7pm Daily.

42088 Fishers Landing Rd Fishers Landing NY 13641

Boathouse Marine

Boat repair and maintenance, dockage, storage, brokerage, shrink wrap and installation of accessories. We also make calls to your dock or boathouse.

39718 Pier 65 Clayton NY 13624

Bonnie Castle Marina

Full Service Marina

31 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY 13601

Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina

Resort and Marina located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, NY. Bonnie Castle is your gateway to the breathtaking beauty of the Thousand Islands! 129 rooms, indoor & outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, walking distance to downtown, banquet facilities, and full service marina.

31 Holland Street Alexandria Bay NY 13607

C&S Marine Center

C&S Marine Center is located at 42512 State Route 12, Alexandria Bay. Located across from the Thousand Island Animal Hospital. C&S Marine Center is a combined sales facility of Chalks Marina & Boat Sales in Fishers Landing and Schermerhorn Harbor in Hammond. This sales only outlet is where boat buyers can come and get treated with resect and understanding. The sales staff at C&S understands buying a boat is a big task. It simply must not be treated casually. Our staff takes the time to get to know you and what your boating needs are. Then we make recommendations based on your needs. Our sales staff has over sixty years of boating experience.

We offer many brands of quality boats so suit most everyone’s needs. We offer Grady White, Boston Whaler, Monterey, Alumacraft, Tidewater Boats. Also we proudly represent two fine pontoon boat manufacturers, South Bay and Misty Harbor. We sell Yamaha Waverunners. We service everything we sell with Priority service at our two great marina locations. We get that your “River Time” may be limited. We also offer brokerage services. Let us sell your boat for you.

42512 State Rt 12 Clayton NY 13607

Candock Riverbay

OUR MISSION

Develop, produce and commercialize docks and modular floating systems that are adapted to the needs of our clients  all over the world, while participating in our partner’s development!

20 years of continuous growth and success.  Our company is now known as a world leader in engineering, manufacturing, distributing and installing modular floating docks.  And it’s only the beginning!

CANDOCK RIVERBAY

Candock Riverbay is located in the beautiful Thousand Islands, in Chippewa Bay, NY, directly on the St. Lawrence River.  We are a family owned and operated business that has been in the cottage rental and marina industry for over a decade.

As owners of residential and commercial waterfront properties, we have extensive experience with many different types of permanent and floating docks.  After dealing with permanent docks that were extremely expensive as well as uncomfortable to get on and off with season water level changes and floating wood docks that did not hold up to the elements and needed constant maintenance and repair, we began searching for alternative docking solutions.  We wanted a dock that was maintenance free with no boards to seal, stain or rot, adjusted with changing water levels, easily assembled, stable, aesthetically appealing and ecologically friendly.  After walking on a section of a Candock, we knew we had finally found what we were looking for!  Best of all, because of its modular nature, if you want to make your dock wider or longer or change configurations, you can do so easily.

As a distributor and installer of Candock, we are proud to sell a product that we not only believe in, but have personally invested in.  Whether you are looking for a small floating dock for your residence or have a large scale commercial job, we would enjoy the chance to talk about your project and see if we can provide a docking solution that would fit all your needs.  From anchoring your dock, to ramps, to low freeboard docks and PWC ports, Candock has solutions to make the most out of your waterfront.

1074 County Rte 6 Hammond New York 13646 United States

Chalk’s Marina & Boat Sales, LLC

Boat sales, marine store, launch ramp, gas. Located on the St. Lawrence River at Fishers Landing between Clayton and the 1000 Islands Bridge. 2 Miles West of bridge

18221 Reed point Rd./PO Box 477 Fishers Landing NY 13641

Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina

Located in the heart of downtown, amenities include:

• 49 floating slips
• Electricity
• WiFi (included for no additional charge)
• Laundry Facilities
• Restrooms and Showers

301 Webb Street Clayton NY 13624

Clayton Island Tours

“1000 islands most unique boat tour experience”

From Early May through Late October, Clayton Island Tours offers narrated tours for the general public. Enjoy magnificent views of premier sights with opportunities to view giant Great Lakes freighters, lighthouses, magnificent island homes and the Thousand Islands International Bridge up close. Daily tours to Boldt Castle, Rock Island Lighthouse, Two Nation Tour, and Sunset Cruises available. All tours have many photo opportunities and cruise areas of the St. Lawrence River and many of the Thousand Islands not seen on other cruises.

Our boats are available for private parties, wedding shuttles, sightseeing tours and corporate events.  Catering and Bar options available.

1000 Islands Receptive and Group Tour Planning services available year-round.  Let our local, knowledgeable and professional staff provide you with all the information you will need for that one of a kind experience among the 1000 islands.  Step-on-Guide service also available for your itinerary.

39611 Chateau Lane Clayton NY 13624

Clayton Marina Sales and Service, Inc.

Clayton Marina Sales & Services offers daily, weekly and weekend boat rentals featuring Triumph boats and pontoon boats. Clayton Marina is also an authorized dealer of G3 Boats, NauticStar Boats, Skeeter Boats and Sea-Doo personal watercraft. We will not be undersold on Yamaha outboards! Come visit our new indoor showroom, check out the marine store, rent a dock slip for the summer or get your boat serviced. Clayton Marina is also your local choice for Yamaha ATV’s and SportHaven trailers.

50 State Street Clayton NY 13624

Clayton Yacht Club

A private yacht club – serving meals during the summer season. The tel. no. for the Yacht Club is disconnected October – June.

115 Bartlett Point Rd. Clayton NY 13624

Daldry Marine Canvas

On-site mobile canvas unit – complete marine canvas design and installation!

692 Riverside Drive Clayton NY 13624

French Bay Marina

French Bay Marina is a full service marina offering a wide variety of services from boat slips, to boat brokerage, to boat repairs in the 1000 Islands Region on the St. Lawrence River. We take pride in our services and would love to get to know you.

French Creek Marina and Campgrounds

Marina, complete marine service, full service campground, and air station

250 Wahl Drive Clayton NY 13624

Garnsey’s Classic Island Cruises

Classic Island Cruises offers personalized tours of the 1000 Islands as can only been seen from the decks of a truly iconic antique boat. Accompanied by a taste of the Islands, you will be visually stimulated while enjoying the region’s finest wines, meats and cheeses.

You’ll cruise the waterways in a relaxing setting for a morning, afternoon or evening with an in depth history of the seaway’s most storied passages. **If desired, you may stop at local island shops along the way or just enjoy cruising past the island sunsets on the open waters of 40 acres.**

The Muskie is a 26 foot, 1953 Chris Craft with oak keel, mahogany planks and a beautiful teak deck. She is the third of her kind in the Garnsey family to carry the same name. Her spacious desks and ride, that only a wooden boat can provide, were noted in the Thousand Islands Sun as the period’s most popular fishing boat and pleasure craft.

Recently Retired from his 26 year career with the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Service, Captain Garnsey is the third generation river Captain with a wealth of knowledge of the islands from the days of bootleggers.

PO Box 313 Clayton NY 13624

Gillee’s AutoTruck + Marine Inc.

Auto Truck + Marine Parts with full line of lubricants!

695 Riverside Drive Clayton NY 13624

Hutchinson’s Boat Works

A premiere boat dealership located in the center of the 1000 islands.

Hutchinson’s Boat Works is a fourth generation business started in 1908. We h been a Sea Ray dealer since 1967. In 2011, we took on the  Bennington  pontoon boats line to supplement our Sea Ray line.  Bennington  boats are top of the line in their field. Starting in the 2012 model year, we took on  Checkmate  boats featuring their Center Console line,  Starcraft , and  Starweld  aluminum boats.

Whether you boat on the St. Lawrence or one of the nearby lakes such as  Black Lake  or  Lake Ontario , visit our large climate-controlled showroom or  contact us  online to see the difference it makes when you buy your next new, used, or brokerage boat from a professional dealership that is totally committed to its customers’ satisfaction. We are eager to make you part of our Hutchinson’s family.

Islander Marina & Lodge

Private Marina with covered and uncovered slips, adjacent to the Antique Boat Museum campus. Transients welcomed!

500 Theresa Street Clayton NY 13624

Northern Marine, Inc.

Take the May Irwin Rd. off NYS Route 12, Clayton-Alexandria Bay Rd. Featuring Limestone Boats, gas dock, pump out, summer dockage, winter storage.

16872 Stern Drive Clayton NY 13624

Oneida Marine Group, Inc / TowBoatsU.S. Clayton

Oneida marine group operates towboatu.s. locations at the port of rochester on lake ontario, clayton on the st. lawrence river, and oneida lake to include a significant portion of the erie canal. we provide marine towing and salvage in these areas 24/7..

26 Rockport Road New Hartford NY 13413

R. J. Marine Associates LTD

RJ Marine offers barging and taxi service to anywhere on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, available 24/7 at 315/777-6059.  We have a large fuel dock that includes gas, diesel, pump outs, and water. The gas dock is manned from 7am to 8pm daily, after/before hours- call our 24/7 line 315/777-6059.

690 Riverside Drive Clayton NY 13624

River Custom Canvas, LLC

River Custom Canvas, LLC is a full service marine canvas business permanently located on the property at Spicer Marine Basin in Clayton.  We do custom canvas fabrication, repairs and also sell and install AquaMat marine carpet mats.

40616 Marina Road Clayton NY 13624

River Roc Storage

River Roc Storage offers premier, state – of – the art  indoor heated boat, RV, and car storage along the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY.

Our 10, 200 square foot facility has been built using a renewable and sustainable form of energy known as Geothermal. Geothermal is an environmentally friendly technology that produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions. Your boat, RV, and/or car is stored in a secure and eco – friendly building that has one – sixth of the carbon footprint compared to natural gas storage facilities.

With climate controlled indoor heated storage, you’re not only buying secure, safe and warm storage, you’re buying peace of mind!

15934 County Rt 3 Clayton NY 13624

Schermenhorn Harbor

Marina located on Rt 12 approxinmently 5 miles from Alexandria Bay

71 Schermenhorn Rd hammond NY 13646

Seabound Yachts LLC

Our mission is to provide our clients with unparalleled brokerage services before, during and after every transaction. As a privately held company we hold ourse lves to the highest level of professional standards while delivering first class service. Our client’s best interest is at the center of everything we do and in return defines who we are.

521 Merrick Street Clayton NY 13624

Spicer Marine Basin

Full Service marina offering sales of new and used boats, boat rentals, summer dockage, repairs and maintenance, fiberglass, gelcoat,  winter storage, ship store, non-ethanol gas, and pump out services.

Spicer Marine Basin is an authorized dealer for Yamaha, Mercury, Mercruiser, and Garmin. Certified ADYC Electrical & NMEA Technician on Staff.

Now offering boat rentals.

Open seven days per week.

St. Lawrence Restoration Co. Inc.

Boat brokerage, marina, marine store, boat restoration, boat and engine repair.

411 Franklin Street / PO Box 310 Clayton NY 13624

SWAN BAY RESORT – 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina

“new york state’s #1 rv & vacation rental resort.

Designed with the savvy and tasteful traveler in mind, Swan Bay is a 55 Acre upscale RV Resort located in Alexandria Bay, NY. The Resort offers 300+ Oversized RV lots, Unique Lodging Rentals & a 100+ Slip Marina with all of the necessary amenities to attract both seasonal and transient guests. When pulling up to the gate at Swan Bay, you can always expect a friendly greeting, superb amenities & high quality accommodations. Serving our guests from May-October each year.

THIS is Resort Camping. Swan Bay not only offers RV & Glamping experiences, but high-quality amenities as well. We offer Watercraft Rentals, a Waterfront Pavilion, weekend Food Trucks, two heated Pools with an expansive deck area and onsite Tiki Bar. Swan Bay is also pet-friendly with an onsite Dog Park. Just next to that is our Playground where we offer daily Kids Activities as well as Adult Events throughout the Season. Kick back & relax at our Tiki Bar and enjoy live entertainment on the weekends or shop around our Rift Boutique gift shop located in the Main Office. Need some extra food? Walk, Golf Cart or Drive just next door to the Price Chopper Plaza for groceries, quick food or the wine & liquor store.

With us, you will: Camp Happier. Stay Longer. Return Often.”

43615 State Route 12 Alexandria Bay NY 13607

The Prop Shop @ Northern Marine

16782 Stern Drive Clayton NY 13624

Thousand Islands Regional Dock

The Thousand Islands Regional Dock is able to host a wide scale of vessels – from tall ships to yachts, tugboats to cruise ships. The Thousand Islands Regional Dock and Clayton Cruise Ship Terminal is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard Certified 105c Port of Entry.

Recent visitors to Clayton include; tall ships – Lynx, Roseway, Fair Jeanne, Highlander Sea, yachts – Freedom, Blue Moon, Lady Sandals, Unity and Battered Bull, tugboats – Robinson Bay, Performance and Commodore Straits and the cruise ship Pearl Mist.

TI Pier 225 Marina & Vacation Rental

Seasonal and overnight dockage up to 60 ft. Vacation Rental. All within walking distance to the Antique Boat Museum & Downtown Clayton.

Marina 835 Rees Street Clayton NY 13624

Village of Clayton Mary Street Dock

overnight docking power and water restrooms showers ice ATM attendants available from 8AM to 8PM pick-up and delivery service available from Shur-Fine supermarket

800 Mary Street Clayton NY 13624

Village of Clayton Rotary Park Docks

3 hour maximum for docking no overnight docking includes floating docks fees/rates = donation box attendants available from 8AM to 6PM

Riverside Drive Clayton NY 13624

Wagoner Pontoons

Wagoner Pontoon Rentals provides a range of rental options for you and your family to enjoy your stay on the St. Lawrence River.  We have 3 models to choose from (2022 Sweetwater with 115 HP engine, 2017 Sweetwater with 90 HP engine and 2017 Premier with 90 HP engine).  Our pontoon boats can comfortably hold between 10 and 12 adults.  You will not find a rental on the river like one of ours, so why not enjoy your stay in the Thousand Islands with a Wagoner Pontoon Rental and travel in style.  Cancellation policy is available and fully refunded if notice is given 10 days prior to rental date.  Hours of operation are from 8am to 6pm.  We provide dockage if you need it for the rental period as well as parking for one vehicle.  Rentals are not equipped for skiing or towing of any kind.

Pontoons have the following upon arrival……..

• 12 Life jackets along with all the safety equipment to meet coast guard regulations.
• Ropes, bumpers and an anchor with 150 feet of line.
• A full tank of fuel, you fill it back up when you return it.  That way you pay for the fuel you use.
• A stereo that is has Bluetooth and Ipod/smart phone capabilities.
• A St. Lawrence River chart (although if not familiar with the river I would recommend you download a GPS to your smart phone or handheld computer).  NAVIONICS is a very user friendly one that I like to use.  Get the marine and lakes version and you wont be disappointed as it makes for a more comfortable and safe way to navigate the river.

47828 Wagoner Park Road Alexandria Bay NY 13607

Weather Stopper Boat Storage

Weather Stopper specializes in manufacturing of custom marine canvas products, such as boat tops, covers, enclosures, bimini tops and boat bags. Weather Stopper also provides boat storage and operates an 84 unit self-storage facility.

Whiskey River Cottages (Seaway Slips)

Whether guests are after outdoor adventures, a family getaway or a bit of exploring, Seaway Slips Waterfront Cottages is the place to be. We are located on a spacious two acre waterfront parcel on the St. Lawrence River. Our fully equipped and well maintained cottages are fresh and updated for your comfort. Our property offers exceptional views, prime level waterfront, with no stairs to our protected dockage. The St. Lawrence River draws people from all walks of life with the promise of world-class fishing, kayaking and rafting. Boating is a favorite activity that our guests enjoy. Our location is ideal for the boating enthusiasts with protected dockage and a launch ramp on the premises.

We are family owned and operated and are located on The St. Lawrence River, in Clayton NY, with an unobstructed view of the River and the passing freighters. Dockage and launch ramp are available onsite. We are within walking distance to the charming Village of Clayton. Our cottages are fresh, and updated with all the modern conveniences, are very well spaced with ample room to practice social distancing.

1100 State Street/NYS Route 12E Clayton NY 13624

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Thousand Islands Cup 2020

By: john kunz.

The third annual Thousand Islands Cup was held on August 22nd. This classic race boat regatta takes competitors over part of the Chippewa Yacht Club’s 1905 Gold Cup course. Once again, this year, the participants were treated to near perfect weather. It was a warm sunny day with next to no wind. The starting line was set-up off the northwest end of Oak Island just inside the infamous Triangle Shoal.

The original 1905 course called for the racers to follow an oval course that went around the Cedar Island Group and Ironsides Island. The Thousand Islands Cup Committee has shortened the course to a lap around Cedar and Scow Islands. This is about half the distance of the original.

The races were set up to follow the same format as last year. All boats took a practice lap. This was followed by a class for Gar Wood Speedster. Last year's champion, White Knuckles , was unable to defend her title this year. She was replaced by Janka III, a CYC favorite skippered by Susie Wood. Janka III is a Gar Wood double cockpit. The boat was purchased by Susie’s grandmother in 1941 from Fitzgerald & Lee.

The Open class, for all competitors, followed the Speedsters. The pandemic took a heavy toll on this class. Bob Banister’s new Baby Gar Speakeasy did not make it. This twin big block monster was sure to challenge Jim Hendler’s La Te Da . Jim has won the first two Thousand Islands Cups. Keith Kipp’s Lady Shores opted not to cross the Border. Don Price and Elusive were unable to make it at the last minute. Adding insult to injury, La Te Da developed engine problems just days before the race. Jim was able to put her on display at the Oak Island docks, but he was unable to defend the title.

With last year’s winners out, there were lots of questions going into the start. Joe McBride entered his two Gar Wood Speedsters, Thomas and Rosemary. Joe named these boats after his beloved Grandparents. Ben Wright entered Miss Rebecca and Chris Wood decided to run his 1911 Leyare Launch Curlew . Some of you wooden boat junkies might recall that the Leyare Boat Works in Ogdensburg built Chip and Chip II, two of the Chippewa Yacht Club’s earliest Gold Cup winners. Leyare also built the famous Thousand Islands number boats that held many races after the Gold Cup moved on to Detroit. Curlew is affectionately referred to as the “Pride of Chippewa.” Jay Benton’s Scairt Cat rounded out the field.

The racing was supposed to start at 11am, but apparently Murphy (and his law) had found a temporary spot on the Thousand Islands Cup Race Committee. One of the competitor’s escort boat malfunctioned on the way to Oak Island. This produced a 20 minute delay. Ryan Conroy’s drone experienced heavy interference and was unable to fly. In spite of these problems, an impressive spectator fleet had formed in front of Oak on the channel side of the starting line.

The floatilla contained boats from as far away as Wellesley Island. The diversity of the boats was noteworthy, everything from a plastic kayak to a Riva were right there on the water. It was a fantastic sight to see.  Finally at about 11:30 am, Commodore Ret. Hugh Quarrier sent the racers off on the practice lap with a blast from his brass canon.

Jay Benton’s Reveau Scairt Cat jumped off the line and took an impressive lead. Janka III, Miss Rebecca and the speedsters roared after him. Scairt Cat easily took the practice lap, which did not go without incident. Unknown to the racers, there was a group of 10 to 15 kayakers very close to the course near Cedar Island. As the racers approached the nervous kayak fleet began waving their paddles in the air.

Joe McBride won the speedster class in Rosemary . Thomas took second and Janka III came in third. The Janka III was experiencing some engine difficulties and returned to home port on Owatonna Island in lieu of running in the open class. Anything mechanical is subject to failure and vintage engines are no exception. Janka III is an exquisite Gar Wood. She was a delight to behold under the sweet summer sun.

The canon sent off the open class. Scairt Cat leapt out of the water. The speedsters and Miss Rebecca throttled up. Suddenly, Scairt Cat sunk back into the water. Joe McBride hammered his throttle and sped into the lead. Scairt Cat jumped back on plane, but, then stalled for good. Scairt  Cat is a boat we are sure to see again. The motor is a Jay Benton customer project. It uses a 90hp Mercury motor with a 100hp power head and 120hp carburetors.

Joe was able to win both classes in 2020. He dedicated the wins to the memory of our late racing colleague Dr. Louis Benton. Dr. Benton competed in the first two Thousand Islands Cups in his Clarion Gold Cup Racer Curvaceous. Dr. Benton was an avid tennis player and yachtsman. He was a past Director, Vice Commodore and Commodore of the Chippewa Yacht Club and a true Thousand Islands gentleman.

(Won't you join us in 2021!)

By John Kunz Photography: Kelly Kunz

John Kunz and his wife Kelly are summer residents of Chippewa  Bay. They winter in Watertown, NY. Along with their three sons, they  enjoy the River on a four-season basis - Sailing, Rock Climbing and  Skijoring. I n February 2016, John took us Skijoring in the Thousand Islands , and then for the past three years John and Kelly have covered the excitement of the Thousand Islands Cup: October 2018, the first Thousand Islands Cup and in November 2019, Second Annual Thousand Islands Cup .  Be sure to see them both as the photographs and commentary capture the excitement of boat racing in the Thousand Islands.

Posted in: Volume 15, Issue 10, October 2020 , Sports , People , Places

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Our premier yacht club, the Thousand Island Club on Wellesley Island, has 135 seasonal/transient deep water slips, complete with dock boxes, dock carts, state-of-the-art shore power pedestals with dockside water, wi-fi, cable TV, lighted docks and grounds, in a peaceful pristine setting.

With 20 plush individual bathrooms, exercise room, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, pool, restaurant, playground, gazebo’s, hammocks, dog walks and much more, you’ll know you’ve found your ultimate boating destination in the Thousand Islands Club!

• 12 Acres of impeccably groomed & maintained grounds
• 134 Deep water slips in a tranquil bay – to 75’
• 20 plush individual bathrooms – heated floors – hairdryers
• Recreational/Exercise room in the Boathouse
• 2 Bonfire pits/ Adirondack Chairs
• Outdoor movies
• Hammocks & relaxing Waterfall
• Gazebos & Picnic Areas
• 2 Pet Walks
• Fabulous Restaurant
• 2 laundry rooms
• 2 -18 hole Golf Courses within walking distance

DOCKS INCLUDE:

• Use of dock carts
• State of the art shore power pedestals
• Dockside City & River Water Spickots
• Lighted Docks & Grounds

Click to open Dockage Map

• Thousand Islands Club

Located on the eastern end of Wellesley Island in the Heart of the beautiful Thousand Islands, the majestic Thousand Islands Club encompasses twelve acres of deluxe amenities for the selective boater who values their “quality” boating time! Enjoy our swimming pool, 22 individual plush bathrooms, laundry, playground, exercise/recreation room in the boathouse, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as several relaxing hammock, gazebos and picnic areas, two pet walks and a fabulous restaurant! If golf is your game, we are within walking distance of two 18 hole golf courses.

Boat Dockage

We offer 135 deep water slips from 30′-75′, complete with dock boxes, dock carts, state-of-the-art shore power pedestals with dockside water, cable TV, lighted docks and grounds. Call 315-482-9956 FREE for more information on our seasonal and transient dockage.

Thousand Islands Club Restaurant

With a River Casual, or “come as you are” theme, the Thousand Islands Club Restaurant welcomes you to dine on our famed outdoor/enclosed patio with seating up to 135, while watching the ships pass by or choose one of our newly renovated indoor dining rooms or our superb lounge area for dinner or lite fare.We feature cutting edge innovative menu selections including freshly flown in fish, choice organic steak & chops, to our inviting tapas and G-free small plate specialties, there something for everyone!Remember to contact the TI Club for all your special event needs, weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, corporate events,fundraisers. We are happy to customize each party, small or large to your needs. CLICK HERE to make a reservation at the Thousand Islands Club Restaurant.

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Thousand Islands Country Club Villas

Toll Free Phone: 800-928-TICC Email: [email protected]

Bar • Internet • Restaurant

Private bathrooms, pool, dockage, restaurant & lounge, along with two 18-hole golf courses. Kitchens in all units. Suites available. Rooms with river or golf course views. Golf packages offered.