Boatnerd News – March 28, 2023

Young ‘boatnerd’ meets ‘Know you Ships’ author, befriends Edwin H. Gott captain

When the 1,004-foot-long Edwin H. Gott passed through the Poe Lock at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 25, “Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway” author Roger LeLievre was just one of the few hundred watching and waiting on U.S. Army Corps property.

But several fans were just as excited for Soo Locks Visitors Center to open at 9 a.m. later that same day, where LeLievre signed the 64th edition of “Know your Ships.”

First and foremost, “The Boatnerd King” celebrated the Gott as the most powerful ship on the Great Lakes. He said the freighter runs on two 8-cylinder MaK/Caterpillar 8m43C diesel engines that produce 19,500 horsepower. It travels up to 17 mph.

The American Century and John J. Boland followed close behind the leader ship early Saturday morning.

Following in the footsteps of LeLievre and bands of boatnerds was young fan Ethan Plaska, age 10. He was joined in the visitors center by his little sister and parents, Matt and Katherine.

“We came up to Tahquamenon Falls one year and thought, ‘Let’s go to the Soo Locks,’” said Plaska, unaware he would soon come face-to-face with his future passion. “The freighters were really cool and big.” The whole family soon jumped aboard and learned to share his Great Lakes engineering interests. “Then, around Christmas, we watched the M/V Sam Laud and Stewart J. Cort,” Plaska said. “The Gott blew its horn at us.”

Plaska’s mother emailed Great Lakes Fleet, and was able to get her son in contact with Edwin H. Gott Captain Tim Alfson. “He emails to ask questions, and the captain answers,” Mrs. Plaska said, smiling.

While she spoke, young Plaska’s face was buried in LeLievre’s latest “Know Your Ships” book.

According to the Know your Ships website, the 2023 edition provides “essential” statistics pertaining to the owner, year built, length, capacity, and any former names for hundreds of freighters, tugs, barges, coast guard cutters, cruise ships, and visiting saltwater vessels.

The book also contains information about cargoes carried, where they load and unload, along with the meaning behind all the distinctive bells and whistles, stack markings, and flags aboard.

Readers will find an all new section on Great Lakes marine museums, as well as spotlights on sailors and maritime adventures.

LeLievre was more than happy to sign Plaska’s treasured book and talk about freighters.

Next up to meet LeLievre was proud Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours employee Gabrielle Roberts, present Lake Superior State University (LSSU) nursing student.

She has fallen in love with the water, tour boats, and much larger shipping vessels.

“We have copies of Roger’s books aboard,” said Roberts, who uses them as guides to watch for freighters. “I open his books every day that I work.”

She left Soo Locks Visitors Center Saturday afternoon with her own signed copy and big smile.

Original Soo Locks Boat Tours Narrator Edward Reining was also on site, volunteering his time to educate visitors on the Soo Locks.

Hobby freighter artist and photographer Linda Terentiak sat near LeLievre and his entourage of boatnerds with pictures she had painted.

“I just started painting ships this year,” she said. “I love them.” Terentiak’s new hobby has introduced her several new friends. “I have met many people connected by ships,” she added. “It has been amazing.”

For nearly 30 years, LeLievre has taught people like Plaska, Roberts, and Terentiak all about the engineering marvels of the Great Lakes.

“My grandfather worked on the Kemp Coal Doc,” LeLievre explained. “It used to be where the SS Valley Camp is now, and we had a cottage on the river. So, I couldn’t just not. The boats were right there and I was fascinated with them.”

While still a young kid, LeLievre met his mentor, Tom Manse. Manse had written and photographed an entire series of “Know Your Ships” books.

“He saw that I was interested in this stuff, and took me under his wing,” LeVievre said. “He taught me how to take pictures in the dark room and file negatives. He hauled me around when he was delivering books around the lakes.”

Inspired by Manse’s teachings, LeLievre went off to study journalism at Central Michigan University. Following graduation, he worked for approximately 30 years with the Ann Arbor News.

“When he (Manse) died in 1994, he left the book to me,” LeLievre continued. “I picked up where he left off. I have been doing it ever since.” He has carried on his life-long friend’s mission. “What was a little sideline job actually turned into my retirement job,” LeLievre said.

U.S. Army Corps Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs was happy to welcome LeLievre back again this year to answer questions about the Edwin H. Gott, sign “Know your Ships” books, and talk about freighters.

Visit the Know Your Ships website to order a copy of LeLievre’s latest, “Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway.”

Soo Leader

 

Mark your calendars for Soo Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers’ Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 29-30. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-29-30-2023/