By Chris Winters

A deckhand aboard the PAUL R. TREGURTHA is landed by bosun’s chair on approach to the Poe Lock, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, March 2013.

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The PAUL R. TREGURTHA was the longest vessel on the Great Lakes when she was christened at Lorain, Ohio, on April 25, 1981, as the 1,013.5-foot WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY.  Her namesake was the chairman and chief executive officer of the Republic Steel Corp.   Built for Pickands Mather & Co.’s Interlake Steamship Co., the DE LANCY was a major element in fulfilling a 25-year haulage contract with Republic.

Renamed PAUL R. TREGURTHA at the start of the 1990 season, she is the current “Queen of the Lakes” which is an unofficial title given to the longest vessel active on the Great Lakes.   She is still sailing for the Interlake Steamship Company.

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Chris Winters is a Trustee of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, a well-known author and has been a photojournalist for over 25 years.  He and his cameras have enjoyed a privileged glimpse into the lives of merchant mariners aboard some of the Great Lakes best-known and best-loved vessels.