Location:	near Cove Island	Official Name:	Sweepstakes
GPS:	-	Material:	Wood
Access:	Boat	Propulsion:	Wind
Level:	Novice	Type:	Schooner
Depth:	15'-18'	Built:	1867
Bottom:	Rocky	Sunked:	1885
Current:	Low	Cargo:	-
Hazards:	Boat traffic use flag	Dimensions:	119'
Traffic:	Low	Position:	Scattered

Sweepstakes

The Sweepstakes was stranded near Cove island and towed to Big Tub Harbour but sunk before it was completely salvaged. Most of the hull, deck and centreboard are intact. The stern section has collapsed. The windlass and much of the railing is still intact and in place. This is an excellent wreck where the water conditions are always a little calmer and warmer than most other sites. Although deteriorating a little more each year, the Sweepstakes is one of the best preserved nineteenth century Great Lakes schooners to be found. Only 100' away from the Sweepstakes is the wreck of the City of Grand rapids.

The bow area is the most interesting with a portion of the starboard railing intact and the windlass still in place on deck. The large holes through the deck indicate the location and size of the masts. Draught markings, carved into the bow stem are visible. The aft deck has collapsed and the stern post now lies on the bottom. The sides of this wreck are spreading apart and the deck is in danger of collapsing. Some repair work has been done by park staff to stabilize the wreck, including steel rods to help hold the sides together. The Sweepstakes and the City of Grand Rapids are accessible only by boat or a long 700' swim from the docks on the north side of Big Tub Harbor. All the land surrounding these wrecks is private. Both wrecks are visited frequently by glass bottom tour boats.