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RUM RUNNERS BRING PROFITProhibition lasted from 1916 to 1921 in Canada but continued until 1933 in the U.S.A. The chance of quick and easy profit encouraged Canadians with boats to carry liquor for sale across the border to American smugglers. There were 60 boats working from the Vancouver area alone, including the M.V. FLEETWOOD. Built in 1930 and originally named SKEEZIX, this 60-foot rum runner with her diesel engine, 2 gas aircraft engines and streamlined hull was said to be the fastest boat on the coast. At speeds of up to 40 nautical miles per hour she was well able to elude the Coast Guard cruisers. In 1934 she was converted to a luxury yacht. She was donated to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard by the family of Robert Turnbull who had owned her since 1976.
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Steveston is the home port to almost 1,000 commercial fishing vessels but they are by no means the only boats on the river. On a single day now it is possible to see everything from windsurfers to massive international freighters. |
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