The Ultimate Maritime Experience
RAFFLE
Explore the Great Lakes on a Working Freighter!
Win an exclusive multi-day trip for 6 passengers on an Interlake Steamship freighter, enjoying gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, ultimate relaxation, delicious freighter fare, and private staterooms; all while experiencing real Great Lakes commerce in action.
Support your Local Community!
Proceeds from this Raffle, investments, and future fundraisers will benefit the St. Clair Rotary Club's Endowment Fund maintained and administered by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
All funding will support local projects in YOUR communities - St. Clair, St. Clair Township, East China, and China Township including all the schools in these areas.
ABOUT THE TRIP
A total of (200) tickets will be sold for the chance to win an excursion for 6 people aboard an Interlake Great Lakes Freighter. Raffle tickets will be sold online only for $600 per ticket. The winner and their guests will receive a round-trip cruise during the 2025 sailing season, which typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Specific details of the prize, such as the ship, route, travel dates, length of the voyage, and departure port, will need to be coordinated directly with the company. The freighter will be on a regular cargo trip, and passengers will accompany the vessel as it operates. Cargo takes priority, so the trip will follow the freight schedule. The winner will receive (6) passes for the trip for (6) adults and (3) staterooms. All (6) guests will travel on the same trip.
Freighter voyages typically last between 4 to 7 days, depending on factors like route, weather, loading conditions, and possible delays at the Soo Locks. When available, the trip may be aboard the 1,013.5-foot Paul R. Tregurtha, the longest freighter on the Great Lakes. (No guarantee as vessel will depend on availability.)
Routes usually begin in the southern Great Lakes and travel north through the St. Marys River, passing through the Soo Locks to Lake Superior ports such as Marquette, Michigan, or Duluth, Minnesota. Upbound trips starting on Lake Erie pass under the Ambassador Bridge near Detroit and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Voyages from Lake Michigan cross under the Mackinac Bridge en route to the Soo Locks, providing ample photo opportunities.
This once-in-a-lifetime trip is not available to the general public so get your raffle tickets today!
“It's one of the most relaxing experiences because you’re just out there on the open water"
ACCOMODATIONS, FOOD, & MORE
Passengers will be accommodated in premium staterooms, each equipped with a private bathroom and shower. Guests will have access to the ship's guest lounge, located high in the superstructure, offering expansive views of the passing scenery. The lounge also features a game table for leisure activities.
A designated porter may be assigned to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the journey. Depending on the schedule and time of day, passengers may also have the opportunity to explore the destination port city while the ship is docked for cargo loading.
Every ship has a chef, and every meal is a feast. So be prepared to be well fed, well read, and relaxed after this trip!
Important Disclaimers:
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Guests must be ages 18 and up, physically capable of climbing a 45-foot fireman-type ladder to get aboard the ship, and able to put on a survival suit in case of an emergency.
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All passengers must have a passport as there’s always the possibility of weather or mechanical issues forcing a stop in Canada - No exceptions.
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No alcohol is allowed aboard.
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Departure and Arrival dates are subject to change; Winners will work out trip dates with their representative.
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Tickets are non-refundable.
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Trip is for the 2025 season only and cannot be transferred or carried over.
Raffle Drawing:
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April 26, 2025 at 7:00 pm (You will receive a special invitation to this event!)
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Boardwalk Theatre, 301 Third Street, St. Clair, MI
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You do not need to be present to win.
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Once you purchase tickets, you will receive an email confirmation with a PDF ticket that will include a unique order/ticket number.
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Follow along on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfStClair
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State of Michigan Raffle License Number: #R78728
