Posted by Craig Rich on August 16, 1999 at 21:36:47:
In Reply to: Whoops posted by SooDiver on August 16, 1999 at 09:56:40:
The masts were usually not held in by much more than gravity and often did "float" away. Construction tradition also dictated that a coin be placed under each mast for good luck.
Another big exception to the "mastless" wrecks is the Newell Eddy located in Lake Huron, north of Cheboygan and northeast of Bois Blanc Island. Her masts are still in place as are most of the lines and even the hoops that held the sails in place. Although some of this material is disappearing slowly, the depth tends to keep the amateurs (pilferers) away -- thank goodness.
Craig Rich