Inside the Chief Commanda II: Sunset Cruises, Superstitions & Life on the Lake

For over 50 years, the Chief Commanda II has cruised Lake Nipissing — carrying locals, tourists, wedding parties, and blues bands across the waves. But what’s it like to actually run this iconic North Bay ship?In this episode, we hop aboard with Captain Rich Stivrins to talk about the history, sailor superstitions (yes, bananas are bad luck), and the unforgettable experiences people have on board!00:00 Intro01:16 Welcome aboard the Chief Commanda II05:00 What it takes to captain the Chief09:00 Cruise nights, sunsets & superstitions14:00 The Chief’s local legacy18:00 Northern lights & lake stories21:30 Final thoughts: Ride the Chief this summer