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About Us

With the summer breeze in your face and the sun on your back, let the Chautauqua Belle take you on an unforgettable cruise!

This season we are please to announce the new schedule and ports of call for our vessel. In time-honored tradition of the original steamboats that once plied the waters of Chautauqua Lake, we are scheduled to arrive at the world famous Chautauqua Institution to pick up and drop off passengers who wish to visit the institution on a daily basis during the season. Learn about the history of Chautauqua on our daily narrated tours. Our local historian Helen Ebersole says “The Running Commentary by the personnel is an accurate, worthwhile and colorful review of lake history!”

Mat’s Story

Mathew Stage is the Chief Operating Officer and captain of the Chautauqua Belle, an authentic steam-powered sternwheel steamboat that has become one of Chautauqua Lake’s most recognizable historic attractions. After the vessel sat abandoned for nearly three years following the closure of its previous operator, its future appeared uncertain. While many assumed the Belle’s days were over, Stage stepped forward to purchase, restore, and revive the historic steamboat when no other individual or organization was willing to take on the challenge. Over the past decade, through countless hours of work, the support of his family, dedicated volunteers, and a loyal community of passengers, he has helped transform the Belle into one of America’s last operating steam-powered sternwheelers, ensuring that a unique piece of American maritime history will continue sailing for future generations.

Growing up along the shores of Chautauqua Lake, Stage developed a passion for boats, steam power, and life on the water at an early age. One of his earliest memories is docking his family’s 35-foot twin-engine Marinette cruiser at a crowded marina when he was just ten years old. The experience, and the confidence his father placed in him, confirmed what would become a lifelong calling.

That passion eventually led Stage to the helm of the Chautauqua Belle, where he earned his New York State pilot’s license on his first attempt shortly after reaching the minimum qualifying age. Today, the Belle is one of only five operating steam-powered sternwheelers in the United States. Built as an authentic replica of the Mississippi-style riverboats that once traveled Chautauqua Lake during the late nineteenth century, the vessel continues to operate using traditional steam propulsion, allowing passengers to experience the sights, sounds, and craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Stage’s maritime career extends well beyond Chautauqua Lake. While attending SUNY Maritime College, he served aboard a 1,133-foot Q-Max LNG carrier during his sea training after being selected as one of only two cadets from hundreds of applicants. Following graduation, he joined one of the world’s three largest cruise companies as its first American deck officer, completing multiple world voyages while advancing through the bridge department.

Today, Stage serves as Chief Officer aboard one of the company’s vessels. Holding an Unlimited Oceans Master’s License with Federal Pilot Endorsements, he oversees deck operations, vessel stability, navigation, maintenance, safety management, regulatory compliance, inspections, ballast and freshwater operations, and ship maneuvering in ports around the world. Despite the broad scope of his responsibilities, he says the most rewarding part of the job is still taking the controls while bringing a ship safely alongside the dock.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Stage is quick to credit others for the success of the Chautauqua Belle.

“The Belle isn’t just a success story for me—it’s a success story for the entire community,” he says. “When I first saw her, she’d been sitting abandoned for three years. Most people saw an old boat with an uncertain future. I saw an opportunity to preserve something that generations before us had enjoyed. She wouldn’t still be operating today without the incredible support we’ve received over the years.”

He especially credits his late grandparents, whose craftsmanship can be seen throughout the vessel. Together they rebuilt much of the Belle’s woodwork, including the cherry handrails, pilot wheel, and the iconic paddlewheel itself, they are greatly missed.

Stage is equally grateful to the thousands of passengers who choose to sail aboard each season.

“As much as my family and I love the Belle, she only leaves the dock because people continue to support her year after year,” he says. “I try to make sure every passenger is thanked at least four times before they leave our parking lot. From the ticket office to the gangway and out onto the lake, everything we do is possible because of them.”

Although his maritime career now takes him around the world, Chautauqua Lake remains home. Each season, Stage returns to captain the Chautauqua Belle, continuing his commitment to preserving one of western New York’s most distinctive historic attractions.

His goal is simple:

To ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to hear the whistle, watch the paddlewheel turn, and experience authentic steam-powered navigation on Chautauqua Lake.

Press

Chautauqua Belle To Dock In City This Year – 4/26/2019 Post Journal

Chautauqua Belle To Dock In City This Year – 4/26/2019 Post Journal
One of the last operating steamboats in North America will be docking at a new home this year.a group of people standing in front of a building
On Monday, city of Jamestown and U.S. Steam Lines Ltd. announced the multiyear lease agreement that will allow the Chautauqua Belle to dock at the McCrea Point Park boat landing.
During dates in May and June and in September and October, the Chautauqua Belle will make round-trip passenger excursions on the Chadakoin River from the boat landing to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. During July and August, the Belle will be back in Mayville making trips along the northern part of the lake.