From the Helm

Boating season is upon us and, boy, am I ready! New for this summer season is the addition of sailing to my family’s activity calendar. My husband and I are jumping into the world of sailing, having purchased an old 1971 16-foot Rebel to race at our local yacht club (which ironically has one of the largest Rebel fleets in the nation). I’ve been a powerboater my entire life and have very little experience with the sail side of things, so if anyone has tips, send them to this newbie! In the meantime, we’ll be slowly tacking back and forth on the small inland lake near us.

For those who want to add some power, check out our pontoon roundup, featuring 12 boats for every type of boater and budget (p. 38).

Hear from some cruising veterans at the Great Lakes Cruising Club who found that the benefits of joining the club extend far beyond sharing harbor and cruising knowledge — it cultivates lifelong friendships (p. 42)!

There’s no better place to visit on a warm June day than West Michigan — Holland, Michigan, in particular. This small town embraces its Dutch heritage with windmills and tulips galore, welcomes water wanderers with its iconic Big Red lighthouse, features cute boutiques downtown and impresses with beautiful sand beaches. Cruise on over to the Tulip City (p. 44).

Speaking of Holland, our cover beauty, the Tiara Yachts 48 LS, is manufactured there. This outboard-powered yacht (Mercury 600-hp V-12s, no less), is the ideal companion for your cruising adventures thanks to its spacious accommodations below, clever summer kitchen in the cockpit, expansive outdoor areas and much, much more.

See you on the water!

Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas.

AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORS

ARNIE HAMMERMAN Arnie grew up on Lake Michigan and learned to boat cruising extensively with his family. At the age of 23, he got his first USCG Masters License and has run private yachts, charters and deliveries ever since. He has worked in marine publishing for over 20 years, touring factories, attending boat shows, and reviewing and testing vessels around the world.

READ HIS STORY ON P. 34

HHH

FELICIA SCHNEIDERHAN Felicia, her husband, Mark, and their three tsunamis explore Lake Superior aboard their 38-foot Marine Trader trawler, Mazurka. Their early live-aboard adventures are detailed in her memoir “Newlyweds Afloat.” You can read more of her work

at FELICIASCHNEIDERHAN.COM. READ HER STORY ON P. 42

HHH

CHUCK WARREN Chuck is a lifelong boater with experience on the waters of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the Great Lakes. During his 25-year marine industry career he has been an offshore powerboat racing team driver, chief engineer aboard a research vessel and captain of a sunset cruise. Currently a captain for hire in Holland, Michigan, Chuck lives on his 40-foot Sea Ray in the summer, while winters are split between the West Michigan lakeshore and wherever his 33-foot motorhome takes him.

READ HIS STORY ON P. 44