Maritime History of Suttons Bay, Peshawbestown & Omena

June 28, 2012:  We had a beautiful night to sail up the Leelanau Peninsula coastline from Suttons Bay to Omena Bay.  During the sail historian Laura Quackenbush gave a running commentary on the history of the area and its people. We enjoyed a great dinner prepared aboard by our ship's cook Kathy Kane.  On the return sail Captain Tom presented an outline of the ecological history of the Bay, with an and emphasis on the impact of invasive species.  The sun was just setting as we returned to the dock in Suttons Bay.  Thanks to Laura for her presentation and for all who came on this educational sail. 

Laura gets applause for her presentation

Under sail for Omena

Kathy calls us for dinner

Bringing in the main topsail

Crew Bob Hagerman

Capt. Tom

Astronomy Cruise - June 22

We had 28 guests, perfect weather and always amazing narration by Dick Cookman on Friday's Astronomy Under Sail program.  There was a setting crescent moon, stars, planets and many satellites to view.  Our next Astronomy programs are on August 17 & 19.  Call the ISEA office for reservations.

We left the dock just at sunset and waited for the first star to appear.

We put up the main and stays'l but not the fore, in order to leave a clear view of the sky.

-Capt. Tom

Classic Boat Show 1986

This year's Classic Boat Show will be held in Suttons Bay on Saturday, July 21st.  Here are some photos of the 1986 event.  If you have a classic or just unusual boat, please contact me for registration information. 

Gasoline One-Lunger Launch

Gracie L (background), Lyman Runabout & Gannet (foreground)

Cruising Dory

Cygnet just after returning from 4,000 mile "Loop" voyage

October 1986 - Record High Water on Lake Michigan

-Capt. Tom Kelly  231-271-3077

Young Women in Science Research Cruise, June 14 & 15

At anchor, Suttons Bay

Seining, Brewery Creek

Little Coho Salmon from Brewery Creek

Identifying the trawl catch

Trawl coming aboard

Fish and Cladophera from lower West Arm, Grand Traverse Bay

Hoisting the foresail

Capt. Ben aloft taking care of a fouled halyard

Writing up research findings

All the laundry out

Jib topsail set for the first time this year

Homeward bound

Teams reporting on research findings

Goby Report

This was a fine group of young women scientists!  Thanks for sailing with us.  And thanks to Zonta International chapters in Michigan for sponsoring these girls. --Capt. Tom Kelly

ISEA Great Lakes Seminar to Feature Review of 2011 Mackinac Race Storm

Join us this Tuesday evening at 7pm for an analysis of the 2011 Mackinac Race storm that resulted in much damage to the fleet and the loss of two sailors. The program will be presented by presented by Justin Arnott, Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service, Gaylord, Michigan.  Mr. Arnott will also discuss the many products and services offered to mariners by the National Weather Service.  The program is free and open to the public. For information call 231-271-3077. 

Coast Guard Fly-Over

Kathy Kane captured this USGC Dolphin helecopter between our masts. Check out more information on these machines at the Traverse City Air Station site.  Top photo was taken yesterday.  Bottom photo today (sent from the ship by IPhone)