Thanks to ISEA Volunteers who helped set up the docks!

My thanks to Craig Holms, Graham Kelly, Blair Robb, Pete Bentley and Philip Loud who helped put on the dock ramps and complete the fixed dock at the Education Center. Now we are ready for summer!

-Capt Tom

Welcome Zoe Allen-Wickler to ISEA

Zoe Allen-Wickler joined ISEA today as our Communications Intern. She will be helping us with traditional and new media, telling our many stories to the public.  Watch for her offerings in the near future. 

Big Winds on Grand Traverse Bay

 An approaching cold front brought high winds to Grand Traverse Bay yesterday.  The afternoon sail with St. Mary's of Gaylord was done with just the stays'l and reefed main.  We had a peak wind of 33 knots. 

Gaylord St. Mary Students After the Sail

When the storm finally arrived (about an hour after we docked), a big blast of wind toppled my dock box and the two porti-johns at Suttons Bay Coal Dock

Big winds continue today (June 1).  The morning trip on Inland Seas had a peak gust of 43 knots. 
- Capt. Tom

Thanks to the Traverse City Optimist Club for keeping us warm and dry

Just in time for spring, we purchased five new sets of Viking heavy-duty foul weather gear for our students. Thanks to the Traverse City Optimist Club for providing the funds to make this possible.  And thanks to these Suttons Bay 8th graders who modeled the new gear just before their trip on May 19.  They were glad they had it once we got out on the bay!  --Capt. Tom

Northwestern Michigan College Tropical Water Resources Class, 5-23-11

For photos, click here!  https://picasaweb.google.com/Constanza.Hazelwood/May232011?authkey=Gv1sRgCNayrYeO_v-2zQE#

Schoolship's Departure Delayed By Fog

Friday morning dawned with thick fog on Grand Traverse Bay.  Both Schoolships, Manitou and Inland Seas, delayed their departures until the fog lifted a little.  Students from Reuther MS were aboard both vessels. 

Lead Instructor Wayne Swallow explains the plankton net dockside

153 micons.  What is a micron?

Captain Cheyenne and Dr. Bill wait out the fog.

Happy 17th Birthday Inland Seas!

Inland Seas was launched on May 18, 1994. To celebrate this event, we shared birthday cake with students from Glen Lake 7th Grade and Indian River (Inland Lakes 7th Grade).

Our Schooner Birthday Cake, made by Hansen's in Suttons Bay

Inland Lakes 7th Graders pose with the Schooner Cake

Eager Lakers await their Schooner Cake.  Stephanie is trying to keep up with demand.