From the Helm

An Award-Winning Month!

The Miami Boat Show came back with a bang this year following a year-long hiatus, reclaiming its original location in the Miami Beach Convention Center, as well as in several other venues across Miami. There were plenty of innovative new boat models and marine equipment that debuted during the show, which we recap in our “Scuttle” department (p. 12). Take a look to see some great new offerings!

During the show, two Lakeland Boating contributors were awarded for their talent in the Boating Writers International annual contest. I had the chance to be a part of this year’s judging team and was able to witness first-hand how talented the writers in our industry are. Arnie Hammerman was awarded third place in the “Boating Adventures” category for his feature “Escape to the Sea,” which ran in our September 2021 issue (p. 34). Craig Ritchie also received a merit award in the “Boating Travel or Destinations” category for his story “Hitting the Sweet Spot,” which ran in our March 2021 issue (p. 38). Congratulations to our talented contributors!

This month’s Port of Call is one my family loves to frequent during summer vacations: Michigan’s charming Harbor Springs on the Little Traverse Bay (p. 40). This harbor town has sparkling blue water, a delightful downtown with great shopping and restaurants, and plenty of activities no matter the season. Pro tip: If you’re visiting Harbor Springs in the summertime, make sure to add in a visit to the famous Legs Inn in nearby Cross Village, a worthwhile journey 20 minutes north on the “Tunnel of Trees,” to enjoy some tasty Polish food and an aerial view of Lake Michigan.

See you on the water!

Kate and husband Matt at the famous Legs Inn, near Harbor Springs, Michigan.

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

Leland, MI p. 20 Harbor Springs, MI p. 40

CONTRIBUTORS

MARTY RICHARDSON Marty has put more than 35,000 nautical miles under the keel of her latest boat, Monarch, a Halverson 52-foot raised pilothouse trawler, and completed three Great Loops — so far.

READ HER STORY STARTING ON P. 20

KEN KREISLER A multi BWI awardwinning journalist, Capt. Ken began his nautical career while in high school, spending summers doing odd jobs in the boatyard of a local marina in Brooklyn, New York. He worked his way through undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate academic studies as the skipper of his own six-pack charter boat, and upon completion of his degree work, secured his fi rst job as a writer in the marine industry and never looked back. Capt. Ken splits his seasonal time between the New Jersey Shore and West Palm Beach, Florida.

READ HIS STORIES STARTING ON P. 28

KIM SCHNEIDER Kim writes — and sails — from her home base in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The award-winning author of “100 Things to do in Traverse City Before You Die” and contributor to multiple magazines, newspapers and websites is considered an expert on Midwestern travel and fi nds herself most at home on or near the water.

READ HER STORY STARTING ON P. 40