From the Helm

A Glimmer of Hope

It’s been one full trip around the sun since the unofficial start of the pandemic, and over these past 12 months we’ve seen an absolute explosion of new interest in boating. Not only from those new to boating, but also from those who have rekindled their affection for the water.

While new boat inventory remains at a historic low, there are ways to spruce up your current, older boat and help you fall back in love with it (p. 34). Think swim platforms, sun shades, remote monitoring kits, stabilizers, joystick control and more — there’s a boatload of products out there to help make your vessel more functional and like-new.

Another side effect of the pandemic has been the increased ability to work remotely. One commute worth considering is to your marina. Contributor Chuck Warren, who lives and works aboard his Sea Ray Sedan Bridge, walks us through the technicalities of transforming your boat into a floating office (p. 36).

And if you’re a Canadian boater, pack up your work computer and other office necessities and head straight to Honey Harbour, Ontario — a peaceful retreat nestled amongst Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands (p. 38). Honey still flows here, nature awaits and boaters will find the perfect launching pad for spectacular cruising.

I wish all our readers continued health and safety as we navigate these difficult times. I’ve seen a glimmer of hope as vaccines roll out and boat shows have started adding dates to the calendar; the future looks bright!

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

Charlevoix, MI p. 46 Honey Harbour, ON p. 38

CONTRIBUTORS

ALAN WENDT Alan is a past president of Boating Writers International, and cochair of judging for the Innovation Awards at the Minneapolis and Miami Boat Shows and IBEX, the largest technical marine event in North America. Born in Cleveland, he is one of the chief architects of the Women on Water, Getaways! and Adventures cruising programs. Wendt is also a licensed pyrotechnician and choreographs fireworks shows for waterfront displays on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve.

READ HIS STORIES STARTING ON P. 22

HHH

CRAIG RITCHIE Born in Toronto, Craig named his first boat Bed in order to explain occasional absences from work. Whenever anyone asked, he would cough loudly and mumble about having spent the day in Bed. The key, he says, was to never forget the sunscreen.

READ HIS STORIES ON P. 30; P. 34 & P. 38

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. 36

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