From the Helm

Soak up the Season

As the leaves begin to change colors, cruise planning morphs into storage and winterizing preparation. During this transitional time, however, I urge you to soak up as many nice days on the water as possible before the boat is hauled, polished and tucked away for the winter. Fall cruises are some of the prettiest rides of all.

If you’re a Canadian boater, sneak in one last trip to the port of Cobourg, Ontario (p. 44). This picturesque town just east of Toronto is packed with stunning, historic architecture, a welcoming marina and some of the best butter tarts around (contributor Craig Ritchie can attest to that last point).

Before you tuck the boat in, take a look at contributor Felicia Schneiderhan’s do-it-yourself tips and tricks — some learned the hard way — on winterizing your boat (p. 40). She walks through the engine and plumbing systems, as well as how to shrinkwrap your own boat (if your marina allows it).

New to the Lakeland Boating crew is our editorial assistant, Abby Thorpe. Hailing from California, Abby received her Masters in Journalism at Northwestern and now resides in Sandpoint, Idaho. Join us in welcoming her to the team!

I also want to take a moment to thank you, our readers, for your enduring support in this unprecedented and uncertain time. It’s because of you that we can continue to publish each issue and maintain our nearly 75 years of informing Great Lakes boaters!

Cheers,

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

Chicago Electric Boat Company p. 54 Holland, MI p. 52 Cobourg, ON p. 44

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 stories starting on p. 28.

HHH

FELICIA SCNEIDERHAN

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. 40

HHH

ABBY THORPE

A California native, Abby discovered her love for the Great Lakes after moving to Chicago to receive her Masters in Journalism at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. She went on to work in New York City as the online intern for Real Simple magazine, before returning to the Windy City as a freelancer. Her journey took her to Sandpoint, Idaho, where she now lives and writes for various publications, including Lakeland Boating. Her summers are spent on the lake sailing and boating, and in the winter you can find her on the ski slopes or off charting a new adventure. Read her story on p. 54