Where Dreams Sail
A Wooden Ship Adventure
Her old wooden planks creak as guests huddle together under the sails to hear about this unique ship taking them out on Lake Michigan. Although she is only 50 years old, her story starts in 1898 when a 14-year-old boy showed up at a shipyard to learn how to build boats. After a lifetime in this now dying trade, MJ's planks were the last planks he sanded.
Charles Taylor chose to model her after the fast and cocky Tancook Whalers; nearly every detail of her make is authentic to these old island fishing boats of the 1860's. As guests look below decks, they can see the ship's bones and handle a sample of the hairy caulking that, when wet, keeps her watertight.
Above deck, sails climb their way up the solid wood mast, while crew and guests sing the old sailor work songs. The engine goes off, and hush surrounds all. It's just the sounds of ship, sea, and sailor, as the crew coil down the brown ropes. Out here, on the deck of this wonderous ship, it is easy to be one with all the mariners of those ancient times.
Come Join Us, Where Dreams Sail
More About the ship
Sail on MJ
Ship Story
Ship Story
Browse our daily sailing times, themed events, or special programs.
Ship Story
Ship Story
Ship Story
Hear of the ship's origins, her life and what she is up to these days.
Ship Specs
Ship Story
Ship Specs
View the ship's details and learn more about the Tancook Whaler Design.
The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council says:
"We had a terrific afternoon sailing on your ship! It was so enjoyable and educational. Thank you for all you did to give us this special experience!"
Safety, Safety, Safety
We Get It...
Many people are trying out sailing and boats for the first time and need to be assured what safety measures are in place and what procedures will ensure their well-being during the trip.
Coast Guard Certified
MJ is currently undergoing the process to become an Inspected Small Passenger Vessel. This means that she will be totally compliant with the Coast Guard's standard of operation. Once past the initial inspection, MJ is reinspected every year to ensure ongoing compliance and up-to-date equipment. In the meantime we are regulated by the DNR to be a safe passenger vessel on the Great Lakes.
Training
All crew undergo rigorous training on emergency responses to key water-related risks. In addition, all crew are CPR/First Aid certified. Occasionally, you may get to join in a drill as we practice monthly compliance of refreshing our emergency response procedures.
Experience
Captain Megan, the owner, is at the helm of MJ's operations keeping watch on training, staffing, programs, and safety systems. With over 20 years of sailing experience, she has over-seen operations on many boats, MJ being the smallest.
With her hands-on training approach, you can rest assured the team has planned for and practiced nearly every emergency scenario.
No Drugs on Board
Although Michigan is a cannabis friendly state, we do not allow any drugs on board MJ. There are a number of reasons for this, the main one being that we operate on Federal Waters where weed is still banned.