Volunteer crew training Program

Megan is a familiar smile in the maritime industry. Working her way up the hawse pipe from deckhand to Captain she has been sailing over 20 years. The first tall ship that captured her imagination and started her path on the water was the HMS Bounty. 

You may have met her more recently on the decks of the Star of Saugatuck, Schooner Serenity, or  the Friends Good Will. As a 'retired' Festival Director for the National Blueberry Festival, Megan loves to turn a simple event into a time to remember.  

Jeff is happiest with machines and technology (Although people love him too!) He keeps MJ's ship systems at their best. Automation, controls, and electrical engineering have kept him busy for over 20 years. Formerly an Ocean Engineer in Cape Town, South Africa, he looks forward to expanding MJ's power systems to more sustainable, greener options than the good ol' diesel.

Jeff also wants to see more kids get the opportunity to tinker with tools and technology...and maybe build his own weather bouy...because, you know - why not. 

Amanda loves the water, fishing, and being outside in the sun. She also loves her husband, pups, cat, chickens, and whatever other animal strays into her sweet care. Her skill with budgets and numbers keeps MAST and Tallship MJ inline and on track. She is a passionate member of the National Blueberry Festival board in South Haven where she makes magic happen every 2nd weekend of August as they celebrate everything blueberry. 

At age 20, Katie found herself on the decks of tall ships where she planted roots never to be lifted. A natural craftsman, she is an excellent Bosun on board MJ, where her job is to oversee the maintenance of the vessel’s traditional rig. She loves the nostalgia of sailing and the unique camaraderie of shipmates. In her spare time, she plays D&D, sews, knits, and visits Ren-Fairs in homemade cloaks. If you are ever walking on the pier and bubbles start floating along side you, Katie is nearby.

Amanda fell asleep one night in the Friends Good Will's topsail and woke up in a world of schooners. While she prefers boats with square sails, she joins us on MJ after over a decade of ship-life experience. Her passion for ships and their tradition started when she was still a young girl (about 12). It was then that  she decided that she wouldn't just work on boats, she'd learn to lead, and become a captain.  She spends her winters teaching science to high-schoolers, and is a great source of fun facts and  sciencey trivia! 

After a long day of working aloft in Friends Good Will's rig, Sam climbed down to deck only to discover that he was now onboard Tallship MJ. Recognizing Captain Megan - who was both surprised and relieved to see him - Sam decided to join the crew. With great attention to detail and a calm persistence, Sam is like the ship's keel, keeping the team solid and grounded throughout the wild summer. He loves plants, nature, and spending time with those that are close to him. Your most likely to find him furling sails just beyond the lighthouse.

One summer Jett got furled into schooner Serenity's  jib and ended up shaking loose here on the decks of Tallship MJ. Jett is excited to make a difference in his community through local government. He is also eagerly pursing a maritime career. He enjoys the mechanics of sailing, the many different skills it takes, and the adventure of the seas. At dusk he has been heard singing a few noble shanties to strengthen the crew as they put the ship to bed.

Oh that fateful day -Ava dove from Brig Niagara's headrig into the lovely lake waters. When she surfaced from her swim, all she saw were MJ's white sails on the horizon and she has been part of the tribe ever since. She eats up all there is to learn about boats and holds fast to the tallship culture of caring for the ship, her shipmates, then herself. At the end of the day, you'll find her walking on the bowsprit like a balance beam. 

Shanghaied off the banks of the St Joseph River, Eddie is now a staple sight on MJ's deck. A knife connoisseur, Eddie's blades are always  ready to lend a hand and his general watchful eye for his crew mates has won him the title of the 'Boat Dad.' He too has been bitten by the tallship bug, and is entering a maritime career focusing on mechanics and ship systems.  You'll often find him as the last one to "turn off the lights" down on the docks.

Plucked from an acting troupe in Ohio, Sam is new to sailing, but not the ways of the sea. Shanties and hard work are already his bread and butter, so he fits right in to schooner life on Tallship MJ. Sam enjoys the adventure, fun and carrying on the tradition of ships and the seas. He is excited to be starting his "two years before the mast". Sam packed his seabag for this job, and hopes to return home full of stories, sunshine, and shipmates.