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.

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 tall ship 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. 

During MJ's Expedition Sail - we pulled up the snap trap and found Jack! After a quick shake to dry off, we've opted to keep him around to haul the lines. When he's not jamming to classic tunes on vinyls, he's spending time in nature or traveling. 

He's a fantastic addition to our team, bringing a love for old ships, navigation and the worlds water (even dipped his toes in the Ageean Sea recently).

That fateful spring, Leah's red Stress Free DOTs van drift turned into our parking lot and before we knew it the entire family had swarmed the deck and we were engaged a sword fight of pirate proportions! Alternately to being locked in mortal combat, Leah joined the crew. 

She graces our decks as often as she can steal away from her day job of providing Coast Guard physicals to credentialing mariners.