Serious Offshore - West Michigan Offshore's Muskegon

As seems to be the issue with every pre-planned boating weekend in West Michigan, the weather forecast was making the planning interesting. Depending on what weather person you listened to, or what forecast you looked up on the internet, the weather could be anything from 6 to 8 foot waves on the lake with gale and small-craft warnings with a 90% chance of rain. To partially sunny and 2 to 3 footers with a 20% chance of rain or less.

Heading out the Muskegon Channel

Although there was a bit of rain during the street show on Thursday evening, the overall weather was fine. The boats on display stayed almost completely dry, and the wind may have had a few gusts that caused a few small branches and leaves to fall, but nothing to dampen the event.

New Chief with the GVSU Laker Dance Team

When the Saturday morning Captain's meeting came around, the weather was still up in the air a bit. So Roger spoke with drivers who had driven their boats up just prior to the meeting and the decision was made to have a go of it. But, if the Big Lake was too rough for anyone, they could pick up their cards at locations around Muskegon Lake. So it was game on!

Drivers Meeting on the USS LST 393

The Captains meeting was held aboard the LST 393. This ship made 30 round trips delivering troops and vehicles to the Normandy beaches during the D-Day assault 75 years ago. Makes a person appreciate what they did then. It is one of only two LST's remaining.

Appropriate Reverence

Of the 50 boats who had registered for the run, 38 decided to make a go of it. The weather certainly was not as bad as some of the forecasts. The weather actually started out sunny, but then clouded over. The water conditions in the big lake were not too bad, with 3 to 4 foot swells, but not the steep sided whitecaps which can make for a really long day. Overall, a lot of fun for the bigger boats.

Starting in Muskegon Lake

The boats milled just off of MartDock to give the Aquastar a chance to go a small distance up Muskegon Lake so the boats could come by for photo opportunities.

Running up the lake with the McKee Sons in the background

Having some fun in Muskegon Lake

The Lighthouses at the entry to Muskegon Lake channel from Lake Michigan

As we started our day with the Captains meeting on LST 393. It seems appropriate to finish the trip back in from Lake Michigan cruising by the USS Silversides. She is credited with sinking the third most enemy ships of any allied submarine during WWII.

All in all, a very good weekend event.

As our West Michigan Offshore President Roger said when all was done, "It was great seeing team West Michigan Offshore in action today. Wow, the weather wasn't perfect but members came through and experienced an awesome day out on the lake, along with great food and beverage. The stories continue to make me smile. Thanks to all that make West Michigan Offshore special."