• West Michigan Offshore, Supporting Those Who Made These Events Possible

    A couple weeks ago, West Michigan Offshore put on their Muskegon Powerboat Weekend with an entry of 91 boats, and raising money for special causes as they always do. Here are some of those entries heading out Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.



    As this Fourth of July weekend comes to a close, remembering where we live and how this became possible for us is something we should all be remembering, especially on these special holidays. Assisting through donations or volunteering, so future Americans can also enjoy and experience what we have today, is something we should all endeavor to do. In honor of that history to gain and maintain our freedom, WMO raised money for the LST 393 Veterans Museum, https://www.lst393.org/ , and Operation Black Sheep, https://www.opblacksheep.org/ .





    The goal was to raise $5000 to assist these organizations, but thanks to the generosity of the boaters involved with the Powerboat Weekend, a total of $8000 was raised and donated, $4000 to each group. It is great to know the performance boaters of West Michigan are so willing to make a difference!

    The weekend started out on Friday afternoon with a High Performance Showcase at the Poker Run Village in Muskegon’s Mart Dock. The turnout was great, and it was sure nice to get together with the group after the over year-long absence caused by the Covid mess. There were storms in the forecast for both Friday evening and Saturday morning, but everything was supposed to blow through by noon on Saturday, just in time for the start of the run.




    There were not only some incredible boats, but some incredible tow vehicles. This one in particular caught our eye!



    The next morning, it was time for the drivers meeting, and the turnout was looking really good. This was in spite of some boats, which were coming by water from other places on Lake Michigan, couldn’t get launched in time and make the run up due to large thunder storms in the area.



    After the meeting there were more huge storms that rolled through but, as forecast, they finished shortly before the boats were supposed to head out. So, although some were a bit late because of launching and having to run during the thunderstorms impairment, the turnout at the start was still well attended. Time to head out for the mill area, just before the channel, to participate in the Parade of Power out to Lake Michigan.



    And out the channel the Parade of Power goes.



    From there, the run was on. And, when Lake Michigan kicks up just enough for the bigger boats to have fun, but not too much for the smaller boats to also enjoy, it makes for a very pleasant event. Doesn’t matter if you’re in a 20’ vintage Chris Craft that some may think is made only for lake and river running:



    Or a 36’ Pantera Offshore boat made to race, and win, in whatever big stuff offshore running can throw your way:



    When the conditions are right, it’s game on for everyone!

    It also helps that there is so much beautiful scenery in West Michigan to enjoy while boating. Whether it is some of the large dunes along the shore:




    Or some of the numerous lighthouses at the end of the channels between inland waters and Lake Michigan:





    Or just being able to see another reminder of why we can enjoy these events, by sighting and thinking about what a World War II restored submarine, and its crew, went through to make these days possible for us:
    https://silversidesmuseum.org/




    Finally, after the over year-long Covid restrictions mess, an event in West Michigan for performance boaters to enjoy an entire weekend. Hopefully there is never another year like last year. And may we always remember, and continue to support, what others have sacrificed to protect what was won with great heroism on July 4th so many years ago.

    Other photos and information: https://seriousoffshore.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=29498
    Next, in a couple weeks: https://www.westmichiganoffshore.com/rock-the-coast-1
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