Michael Blanchard USCG Master, 50-ton, Sail Auxiliary
Captain Mike is a US Coast Guard licensed Charter Captain. He grew up sailing the waters of Lake Michigan with his Dad, who taught him how to sail from an early age. After many summers spent sailing in Door Country, Wisconsin and Traverse City, Michigan, Captain Mike purchased a sailboat of his own, a 36-foot Catalina that he named Bernard.
In addition to sharing his love of sailing with other people, Captain Mike has developed a passion for sailing solo. He has competed in three long distance (100 miles plus) solo sailing races (including two races from Chicago, Illinois to Mackinac Island, Michigan) and has achieved membership in the Great Lakes Single-Handed Society. Not only do these extended solo sailing voyages allow Captain Mike to practice and improve his sailing skills, they also provide opportunities to see beautiful sunrises & sunsets, and amazing night skies from the unique viewpoint of the water, away from the bright lights of the city and often without any land in sight.
Whenever possible, Captain Mike loves to have his wife and three daughters join him for sailing adventures throughout the Great Lakes
