Sail Pentwater's Bay

While away a sun-drenched afternoon sailing Lake Michigan's wind-sculpted coast.

Mar 4, 2008 Katie Holland

Hannah Reel

Don't know port from starboard or a jib from a jibe? A cruise on the Irish Wake might be just the thing to get even a landlubber hooked on sailing. Captain Russ Murphy, an amiable retiree from downstate with a big heart for the little village of Pentwater, entertains tourists and locals alike with two-hour (or longer) charter excursions on his 30-foot Pearson sailboat (231-629-0739, irishwakeenterprises.com).

Set sail out of Pentwater's Snug Harbor Marina (616 S. Hancock, 231-869-7001) heading south, and lend a hand right away (if you want to). Under Captain Russ's careful direction, haul up the jib (the triangular foresail) as you skim over the deepest natural harbor on the west side of Lake Michigan.

The Irish Wake earned its name from the boisterous celebration at the end of an Irishman's life. According to Captain Russ, "Nobody ever had a bad time at an Irish wake." That goes for his cruises as well.

Position yourself at the helm to feel the wind tugging at the sails as you man the cockpit, or sit back and enjoy the view of Big Point Sable, Little Point Sable and the voluptuous dune shoreline that stretches between them. Bring your own CDs, or sing along with Captain Russ's collection of Jimmy Buffett tunes as you sip a soda and dream.

If you have kids ages 10 and up, bring them along - Captain Russ will have them (and you) speaking fluently in sailing terms by day's end. If you'd rather leave the kids at home, bring along a bottle of your favorite wine from Durand Wine Company (161 Hancock, 231-869-5520) and catch the sunset cruise with your sweetie.

Disembark and stroll along the water to The Brown Bear (278 S. Hancock, 231-869-5444) where you can sink your teeth into a juicy Bear Burger served up with a large helping of rustic Up North charm.

Katie Holland was an intern at Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.

This article was first published in June 2007, and was updated for the web February 2008.

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