America's Boating Club Grand Traverse Bay

A boating club with activities all year long, from the Shakedown Cruise in June through the Cruise of the Bay in September to our monthly winter dinner meetings, there is always something happening.

We offer boating classes through Extended Education Services of Northwestern Michigan College that range from a basic boating course for the Michigan Boating Safety Certificate, to advanced classes.

Change of Watch 2024

Congratulations to the new bridge sworn in at the December Change of Watch. Nicole Smethells is the new Commander while Bill Smethells is the Executive Officer and John Holcombe the Administrative Officer. The remainder of the officers has not changed with Dan Cline as Secretary, Craig Shantz, Squadron Education Officer, and Cathy Holcombe as Treasurer. Mary Petterson and Bill Ryzyi are new Members at Large.
It was an honor to have National Staff Commander Bill Stano, JN swear in the new Commander and Bridge Officers. This was done via Zoom as he was at his winter home in Florida. Stf/C Stano also brought us up to date on the insurance situation which was much appreciated by members The monthly meeting was a combination Change of Watch and Christmas celebration. Many members wore their colorful holiday finest and the festive meal was finished off with a delicious Grant Traverse Bay Burgee decorated cake.

Movie Night Another Big Success

Thirteen members of our organization enjoyed camaraderie, hot dogs, brats, sides, ice cream, and a movie on Thursday evening at the Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church.

Thanks to organizer Jim Schultz for making Movie Night another resounding success. The evening commenced with a delectable dinner featuring brats, hot dogs, chili, potato salad, and an assortment of other side dishes, followed by ice cream and an array of toppings.

The film screened was "Master and Commander: Far Side of the World", a swashbuckling tale of an English warship pursuing a significantly larger and more formidable French vessel across the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century. Based on the works of Patrick O'Brien, the film offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of tall ship sailors.

For those unfamiliar with O'Brien's literary works, we highly recommend considering reading them. While they are novels, they are meticulously researched and historically accurate.

A good time was had by all. (It was guaranteed!)

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Today is Thursday March 27th 2025