Captain Jennifer
Jennifer is a former public school teacher, current homeschooling mom and licensed ship Captain who is now “living the dream” of sharing the beauty of our area waters with others. She began Nautical North Family Adventures in 2018 with the intent of sharing her passion for our area with others and providing an exciting way for all to explore the Great Lakes and the exciting history that lies beneath the surface.
Captain “Jerky” John Beckwith
Captain “Jerky” John Beckwith
John is a year round Captain spending winters in Florida and his summers in Michigan.
He holds his 100 ton Great Lakes and Inland Water Lic along with his Near Costal.
Captain John started his career with Starline Mackinaw Island Ferry and Mackinaw Parasail and Jet Boat adventures. He is also a accredited Parasail Captain.
In the winters John can be found working in Clearwater Beach Marina driving Thriller, Megabite and Chutes up parasailing.
When not on the water driving boats John keeps busy co-managing a campground where he lives in his 40′ land yacht IE his motorhome.
Crew (NOW CAPTAIN TOO!) Rob
Rob Hemmer is a local historian whose passion for history is evident on each voyage! When Rob is not on the boat, he is enjoying time woodworking and scuba diving.
Crew Maria
Maria will; be a junior at Northern Michigan University in the fall, studying accounting. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and boating on Mullett Lake. A welcome addition in 2021 to our crew, you will enjoy her welcoming personality and enthusiasm for all things water!
Mates
The oldest of the three mates, Caleb is often a deckhand and takes his job seriously. He is certified in CPR and water rescue. In his spare time, Caleb loves to build computers and play games.
Often referred to “the middle little”, Gage can be found manning the check-in desk and merchandise trailer at Nautical North Family Adventures. In his spare time, he enjoys scuba diving and playing video games.
The youngest mate (but not the smallest), Xavier can be found scanning your tickets at the entry to the Yankee Sunshine. In his spare time, he loves to swim and drift dive the Cheboygan River with mom!
The Vessel
After extensive searching for a suitable vessel to begin a new business with, it was finally decided to order brand new. The Yankee Sunshine was manufactured in Slidell, Louisiana by Newton boats over the summer of 2018.
Captain Jennifer was able to take a tour of the manufacturing facilities during production in the spring of 2018! Ask about the Yankee Sunshine’s “baby pictures” 