OUR CREW AND FLEET

Join Us For An Unforgettable Boat Cruise Experience in Michigan

CAPTAINS AND CREWS

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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.

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Maria

Maria will be graduating Northern Michigan University this spring with her accounting degree, and working here in Cheboygan. Yay, Maria! Look for her to still be joining us as much as she is able. She fully enjoys her time aboard the boats at Nautical North Family Adventures and looks forward to seeing everyone this summer

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Pamela Laskovy

You will find her catering our up-river tours. A native Michigander from the Grand Rapids area, she makes the trek to Northern Michigan to delight you with her magical catering expertise. She is available to cater any of our private charters as well. Just give her a call (616) 648-4525 and we can make sure your cruise includes delicious food!

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Roger Holowach

Roger here, I am excited to be joining the team as your driver to the best dive spots on Lake Huron, aka Captain Rog. I have spent the last 15 years teaching scuba diving in some of the top spots in the Caribbean. Recently, my girlfriend and I moved to Petoskey Michigan so she could pursue her dream of opening a retail boutique store. Now that Flora Bae Home (Petoskey, MI) is up and running, I am excited to be getting back into the dive industry. When I read the job ad: Looking for a complete smart ass that’s super fun to be around, I knew this was the right position for me. Let’s have a blast this summer!

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Ashley Barber

Hi I’m Ashley Barber but go by Barber. Born in raised in Cheboygan and keep coming back. Was in the Marine Corps right after high school and missed Northern Michigan summers. Love the outdoors which was proven when I went and worked on a National Geographic Cruise ship in Alaska. Looking forward to returning to the Great Lakes and working on a different type of boat again.

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Captain Doc Māra

When Doc Māra is not running her private practice in Harbor Springs she’s prepared to lead you on an adventure through the enchanting waters of the Great Lakes. Her years and successes as a sailor in the prestigious Bayview to Mackinac sailing yacht races, extensive scuba diving background, and 100 Ton Captain rating demonstrate her proficiency and dedication to the maritime world. Her love for the water drives her to excel in both navigating the seas and delving into the mysteries below. Come aboard, she would love for you to join her for some fun!

Čau/Sincerely-Doc Māra

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Zoe

Hi! My name is Zoë! I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love traveling and being out in nature! I am very excited to be a part of this team and to be out doing what I love most!

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CREW (NOW A 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.

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Captain Lisa

Lisa grew up boating on the Great Lakes spending every summer looking for new adventures. With years of experience, and a USCG captain’s license, being on the water has always been a passion. You will find Lisa sharing that passion with others on her own boat and with all of you aboard Nautical North Family Adventures. Her love of the water also translates into a mission that includes providing online and in-person instruction for all boaters, specifically women. empoweringwomeninboating.podia.com

Rita

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Rita spent most of her childhood summers in Northern Michigan exploring the inland lakes and beaches of Lake Huron.

Rita spent the last 10 years in Australia. Rita learned to dive in Sydney and also explored the Great Barrier Reef, North Stradbroke Island, South West Rocks, Candidasa Bali and Maui where she fell in love with the underwater world.

In 2019 Rita began her professional diving journey as a Divemaster at Diveline Scuba Centre in Melbourne, Australia. She worked as a weekend dive guide sporadically during lockdowns throughout 2020-2021 and became a full time Divemaster and shop assistant in 2021, leading Women’s Dives, Youth Dives and Citizen Science dive programs such as The Great Victorian Fish Count, Sea Dragon Search, and Diveline’s Youth Marine Education program. Rita became a PADI Open Water Specialty Instructor in March 2023 and since has received the PADI Certificate of Excellence and the PADI Elite Instructor Award. Her next mission is to show the world the amazing dives Michigan and the Great Lakes have to offer.

Her favorite activities include identifying aquatic plants and animals, exploring shipwrecks, and diving deep. When you can get her out of the water her hobbies include cooking, shooting, fitness, and spending time with her dog Hershey.

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Skipper

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Walter

I am originally from New Orleans and have lived in Michigan since 2005. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, kayaking, and snorkeling every chance I get. I was with Captain Jenn when she found the message in a bottle and since that day my new passion is scuba diving and being on the water as much as possible.

MATES

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MATE CALEB

One of the founders of this company, Caleb is moving on this spring to NASCAR tech to fulfill his dream of building fast engines. He anticipates owning his own company after some experience, and has talked of moving to Japan for a short while.

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MATE GAGE

Gage is a cofounder of Nautical North Family Adventures and is graduating high school this year! You will find him either crewing the dive boat or helping out at our store. His plans next fall are to begin his own business!

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MATE XAVIER

The youngest mate, and co-founder of Nautical North Family Adventures can be found in the shop, greeting you and checking you in. In the off season, Xavier will be a junior in high school and loves to try new sports and video games!

OUR FLEET

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THE YANKEE SUNSHINE

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” 🙂