Photo Essay: West Michigan Offshore Fall Fun/Lunch Run

Given the abusive conditions Lake Michigan dished out to participants in the West Michigan Offshore Rock The Coast event in July, the waterway was on mostly good behavior last weekend for the club’s Fall Fun Run, its final event of the 2019 season. But good behavior is a relative descriptor for Lake Michigan, and that translated to two- to five-footers—under blue skies with temperatures in the mid 70s—that kept smaller boats at the docks, according to club president Roger Zuidema.

The fleet included 16 boats and approximately 50 people.

West Michigan Offshore ended its 2019 event season with a strong showing last weekend (click image to enlarge). Photos courtesy/copyright West Michigan Offshore.

“All of the boats that made the run were big V-bottom wave-crushers including a bright orange Cigarette 42X owned by Alex Pratt and a number of Fountains,” said Zuidema. “There also was a group of Outerlimits boats including Steve McCormack’s updated, and stylish V-bottom freshly dressed by WMO Sponsor T&D Custom Painting.

“If you don’t like it rough, stay home,” he added. “That was the day’s motto from organizer J.P. from JPR Marine Services at Wharf Marina in Grand Haven (Mich.)

Said Russell, “My 42-foot Fountain splashed through the lake with style. Most of the time—but not always—a good chop makes the run an adventure and fun.”

Lunch at the BARge restaurant on the Kalamazoo River in Sagatuck was a lively affair, according to Zudiema, with a combination of “pub paddle boats, bachelorette parties, yachts and vintage wooden boats” joining the end-of-season fray.

Check out the slideshow above to enjoy more images from the West Michigan Offshore Fall Fun Run.

“It’s all about the people,” said Zuidema. “But the boats are pretty cool, too.”

Club member Sanders Ellens stepped up to host the new owners of a 24-foot Baja, who wisely opted to keep their boat at the docks, in his 42-foot Fountain.

“They purchased the Baja earlier this month,” said Ellens. “We connected by email early in the week. We include all—that’s the West Michigan Offshore spirit.”

Related Story: Crushing It: West Michigan Offshore Definitely Rocked The Coast Today