20th Anniversary for the Water Warriors

20^th Anniversary Water Warriors Endurance Ride Kicks Off in Two Weeks!

(The Ride Raises Awareness and Funds for Special Olympics Michigan Athletes)

July 12, 2010 – The Water Warriors launch their personal watercrafts on July 26, 2010 for their 20^th Annual Endurance Ride to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. The Water Warriors welcome adventurous riders to join them in this event, supported by boat and land crews.

Each year these men and women travel 350 miles in five days. Riders begin their journey July 26 in Mackinaw City. They ride along the entire length of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River before ending July 30 at the Idle Hour Yacht Club on Harsens Island.

The Water Warriors will celebrate their 20^th year at a large reception in Port Austin, Michigan on Wednesday, July 28. New for 2010, the Water Warriors are offering short “Inspiration Rides”. These rides are for people who want to join the ride to raise money but can’t ride the entire five days.

“We were looking for a way to encourage people to get involved by offering them a short term commitment,” said Jim Adams, Special Olympics Michigan, Development and Events Manager. “The shorter ride will still touch people emotionally with what Water Warriors is doing for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.”

Inspirational Riders must be 18 or older and pre-registered. To participate in the new 50-mile Saginaw Bay Ride, a total of $300 must be raised by each rider. To participate in the 30-mile St. Clair River Ride, $150 is required to be raised. Each year, the riders travel 350 miles in five days. To become a five day rider, individuals must raise a minimum of $1,800.

Since the Water Warriors started in 1991, as a spin-off of the Wertz Warriors snowmobile endurance ride, they have raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

If you want more information about becoming a Water Warrior please contact Rowena Filary at wwcordinator@sbcglobal.net or (586) 468-2412. Visit their website at www.waterwarriors.orgto learn more information on fundraisers and events planned.

You Can't Get Higher In Michigan Than Copper Harbor

If you are looking for a great weekend ride to close out the month of July on your calendar, then we recommend the Keweenaw Ride In - July 22nd to the 25th. There is no better time to be riding in the Keweenaw. Just make sure you also save the last weekend in August for our BASH 2010 - "Saluting Our Military" in Alger County in the north central part of the U.P.

We Did It Again - Another Issue Out Soon

The crew did it again. The next issue is going through the final proof reading and gets sent to the printer Wednesday, the last day of June. July 5th, the major part of the mailing to subscribers will hit the postal system. The next day, those subscribers in Northern Michigan and the U.P. will have their issue deposited into the Gaylord Post office to speed up their delivery. Also on that day we will be starting on the next issue and for us the July issue will be history.

The image above is a teaser showing the cover of the July issue. You might even know who this couple is, that found it was their turn in the barrel and trying to make the best of it. We have to admit, it is the closest thing to a boat we have going for us, so far this year. We are still hoping for a launching of our real boat by the end of July, after a two and a half year rebuild. Latest photos can been seen on the "Manana" Sailboat page on this site.

Tasting Wine Might Get You SAILING

The Superior Watershed Partnership invites you to a wine tasting on Lake Superior. This fundraiser takes place on June 24, from 5-8pm at the Presque Isle Pavilion on Presque Isle Park, Marquette, Michigan. All proceeds go towards the protection of Lake Superior. Tickets are $35/person and are available at the SWP office on Presque Isle, Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Huron Earth Deli and online at the SWP website. Please join the SWP in tasting 13 new summer wines, listening to the Dave Zigner Trio, light appetizers, and enjoying local art. For more information visit the SWP website at www.superiorwatersheds.org or call (906) 228-6095.

Also, at the event enter to win a sail for 4 on the historic Coaster II Schooner out of Marquette's Lower Harbor. Raffle tickets will be available at the door for $10 each.

You may have seen the Coaster II docked at Lower Harbor. Captained by Nick Economides, this ship is a one-of-a-kind, wooden hulled, gaff rigged, top-sail schooner. The Coaster II is a registered historic ship and a well-known vessel among traditional sailors and boat builders. Designed as a 19th century coasting schooner, she is authentic, with a flying jib boom, catheads, a real lunenburg windlass, deadeyes, sway hooks, carved taff rails and other features not found on vessels built after 1900.