You know how sometimes life just slowly steers you into your passion, like a sailboat catching the perfect breeze? That’s kind of how I ended up here, launching Big Blue GH Lake Cruises in our beloved Grand Haven.

My first introduction to the Tri-Cities area wasn’t exactly a grand life plan, it was more like a lucky detour. I was studying Mechanical Engineering at WMU in the early ’90s when I met my roommate Mike Kelley. He was a Grand Haven native with a passion for sailing, and before long, I found myself joining him and his dad, Jack, on their boat, CC Rider, in local races. Safe to say, I caught the sailing bug hard.

Post-college, I started my engineering career in Grand Rapids, commuting from Allegan while still racing with the CC Rider crew. Eventually, it hit me: why not just move closer to the water I was so obsessed with? In 1996, I joined Fredricks Design in downtown Grand Haven and moved to Ferrysburg. That’s where my boat collection began, or should I say, boat resurrection hobby.

One fine day, I stumbled across a beat-up 1978 C-Scow sailboat sitting like a forgotten treasure on a used car lot outside Grand Rapids. I took her home, named her Split Pea, and discovered she had a colorful past at the Spring Lake Yacht Club. Turns out, this boat had seen more club races than I had birthdays. Her return to SLYC was met with surprise and nostalgia, and I walked into the new member party only to be dubbed, rather permanently, Captain Pea of the Split Pea. The name stuck, and I’ve worn it with pride ever since.

Fast forward a bit. I bought a house on Hemlock Drive, met my amazing wife Heather, and we tied the knot (nautical pun intended) at SLYC in 2004. Heather had two young children, Meghan and Cammeron from a previous marriage, so I became an insta-dad about 3 weeks after younger Cammeron had become potty proficient, ie, avoiding diapers, whew!

We eventually moved to Oakwood, grew our careers (mine evolving into roles at GHSP and Steelcase), and deepened our roots in this community. I remained in SLYC as a volunteer Board Member in charge of House and Grounds. A couple of years of board positions, eventually working up the ranks, becoming Commodore in 2007.

Now, as empty-nesters, Heather and I found our “forever dock” in Villa Park, complete with a cozy home and a dock just asking for a new adventure, which brings me to Big Blue.

The idea was simple: I love boats, and I love sharing the magic of West Michigan’s waterways. So, I took a detour from product engineering and earned my USCG Master Mariner 100T license. I started small with yacht deliveries and training, but the dream got real when I saw a post about a passenger vessel for sale—the boat formerly known as Lady of the Lakes. I saw potential. And paint I didn’t love.

What followed was months of sanding, repainting, and prepping. Big Blue got her name, a fresh navy-and-tan look, and a new mission: offering cruises that showcase everything from sunset magic to Spring Lake’s still waters. I even worked on a tour boat in Saugatuck to get my sea legs in the commercial game. It paid off! We secured a spot at the Grand Haven Municipal Marina, and we’re set to launch Big Blue in early summer just in time for the season!

So, what can you expect aboard Big Blue? Picture this: warm summer evenings, the sun dipping into Lake Michigan, a drink in your hand, and the gentle hum of good company. We’ll offer public sunset cruises Tuesday through Sunday, private charters for your own special occasions, and special events. Think floating concerts, fundraisers, even front-row views of the fireworks.

If you’re interested in booking a cruise, head over to www.BigBlueGH.com, or give me a shout at 616-566-4590 or erik@bigbluegh.com. We’re still fine-tuning the 2025 schedule, it’s our maiden season, after all, but we’d love to welcome you aboard!

See you on deck,
 Captain Pea (aka Erik Petersen)