2025 April Launch Weekend
Register now for the 2025 April Launch!
Please click here to register online / click here to view printable registration form along with the April Launch weekend agenda.
Please register before 4/4/2025. Note: no refunds after 4/15/2025
Please join fellow GLCC members for April Launch Weekend in Alpena, Mich. (H-66).
Port Captain Steve Wilson is the chairperson and has organized what promises to be a very interesting event.
The fun-filled weekend begins with a Friday night cocktail hour reception at the Alpena Yacht Club, with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a chance to relax and visit with other members.
Saturday offers opportunities for exploring the area, including touring the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and learning about nearly 200 shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay Sanctuary.
A wonderful Saturday night reception and dinner are planned. After dinner, join Michigan History Center historian Don La Barre as he unveils the fascinating history and operations of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve and this special region of Michigan. Explore how this unique section of Lake Huron became the first freshwater sanctuary and hear the gripping story behind one of its most recent discoveries - the wreck of the ill-fated schooner-barge Ironton.
GLCC April Launch Weekend
April 25-27, 2025
Friday
Arrival and check into hotel
1730 – Reception with heavy appetizers at the Alpena Yacht Club (250 Prentiss Street, Alpena)
Saturday
0830 – Board of Directors meeting (Holiday Inn Express and Suites Large Conference Room)
1030 – Great Lakes Foundation meeting
1050 – Break
1100 – Port Captains meeting
1200 – Lunch on Your Own
1400 - Tour the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (500 W. Fletcher Street, Alpena)
1730 – Cocktails and Social Hour at JJ’s Steak & Pizza House – Phoenix Room (411 N. 2nd Street, Alpena)
1830 – Buffet Dinner
2000 – Guest Speaker Don La Barre – Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center Historian
Sunday
Breakfast on your own and departure
Hotel Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
225 River Street, Alpena, MI 49707
$159.00 King Standard
$169.00 Double Queen Standard
$179.00 King Suite
Guests can call the hotel at 989-340-1800 and mention the Great Lakes Cruising Club
or use the link below to make reservations.