Head to Alpena, Mich., for April Launch weekend 

Mark your calendars to join fellow GLCC members for April Launch Weekend on April 25-27, 2025, in Alpena, Mich. (H-66). GLCC Alpena Port Captain Steve Wilson is the chairperson and is organizing what promises to be an 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 the more than 200 shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay Sanctuary. 

A Saturday night reception and dinner also is being planned. Michigan History Center historian Don La Barre will talk about the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve and relay the gripping story behind one of its most recent discoveries: the wreck of the ill-fated schooner-barge Ironton.  

The Ironton was 191-foot wooden vessel that sunk in 1894. Its wreck was discovered in 2019. The Ironton was found fully intact, including its three masts, anchor and a lifeboat still tethered to the vessel.  

Alpena has much to explore, and offers many opportunities to learn more about Great Lakes history. Consider arriving early on Friday at 2 p.m. to tour the Bessers Museum, view the Great Lakes History Fishery Exhibit, and attend a planetarium show providing a visualization of “Habitat Earth.” 

Watch your email for registration details.