Fresh Lives Here: Family Ties by Lake Michigan
When a family pastime turns into a family business, the stakes are high but the rewards are sweet. For the Morris family, launching Sailing Saugatuck was the culmination of a longtime dream; and sailing a classic two-masted schooner is a true Michigan moment that creates lifelong memories for those who experience it.
“We made the dream work, and we quickly became established as a staple of Saugatuck,” says Dominic Morris. “The locals love it and everyone waves to us as we sail by.”
Morris, whose parents, Tim and Susan, built Sailing Saugatuck along with his two siblings, grew up in South Haven. They spent much of his childhood on the water and traveling to coastal locations, and the family started their business in South Haven with a small charter boat – named Margaret Ann in honor of a beloved aunt.
They purchased Serenity in 2019 and since then have been sailing the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. A voyage on Serenity begins on the Kalamazoo River, cruising past the charming downtown of Saugatuck and its iconic hand-cranked chain ferry. The schooner then winds through a scenic, tree-lined channel bordered by dunes and wildlife, before continuing into the blue waters of Lake Michigan. The nostalgic sailboat has been the setting for countless proposals, family celebrations and special occasions.
“Even on the beach, people will try to time their photo shoots so they can have us in the background to add a kind of romance,” says Morris.
While he now lives in Portugal with his wife and kids, he returns to Michigan regularly and is always finding new places to enjoy. Here are some of Morris’ essential stops and experiences for a Michigan getaway:
The Call of the Lakes
“Lake Michigan is very underappreciated for how vast and beautiful it is. When I brought my wife to Michigan for the first time I took her to the lakeshore at sunset. It’s the most amazing time because the sun sets in the west across the lake.”
For a Touch of Nature
“We’ve done a lot of brewery and wine tours out in the countryside. In Fennville, just south of Saugatuck, we recently went to Virtue Cider. There are a lot of great establishments that take advantage of nature and the outdoors, and when you get out there you just feel like you can breathe a little bit better.”
For a Local Perspective
“Every year we take our team out to Saugatuck Dune Rides, and everyone loves it. They take these old cars and turn them into dune buggies; it’s the right amount of adventure and it’s such a unique experience in Saugatuck. Sometimes, when you’re at the top of the dunes you can actually see Serenity sailing on the lake.”
Find more thrill-seeking sand dune adventures throughout Michigan.
A Family Day Out
“If I were to plan a perfect day, my favorite place to get breakfast is Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions, followed by walking around downtown Saugatuck. After a dune ride, pick up a picnic at The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry and enjoy it on the lawn by the old hand-cranked chain ferry on the river. And then go on a sunset sail on Serenity, which is truly the easiest and best way to see the sunset.”