At Bay Harbor Yacht Club, boating isn’t just about getting from one harbor to another. It’s about the people you meet along the way, the laughter shared at the docks, the spontaneous sunset cruises, and the slow mornings when the water feels like glass. Whether it’s a raft-off in the Bay, a short trip to Harbor Springs, or a quiet evening tied up at the slip, life on the water here has a rhythm all its own.
The Simple Joy of Being on the Water
For Heidi Geiger, boating is about slowing down and appreciating what the Great Lakes have to offer. “I grew up near the water and always loved it,” she says. “But I didn’t start boating until I met my husband, Mike. We’d take off after work for Mackinac Island or Les Cheneaux and spend the weekend on the boat. It was such a great way to relax and meet people.”
Forty three years later, Heidi still loves that same mix of calm and connection. “There’s just something about being on the water, the fresh air, the sunshine, the sound of the waves, it’s good for the soul,” she says. When asked her favorite day trip, she doesn’t hesitate: “Charlevoix. Go through the channel with your music playing, grab a lobster roll at The Landing, drop anchor, and swim for a bit. Come back just before sunset, it’s the best part of the day.”
Taking the Helm
Dena Yocom knows that same joy. As captain of Nessie Lou, she designed her boat so she could handle it comfortably on her own, though she says the best part of any outing is sharing it with others. “I love being at the helm and hosting friends,” Dena says. “The end of a great ride, everyone smiling, talking about how beautiful it is out there, that’s what makes it worth it.”
Her favorite kind of trip is a short, easy cruise. “I think of Nessie Lou as a picnic boat,” she says. “Lunch runs, sunset rides, three hour tours. It doesn’t need to be complicated.”
Dena is also quick to note that boating at Bay Harbor is about community as much as it is about water. “I can’t say enough about the people at the docks,” she says. “Everyone’s friendly, everyone helps each other. Some of my best days are just sitting in my slip on B Dock, chatting with whoever walks by.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Family
When Carole Cobb took the helm as Bay Harbor Yacht Club’s first female Commodore, she brought the same passion she has for boating to her leadership role. During her tenure, she oversaw the addition of the Lange Center, a project that expanded the Club’s footprint and created beautiful new spaces for members to gather.
But her favorite moments are still spent on the water with her family. “I’m the captain, my husband’s the Admiral, and our kids and their spouses are the crew,” she says with a laugh. “We love heading to Oyster Bay, rafting up with friends, and spending the afternoon in the sun.”
Carole recalls one memory that stands out above all. “My last boat ride with my mom. My son was at the helm, and we followed the setting sun out into the bay. It was quiet, just the sound of the water and the sky turning pink. That’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
The Heart of BHYC
Ask any member what makes Bay Harbor Yacht Club special, and you’ll hear the same thing, it’s the people. “You can’t help but feel welcome here,” says Carole. “Everyone has the same love for the lake, and somehow that connects us.”
Heidi agrees. “The Cruise Club trips are one of my favorite things,” she says. “You get to explore new places with a group, meet new people, and still have the freedom to do your own thing. It’s such a fun way to see the Great Lakes.”
From its three restaurants and full calendar of events to its tight knit boating community, BHYC continues to be the social anchor of Bay Harbor. Here, boating isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle built on friendship, shared sunsets, and the kind of days you wish would never end.
