Pirate Bike Pedal, other events on tap at Muskegon Boat Time

MUSKEGON, MI – If you see some pirates perusing Muskegon on Aug. 17, don’t worry, the city isn’t being attacked.

You're simply witnessing the newest event of Muskegon Lake Effect Boat Time, which returns for its third year Aug. 15-18.

The Pirate Bike Pedal will begin at noon Aug. 17 at the downtown Alcoa Splash Pad and continue through several stops including the Tipsy Toad Tavern, Pinchtown Market, Pere Marquette Beach and the USS Silversides before finishing at 5 p.m. at the Muskegon Lake beach for pirate races and swimming.

“We’re excited for the new activity,” said Muskegon Lake Effect Boat Time organizer Roger Zuidema. “This is a family friendly event where people dress up like pirates and travel with pirate stops on the way.”

Zuidema started Muskegon Lake Effect Boat Time in 2011 after realizing the need for a maritime festival in the Muskegon area. This year it is being held in conjunction with the Michigan Maritime Festival.

“I was sitting on top of a dune looking at Muskegon Lake and I thought to myself, wow, this is a boaters’ paradise,” Zuidema said. “I was surprised that there was no maritime festival in the biggest harbor on the west coast of Michigan.”

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 15-16, Grand Valley State University will offer rides on the W.G. Jackson, Annis Water Resources Institute's research vessel.

Saturday’s highlights include the Community Paddle at 10 a.m. and the LST 393 Boat Jam at 7 p.m.

“The Boat Jam was a fantastic night last year,” Zuidema said. “It was a great time full of dancing and Jimmy Buffet-style music.”

On Sunday, a boat party will be held in the boater dune area outside of Muskegon State Park.

Zuidema said there is knee-high water for about 70 yards and then it drops off so any type of boat can anchor there. He added that in 2011 more than 111 boats participated and about 80 last year. If the weather cooperates, he anticipates this year’s turnout to be more like 2011.

“I think it’s a great thing for Muskegon harbor to have an event that’s centered on maritime and boating,” Zuidema said. “This is just a time to be out on the water with friends and family. We just want to get people out there to enjoy the beauty of our lake. We have such a beautiful place here in Muskegon; it’s time for people to enjoy it.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.