Saturday, July 7, 2012

Michigan Tall Ship featured in major motion picture

Champion  (photo by Maritime Heritage Alliance)
Early June 2012 saw the Traverse City premier of the independent feature film “Hide Away” starring Josh Lucas, James Cromwell and Ayelet Zurer.  At the heart of the movie, filmed in late 2009 in the Grand Traverse area, is the 39 foot cutter Champion, owned and operated by The Maritime Heritage Alliance.  The Champion, renamed Hesperus in the film, is a 1968 Concordia-built wooden, traditionally-rigged cutter which offers emotional deliverance to Josh Lucas’s character as he restores her from a dilapidated state.  The real-life mission of The Champion may be more poignant (and worthy of a movie in its own right) in that she actually serves as a ship of therapy for troubled youth in the Maritime Heritage Alliance’s S.A.I.L. program.  In the film, a well-worn Herperus is purchased by a distraught Josh Lucas who uses the ship as a live-aboard project through a northern Michigan fall, winter and spring. Other sail craft-themed scenes are sprinkled throughout the movie, including a clarification of the old saying about “the two happiest days in a sailor’s life….”.  What may be noteworthy here is not that a Michigan ship, The Champion, has a starring role in a feature movie, but why more films produced in Michigan don’t take advantage of our sailing heritage for their stories.  Aside from documentaries, it appears that Michigan nautical lore and sail-craft are still an untapped resource.

Hesperus (photo acquired via itunes.apple.com)
After making the rounds at various film festivals under the title “A Year in Mooring", “Hide Away” has had a limited theatrical release and is currently available on-demand. The feature will be available on DVD by mid-August through many media outlets. Those wishing to connect with the movie experience, and help with the therapeutic mission of The Champion, can purchase a chartered afternoon cruise from Traverse City to Bower’s Harbor (the site of the filming of the movie), or other locations in the Grand Traverse area.  For information on charters and the S.A.I.L. program, please contact Captain Rorke Miller at 231.577.WIND or visit the program’s website at www.sailchampion.org.
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  1. Captain RorkeJuly 7, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    Thanks for the great article! I would like to take this opportunity to tell followers about a special charter being offered as a result.

    “Hide Away” Cruise and Dining at the Boathouse

    Take in the natural beauty of Traverse City’s magnificent West Bay from the deck of Champion - the 39-foot, wooden, Great Lakes cutter from the film “Hide Away”.

    The authentic charm of this beautifully maintained, wooden vessel provides a classic sailing experience on deck, enhanced by Old World comfort in the cabin below. Complete with kerosene lanterns, wood stove and vintage styling, Champion offers an enchanting escape for those seeking an intimate adventure.

    As Champion sets course North by Northeast from the base of West Bay, travel past islands and skip over shoals. While sailing, hear how the film, “Hide Away” was made, learn behind the scenes details, and see many of the filming locations around West Bay.

    10 Nautical miles later, Champion docks in beautiful Bower’s Harbor. Nestled on the shore, the renowned Boathouse offers delightful view of the docks and bay with wide-open windows and a summer deck. The charming décor invokes a relaxed cottage atmosphere, quite different from the small café it played in the film.

    Here, Chef Eric Nittolo pays attention to the entire plate, combining flavor, texture and presentation together so there won’t be a bite you don’t enjoy. Fresh, high-quality, prepared-from-scratch ingredients; the finest wine selections; gracious accommodating service, and exquisite views make your dining experience a memorable one.

    Enjoy dessert on the sun deck or take it with you for the return sail. The sun will set the starboard side of each of Champion’s 5 sails ablaze with color as she glides South by Southwest. Then 10 nautical miles later, we will bring her back to berth with the other tall ships.

    This unique experience is available for up to 6 passengers.
    Included is Lunch, Appetizer, and soft drinks at the Boathouse.

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