Michigan Challenge has had a truly remarkable year. First I would like to thank all those generous donors who have contributed boats, money and materials this year. Since we began our New Engine Campaign, we have received $$4,525 earmarked for the new engine, which qualified us for the matching $3,500 from an anonymous donor, bringing our total to $8,025! We still need almost $4,000 to reach our estimated cost of the engine, installation, and necessary parts. We also need to fund our upcoming season for grieving youth, teen survivors and veterans. Thank you for believing in our mission!
Thank You Generous Donors!
Anonymous
Anonymous
Jim Graczyk
Jason Lombardi
Robert Crawford
Lynette Rhodes
Jen Bisceglia
Sean Bisceglia
Laurie Grant
Will Harper
Jeremy Main
Marcia Minervini
Robin Allen
Laura O'Brien
Al Bonney
Federico Orlandini
Charles Boekeloo
Greg Chance
Don Thomson
Justin Chadwick
Christie Minervini
Joe Lombardi
Tina Ciner
Donna Allan
Kristin Lewis
Theresa O'Byrne
Ronda Alex-Szankin
Bill & Barb Horning
Larry Ward
Margaret Forgione
Sandra Cron
Dr. Susan Wainwright
Steve Hatch
Denny Ray
Kirk & Jamie O'Green
Russ & Sharon DeBolt
Dan & Terry Vanas
Bryan Smith
Nick & Susan Hansen
Ernie Barry
Aaron Bouche
Marilyn Norwood
Pete Magoun
Jayne Boucher
US Captains Training
Rotary Good Works
Schmuckel Family Foundation
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
August A. Busch II Charitable Trust
And all the kind souls who put money in our donation jar!
Michigan Challenge has earned the Bronze Star designation from Guide Star, a nonprofit organization that provides information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. Many charitable foundations use Guide Star to seek worthy nonprofits.
Please take a few minutes to watch a video of Perception's history and Michigan Challenge's accomplishments since she was launched in Grand Traverse Bay last June.
Meanwhile, work continues on Perception during the winter months. Perception's bowsprit was removed for inspection, and some rot was found. We thank Rod Jones for his expertise, and for bringing Perception's bowsprit to his shop for repairs! Repairing it now will protect it for years to come. The masts and spars also need protection from the elements. They will be sheltered by a framework covered in shrink wrap.
Rod Jones begins repair on Perception's bowsprit while Rick and Larry Ward look on.
Our Vice President, Captain Jason Lombardi bends pipes for a framework to protect Perception's masts.
Why Teak??
Perception is covered in teak. Her cockpit, her butterfly hatches, her cabin top and deck (under canvas), her deck boxes, her companionway hatches, her interior--all teak. Why? We turned to Global Shipwrightsfor the answer:
Boat builders have used teak for more than 2,000 years. Teak has been found in archaeological digs, including one at the ancient port of Berenike. Teak was originally logged in much of southeast Asia—India, Thailand, and Burma. Approximately 150 years ago, the British presence in Burma created a system of cultivating teak in areas where it had not before grown. The British used teak for ship building for decades, but as it became more expensive and more difficult to acquire, fiberglass was introduced. The British continued to use teak primarily for the trim and teak boat decking.
The timber known as teak is yellow-brown and has a good grain and texture, but the silica found in its composition can blunt edged tools. Still, teak is one of the most effective materials when it comes to boat decks. Its tight grain, high oil content, and excellent tensile strength make it especially suitable for this use. Over time, when exposed to the sun, the timber often matures to a silver-gray finish.
Perception's butterfly hatches, companionway hatches, and deck boxes are all made of teak.
This vintage photo shows Perception's teak deck and cabin top, now covered in canvas.
We believe Perception's deck and cabin top were covered with canvas to solve a leaking problem. We hope to restore the original look in the future. Global Shipwrightscontinues to inform us:
Teak is an excellent wood to use in boat building, not only because of its strength, but also because it is extremely resistant to mildew, rot and fungi. It also has a fairly low shrinkage ratio, and that makes it excellent for outdoor applications where timber undergoes occasional changes in moisture. Unlike many timbers, teak is excellent for framing and planking, which is why it is prized as the timber to use for the trim in the interiors of boats. Teak’s durability and low maintenance make it perfect for boat decking.
Teak also naturally forms a non-slip surface over time, one more quality that makes it ideal for boat decking. Most boat experts wash teak using only salt water in order to maintain the natural teak oil that is just below the white surface.
