Exploring Life & Business with Alan Littlefair of Sailing on Desire

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Littlefair. 

Alan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“I have sailed out of the Saugatuck / Douglas area for 25 years, and never get tired of it. Sailing along the South West Michigan coastline is a beautiful experience. What a great way to see Lake Michigan.” 

My first experience sailing on the water happened when I was in High School, attending Tabor Academy. Tabor Academy was a naval honor school located in Marion Massachusetts, on the Atlantic Ocean. Tabor had many large and small sailboats and I was lucky enough to be appointed as one of 18 students on TABOR BOY for 3 years. That meant I was sailing the Atlantic Ocean on a 96-foot square-rigged schooner. I sailed to ports that included Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Bermuda, Charleston SC, New York City, and of course Annapolis MD. Sailing on the Tabor Boy and spending weekends and afternoons on the Atlantic Ocean was a life-altering experience. Sailing is now in my blood forever. 

I was lucky to find Desire in Saugatuck Michigan at Tower Marina. Desire is a beautiful boat designed by Charley Morgan, with a center cockpit and open deck design. She is an ocean-ready 41-foot Ketch, weighing 19 tons and a beam of 13’9”. Desire can handle pretty much anything Lake Michigan can come up with. 

They say a boat on the water under sail is like a Woman… She can steal your Heart, relax your Mind, and make you Dream of future triumphs. Sailing on Desire will do all of that and MORE. 

Sailing along the Saugatuck / Douglas Lake Michigan shoreline is something magnificent to experience. The miles of sugar sand beaches and 200-foot Sand Dunes are breathtaking. Saugatuck / Douglas is a fabulous get-away to relax and enjoy the out-of-door. 

Come sail with me! 

Call (616) 204-2879 or email [email protected] 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sailing season on Lake Michigan is a short season, from May 15th through September 30th. 

We’ve been impressed with Sailing on Desire, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sailing on Desire offers private 3-hour sailing excursions. I sail on Lake Michigan, out of the Saugatuck harbor. Desire is a 41-foot OI ketch rig. Desire has 2 masts, a center cockpit, and lots of deck space. It displaces 28,000 pounds and is a very stable sailboat for Lake Michigan. Desire has 2 heads (bathrooms) and a full galley (kitchen). I have owned Desire now for 28 years and have been offering private sailing charters for 8 years. I have a 6-passenger license through the Coast Guard. 

Sailing on Desire is a great way to spend a few hours of summer fun. Join us with your family and friends on a morning, afternoon, or evening private cruise. It is perfect for vacation excursions, special events, birthdays, anniversaries, or engagements. Experience the beauty with loved ones. 

When you come aboard, Captain Al and his crew untie the lines, and your Private Adventure begins. 

We are located in southwest Michigan in Douglas, MI, and are an easy trip by car from Holland, Grand Haven, South Haven, and the Grand Rapids area. 

The first part of your journey takes you into Kalamazoo Lake and through downtown Saugatuck. As you sit back and settle in, we drift past the yachts at the docks, Coral Gables, and the historic Chain Ferry next to Wicks Park. 

As the Trip continues the boat motors past the summer homes and cottages along the Kalamazoo River and into Lake Michigan. 

Captain Al’s crew will raise the mainsail while making its way out the channel. 

When you reach the pier heads, the Genoa sail is unfurled and the engine is turned off. Your sailing adventures continue as you are taken away by the winds and waves of Lake Michigan. 

Sit back and relax and enjoy the sun. You can lounge on the deck or take the wheel and steer the boat. View the sparkling waters and the coastline views of the dunes along the West Michigan shorelines. Water, sun, wind, unbelievable scenery, and being swept away by the waves will give you and your family and friends an experience you will not forget. 

How do you define success?
Success is making customers happy and exceeding their expectations. Nothing is better than hearing a client stated it was an amazing sailing excursion and it is the best part of their vacation. 

Pricing:

• $ 250 for up to 2 passengers for 3 hours
• $ 300 for up to 6 passengers for 3 hours

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://sailingondesire.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailingondesire