Nate was born in Virginia and moved to Florida to obtain his Master's degree in Marine Science in 2016. Him and his wife then moved to the Florida Keys as coral and lobster scientists, respectively. While he was working in the Florida Keys, he also obtained his Captains license by taking guests on eco-tours to snorkel at the reef and walk around at the sandbar. He found a passion for bringing people on the water and teaching the natural history of the area. Him and his wife moved to Michigan in 2024 to be near her family and start a family of their own. Nate was one of three Captains on Wind Dancer, where he continued his love of working on the water and bringing guests on board to learn how to sail and learn about the rich history of Traverse City. Nate has his 50-ton Master Captain license and sailing endorsement. 

Marc is a Traverse City Native where he lives with his wife, three kids, and two dogs. Marc has spent the majority of his working life in hospitality and retail management. In 2021 he was able to follow his passion of the water and was the first employee hired on the double-decker tour boat, The Discovery. In that time he rose quickly in rank from deck hand to Captain.  Marc currently holds his 100-ton Master Captain license as well as a Sailing Auxiliary endorsement. He has a deep understanding of all things Traverse City, and enjoys sharing what he knows with his passengers.

Dan is a Traverse City native where he lives with his Wife and Daughter. He has worked in film and video production and in the hospitality industry, promoting land conservation, fair trade business models, and local tourism advertisements. Having lived aboard a 26 ft sloop for several years and sailing to the Bahamas from Sutton’s Bay, he has honed his skills as a mariner and navigator. He enjoys working on raising a garden and exploring the local forests. After earning his Captain's License, Dan began working aboard Wind Dancer as a captain and crew in 2021. He passionately shares what he has learned aboard boats and loves to demonstrate the nuances of schooner sailing.

Description goes he“I am originally from MI but I’ve lived in the FL Keys for the last ten years.  My husband and I recently moved back to MI. I love spending time outdoors and am excited to share with guests what Northern Michigan has to offer. I have worked on or around the water since 2014. I have a PhD in fisheries ecology and worked with Florida Fish and Wildlife for 8 years to promote fisheries sustainability and engage the public on conservation efforts. I have worked on commercial fishing boats, research vessels, and powerboats and I’m excited to add sailing experience to that list

Des"Paige moved to Traverse City after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2024 with a degree in Earth and environmental sciences. She maintains interests in climate science, ecology, and her favorite, aquatic geochemistry. Originally from southeastern Michigan, Paige feels extremely grateful to live so close to Lake Michigan. Paige works as a crew member aboard the Wind Dancer, but also holds down a job at a local water testing laboratory, becoming a crucial part of Traverse City's water safety. Paige loves to be outside, especially near bodies of water. In the warmer months she can often be found on a wooded trail or dune beach listening to a podcast or settling in with a good book. Paige also loves to be on stage. She occasionally performs as a singer, dancer, skit comedian or even as a percussionist!"