By James Windell
Gently rocking in the calm water in Black River on a mild wintery day, the Tallship MJ is holding vigil in boat Slip 22 near South Haven’s Northside Marina.
MJ is covered with white canvas except for its two tall masts pointing to a heaven that could dump a winter storm on it at any moment.
There are few boats and fewer tall ships still in the river, but MJ will brave the Michigan winter in South Haven – as opposed to staying closer to its summer port at the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Owner Captain Megan Cairns asked to store MJ in South Haven this year and the Harbor Commission and the South Haven City Council agreed she could do that. In a pilot program, a deal was struck whereby MJ could stay in boat slip 22 until April – at a cost of $1500.
At the Harbor Commission meeting in October, 2025 when the request was first made by South Haven resident Captain Cairns, Michael Landis, Assistant City Manager and Harbor Master, told the Harbor Commission that under this pilot program, the City would provide a provision of electrical service only for participating vessels, along with the use of bubblers to prevent ice formation. These vessels would be permitted to remain in the northside or maritime marina from October to April.
Captain Cairns said that the reason she approached the City about wintering in South Haven was primarily because South Haven is her home town. “Having the boat in the water in the winter has some great benefits, but it also has risks,” she said. “But having her in a close harbor that I can easily get to during a snowstorm to check on how the ship’s weathering is an incredible help.”
She added that, “Everyone at the marina has been so supportive of us and the ship, which is really important, because it truly takes a community to help care for these old ships.”
The MJ is 50 years old, although she was made traditionally like fishing boats from Nova Scotia from the 1860s. “In the summer, we dock at the Marina operated by the Inn at Harbor Shores,” Cairns said. “There we run two-hour trips through the historical bridges and out to Lake Michigan. We always set as much sail as we can and help our guests feel the magic of the seas, sun and sailing.”
Cairns said that they do a Kids Neverland Sails. “Here the kids tap into that universal fascination with pirates, and they haul sail, sword fight and steal the captain’s (my) treasure,” she said.
“The boat will be here until April,” commented Landis, “and is a welcome addition to the northside.”
