Detroit Charter Company

10/16/2026

Detroit was built by people who believed in what was possible. We’re here to carry that spirit forward on the water and beyond. We’re just getting started.

Join us in what comes next.

10/13/2026

Exciting things are happening along Detroit's waterfront!

Bedrock and General Motors are moving forward with an ambitious vision to transform the Renaissance Center and surrounding riverfront into a vibrant destination featuring new public spaces, restaurants, entertainment, and a marina.

Detroit Charter Company was pleased to be invited by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and representatives from the State of Michigan to participate in a recent planning discussion with Bedrock, City of Detroit stakeholders, and others involved in shaping the future of our waterfront.

We had the opportunity to share our vision for expanding Detroit's waterfront experiences, including sailing charters, water taxis, ferry services, and other activities that bring people onto the Detroit River.

We've always believed that Detroit's greatest waterfront asset is the river itself. Creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience it from the water is an important part of that vision.

It was encouraging to see the level of interest in making the river an active part of Detroit's continued development.

We're excited to be part of these early conversations and look forward to seeing how the plans evolve.

The future of Detroit's waterfront is looking bright!

Detroit Charter Company

Detroit’s Premier Sailing & Waterfront Hospitality

10/03/2026

COMMODORE’S WEATHER BRIEFING

Briefing Given: Saturday, October 3 | 9:50 AM
Forecast Period: Saturday, October 3

Today is shaping up to be a beautiful early-October day on the Detroit River and a great evening for our final ticketed Sunset Sail of the season.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

SAILING OUTLOOK: GREAT FALL EVENING

Temperature: High around 63°, around 59° near sunset and cooling into the low 50s during the evening

Wind: North to northeast around 5–7 knots this morning, becoming light and variable this afternoon, then turning easterly this evening around 6–9 knots

Sky: Sunny today and mostly clear tonight

Rain: None expected

Severe weather: None expected

Waves: Around 1 foot or less

Sunset: 7:10 PM

Today should be a beautiful day on the water.

The afternoon breeze will be light, so expect a more relaxed sail. As we get into the evening, a light easterly breeze should begin to develop.

With sunshine, calm water and no rain in the forecast, conditions look excellent for enjoying the river, sunset and Detroit skyline.

FALL COLOR WATCH

We’re into October now, and the fall colors are beginning to become more noticeable around Southeast Michigan.

We’re still ahead of peak color in the Detroit area, but look for more yellows, oranges and reds beginning to appear along Belle Isle and the riverfront.

DRESS FOR A GREAT EVENING ON THE WATER

This is great fall sailing weather, but dress for the evening.

We’ll be around 60° near sunset and into the low 50s later tonight. Even with lighter wind, it will feel cooler once the sun goes down.

Think fall date-night comfortable: jeans or comfortable pants, a sweater, sweatshirt or fleece, and a light jacket.

Bring an extra layer. You can always take it off if you don’t need it.

Comfortable, non-marking shoes are recommended aboard. No high heels.

THE COMMODORE’S TAKE

This is a great forecast for our final ticketed Sunset Sail of the season.

Sunny, dry, calm water and a light breeze.

This won’t be a heavy-air sailing night. It should be a comfortable, relaxed evening on the Detroit River.

Sunset is at 7:10 PM, so we’ll get to watch the sun go down from the river and then see the Detroit skyline and city lights come on around us.

As always, we continue watching actual conditions and radar right up until departure.

Light rain does not automatically cancel sailing. If a passing shower is around at departure time, we may briefly hold at the dock and allow it to pass. Rain decisions are made at the dock based on actual conditions and current radar.

Severe or unsafe weather is different.

Detroit Charter Company does not leave our home dock in severe or unsafe weather.

Dress for fall, bring a layer, and come enjoy a great evening on the water.

10/02/2026

COMMODORE’S WEATHER BRIEFING

Briefing Given: Friday, October 2 | 9:50 AM
Forecast Period: Friday, October 2 through Saturday, October 3

The rain moved through overnight and early this morning, and conditions are expected to improve considerably as we head toward tonight’s sail. Saturday continues to look like a beautiful early-October day.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

SAILING OUTLOOK: GOOD TO SAIL TONIGHT

Temperature: High around 65°, around 60° near sunset and cooling into the 50s during the evening

Wind: North to northwest around 10–15 knots on Lake St. Clair this afternoon, easing during the evening

Sky: Cloudy this morning, gradually clearing this afternoon and mostly clear tonight

Rain: The rain is moving out this morning. Dry conditions are expected for our evening sailing window.

Severe weather: None currently expected for tonight

Waves: Around 1–2 feet, settling to 1 foot or less tonight

Sunset: 7:11 PM

We had plenty of rain overnight, but this is a good example of why we watch the timing rather than simply looking at a rain icon on a weather app.

The system is moving out. Skies should begin clearing this afternoon, leaving us with a cool northerly breeze and mostly clear conditions for tonight’s sail.

We should have enough breeze to get HYDRA moving nicely early in the evening, with the wind gradually settling down after sunset.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

SAILING OUTLOOK: GREAT FALL EVENING

Temperature: High around 63°, cooling into the 50s during the evening

Wind: North around 5–8 knots in the morning, becoming light and variable during the afternoon. Light easterly breeze Saturday evening.

Sky: Sunny during the day and mostly clear Saturday night

Rain: None expected

Severe weather: None currently expected

Waves: Around 1 foot or less

Sunset: Approximately 7:10 PM

Saturday looks beautiful.

Expect sunshine, dry weather and much lighter air than Friday.

This should be a more relaxed sailing evening. The lighter breeze, calm water and early October sunset should make for a great evening aboard.

FALL COLOR WATCH

We’re into October now, and the fall colors are beginning to show.

Most of the Detroit River and Belle Isle shoreline is still green, but we’re starting to see more scattered yellows, oranges and reds.

We’re not at peak color yet. The bigger change is still ahead of us as we move further into October.

DRESS FOR A GREAT EVENING ON THE WATER

This is great fall sailing weather, but dress for the evening, not the afternoon temperature.

Both nights will cool into the 50s after sunset.

Think fall date-night comfortable: jeans or comfortable pants, a sweater, sweatshirt or fleece, and a wind-resistant jacket.

Friday will feel cooler because of the northerly breeze, so an extra layer is a good idea.

You can always take a layer off. You can’t put on the one you left at home.

Comfortable, non-marking shoes are recommended aboard. No high heels.

THE COMMODORE’S TAKE

The rain is moving out, and Friday evening is looking good.

Tonight should give us the better sailing breeze of the two nights, with clearing skies and a northerly wind.

Saturday will be the calmer evening: sunny, dry and much lighter air.

And with sunset just after 7 PM, this is one of my favorite times of year to sail Detroit.

You get the fall air and sunset on the river, then watch the Detroit skyline and city lights come on around us without having to stay out late.

As always, light rain does not automatically cancel sailing.

If a passing shower is around at departure time, we may briefly hold at the dock and allow it to pass. Rain decisions are made at the dock based on actual conditions and current radar.

Severe or unsafe weather is different.

Detroit Charter Company does not leave our home dock in severe or unsafe weather.

Dress for fall, bring a layer, and come enjoy a great evening on the water.

10/01/2026

COMMODORE’S WEATHER BRIEFING

Briefing Given: Thursday, October 1 | 10:15 AM
Forecast Period: Friday, October 2 through Saturday, October 3

We have some rain moving through tonight, but the timing continues to look good for our Friday and Saturday evening sails. Friday should dry out early, with clearing skies by evening, while Saturday is looking sunny, dry and calm.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

SAILING OUTLOOK: GOOD TO SAIL

Temperature: High around 64°, cooling into the 50s during the evening
Wind: North around 10–15 knots earlier in the day, easing to around 5–10 knots during the evening sailing window
Sky: Mostly cloudy during the day, becoming mostly clear Friday evening
Rain: A chance of showers very early in the morning, then dry
Severe weather: None currently expected
Waves: 2 feet or less
Sunset: 7:11 PM

Friday is shaping up to be a very nice fall sailing evening.

The rain should be finished well before our sailing window, and we should have a northerly breeze with clearing skies. The breeze will gradually ease during the evening, but we should still have enough wind to get HYDRA moving nicely.

It will cool quickly after sunset, so dress for the evening rather than the afternoon temperature.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

SAILING OUTLOOK: GREAT FALL EVENING

Temperature: High around 64°, cooling into the 50s during the evening
Wind: North around 5–10 knots, becoming lighter and turning easterly later in the day
Sky: Sunny during the day and mostly clear Saturday night
Rain: None expected
Severe weather: None currently expected
Waves: 2 feet or less
Sunset: 7:10 PM

Saturday looks beautiful.

We’ll have sunshine, dry weather and a lighter breeze than Friday. This should be a more relaxed sailing evening, with calm water and a great early-October sunset.

FALL COLOR WATCH

We’re starting to see the first signs of fall color, but Southeast Michigan is still early in the season.

The latest Pure Michigan report has southern Lower Michigan generally around 0–20% color, so expect plenty of green along the river with scattered yellows, oranges and reds beginning to appear. The bigger color change is still ahead of us later in October.

DRESS FOR A GREAT EVENING ON THE WATER

This is great fall sailing weather, but dress for it.

Think fall date-night comfortable: jeans or comfortable pants, a sweater, sweatshirt or fleece, and a light wind-resistant jacket.

Both evenings will cool into the 50s after sunset, and it will feel cooler once you add the breeze off the water.

Bring an extra layer. You can always take it off if you don’t need it.

Comfortable, non-marking shoes are recommended aboard. No high heels.

THE COMMODORE’S TAKE

Friday and Saturday are shaping up to be two great fall evenings on the Detroit River.

Friday should give us the better sailing breeze, with the rain moving out early and skies clearing for the evening.

Saturday looks sunnier, calmer and more relaxed.

And with sunset at 7:11 Friday and 7:10 Saturday, you get the full experience without a late-night commitment: fall air, sunset on the river, and the Detroit skyline and city lights coming on around us.

As always, light rain does not automatically cancel sailing. If a passing shower is around at departure time, we may briefly hold at the dock and allow it to pass. Rain decisions are made at the dock based on actual conditions and current radar.

Severe or unsafe weather is different.

Detroit Charter Company does not leave our home dock in severe or unsafe weather.

Dress for fall, bring a layer, and come enjoy a great evening on the water.

10/01/2026

Planning your company’s 2027 budget and calendar? Bring Detroit Charter Company aboard.

Business owners, HR teams, marketing leaders, executive assistants, and event planners—include an experience on the Detroit River in next year’s plans.

From team building and corporate outings to client entertainment, meetings, product launches, and photo shoots, our sailing vessels offer a memorable setting with Detroit’s skyline as your backdrop.

As our 2026 season winds down, we’re looking ahead. Now is the time to discuss your ideas, explore dates, and get your event into the budget.

Message us to start planning, or visit detroitcharterco.com.

Know who plans your company’s events? Share this post with them.

Photo Credit: Tracy Buse | Detroit Charter Company

09/30/2026

What a season — and we’re not quite finished yet.

This Friday and Saturday mark Detroit Charter Company’s final public ticketed sails of the 2026 season. We still have several private charters and events scheduled through the end of October, but as our public sailing season winds down, it’s a great time to look back at just how much happened this year — and how far we’ve come.

This was the year Detroit Charter Company truly came to life on the Detroit waterfront.

We completed the extensive process of bringing HYDRA into service as a USCG-certified passenger vessel and welcomed guests aboard for private charters, public sunset sails, corporate outings, weddings, memorials and special events.

We welcomed cruise ship passengers aboard for excursions in Detroit and began building relationships within the cruise industry to bring even more visitors onto the Detroit River in the years ahead.

Behind the scenes, we were building a company.

We opened our Guest Services booth at Port Detroit, implemented new booking systems, hired and trained an amazing staff and crew, and continued developing the infrastructure necessary to support a growing charter operation.

We raced aboard TRIDENT, introduced more people to big-boat sailing, and launched the inaugural Ambassador Cup — bringing grand-prix sailboat racing to the heart of downtown Detroit.

Just as important has been our commitment to the community around us.

We’ve been proud to work with and support organizations including the Detroit Community Sailing Center, Warrior Sailing and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Detroit. During the Ambassador Cup, we also helped put 100 new life jackets into the hands of young people in our community.

We’ve built relationships throughout Detroit that we could only have imagined when we started — including the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, City of Detroit, Shinola, Bedrock and many others who share our excitement about Detroit and its waterfront.

And the momentum isn’t stopping when this sailing season ends.

Bookings for 2027 are already underway, new relationships are being developed, and we’re working behind the scenes on what comes next.

We’ve also been fortunate to attract significant private investment from people who believe in what we’re building. That support has helped us invest in our fleet, our people and the infrastructure needed to continue growing Detroit Charter Company.

There is still a lot of work ahead, but 2026 has shown us what is possible.

To our guests, crew, staff, investors, sponsors, partners, vendors, supporters and everyone who has followed along and encouraged us this year — thank you.

For now, we still have sailing to do.

Our final public ticketed sails are this Friday and Saturday, private charters continue through October, and planning for 2027 is already well underway.

We’re just getting started.

Adventure Starts Here.

Photo Credit: Tracy Buse | Detyroit Charter Company

09/30/2026

COMMODORE’S WEATHER BRIEFING

Briefing Given: Wednesday, September 30 | 1:00 PM
Forecast Period: Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4

We have some weather moving through Thursday and into Friday morning, but the weekend is looking considerably better. For Detroit Charter Company, the important part is our Friday and Saturday evening sailing windows, which are currently looking favorable.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

SAILING OUTLOOK: WEATHER MOVING IN

Temperature: Around 76°
Wind: Southwest around 10 knots
Sky: Mostly cloudy
Rain: Showers possible during the day, becoming more likely Thursday night
Severe weather: No severe weather currently expected
Sunset: 7:13 PM

Thursday will be the unsettled day, with the better chance of rain coming Thursday night and into Friday morning.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

SAILING OUTLOOK: LOOKING GOOD FOR THE EVENING

Temperature: Around 66°
Wind: North around 9–12 knots during our sailing window
Sky: Clouds clearing through the afternoon, becoming mostly clear
Rain: Showers possible earlier in the day, mainly before 2 PM
Severe weather: None currently expected
Sunset: 7:11 PM

Friday evening is shaping up nicely.

The rain currently looks like it will move through before our sunset sailing window, leaving us with a good northerly breeze and clearing skies.

That 9–12 knot breeze should give us some very nice sailing conditions aboard HYDRA.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

SAILING OUTLOOK: GREAT FALL EVENING

Temperature: Around 64°
Wind: Light during the afternoon, becoming east around 6 knots in the evening
Sky: Sunny, becoming partly cloudy after sunset
Rain: None expected
Severe weather: None currently expected
Sunset: 7:10 PM

Saturday looks like a beautiful early-October evening on the Detroit River.

The breeze will be lighter than Friday, so expect a more relaxed sail, but sunshine, calm water and an early sunset should make for a great evening aboard.

FALL COLOR WATCH

Now we’re getting into October, and the first signs of fall are becoming more noticeable around Southeast Michigan.

We’re beginning to see scattered yellows, oranges and reds along the shoreline, although the bigger color change around Detroit is still ahead of us.

DRESS FOR A GREAT EVENING ON THE WATER

Fall sailing is some of our favorite sailing of the season, but dress for it.

Think fall date-night comfortable: jeans or comfortable pants, a sweater, sweatshirt or fleece, and a light wind-resistant jacket.

Temperatures in the 60s can feel considerably cooler after sunset with a breeze coming across the water, so bring an extra layer.

Comfortable, non-marking shoes are recommended aboard. No high heels.

THE COMMODORE’S TAKE

Thursday and early Friday are the weather periods we’ll be watching.

Right now, Friday evening looks like the better pure sailing night, with a nice northerly breeze after the rain moves through.

Saturday looks calmer, sunnier and more relaxed.

And with sunset just after 7 PM, you get the full experience without a late-night commitment: fall air, sunset on the Detroit River, and the Detroit skyline and city lights coming on around us.

As always, light rain does not automatically cancel sailing. If a passing shower is around at departure time, we may briefly hold at the dock and allow it to pass. Rain decisions are made at the dock based on actual conditions and current radar.

Severe or unsafe weather is different.

Detroit Charter Company does not leave our home dock in severe or unsafe weather.

Dress for fall, bring a layer, and come enjoy a great evening on the water.

09/29/2026

It’s not too late to get on the water!

We still have TWO chances to sail the Detroit River this weekend! 🍂⚓️

🌊 Friday, October 2
🌊 Saturday, October 3

Grab your crew, throw on a jacket, and enjoy the crisp fall air and incredible Detroit views from the water. 🍁

Spots are still available —DM us to book!

Detroit Charter Company delivers professionally managed boat charters nationwide. Safe, reliable experiences. Book today.