Day One-Ketchikan, Alaska

 I’m glad it was raining and slightly chilly when I stepped off the plane in Ketchikan, Alaska to join the fleet of Grand Banks' making their way north. For more than a month, I was anticipating this cruise and for an east coaster like me, the topography, overcast skies, and smell of wilderness and sea were different enough to stir an inner child-like excitement. Ah, we’re on an adventure I thought, while taking the ferry from the airport to the mainland.

 To the participants of the Grand Tour—an event developed as the centerpiece marking the 50th anniversary of Grand Banks Yachts—this frontier town was met with an “okay, been there done that,” shrug of the shoulders response. After two weeks of cruising from British Columbia and entering into Alaska’s Inside Passage, perhaps they had become slightly jaded by the spectacular, rugged scenery. If this was the case, however, the next four days would cause excitement within even the most seasoned Alaskan cruising veteran.

After meeting up with the Grand Banks team, including David Hensel, marketing communications director; Jonathan Cooper, marketing manager; and Larry Crouch, service and support manager, I jump started my Alaskan gala with a “Misty Fjords” cruise. “It’s the most cruise ship type of thing we’ve done,” said Michelle Weingeist, the unflappable event planner and coordinator for the Grand Tour. “But I was told it can’t be missed.” She was right.

Suddenly it occurred to me that I was passing by some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve seen, gazing from behind a window in the climate controlled cocoon of a tour boat. I was reminded  of those deadpan stares cast from tourists on Manhattan tour buses.

Expressions that reveal the incompleteness of merely observing, and not participating.

With this thought, I jumped up from my seat and headed up to the aft deck where a few members of our group were gathering, joining David at the rail. “Holy crap,” sighed David, who is usually much more eloquent. But looking up at the breathtaking 3,000 foot cliff carved from glaciers, I think his expression was dead on.

After the 5-hour tour, we retreated to the cozy saloon of the Grand Banks 42 Motoryacht, Sea Gate, our home for the next five days. Larry passed on the cruise, wanting to work on  a few items on board and get everything ship shape for our departure in the morning. The sun was still shining at 10 p.m., playing havoc with my jet-lag. The GB folks were kind enough to put me up in the aft cabin, where I retreated after a glass of wine and slept like a rock.

Day Two- Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck

We were off the dock by 6:30 a.m., departing under a light vail of mist and occasional showers. Everywhere I looked there were scenic surprises. For instance, I put my head down for a second, and then looked up to see a pod of porpoises, then a seaplane gliding by a blanket of pine trees.

Larry took the wheel for the 40-mile leg to Meyers Chuck, allowing Jonathan and I to swarm over the boat with our camera gear, trying to capture the moment. But believe me when I tell you, words and photos can not replicate the beauty of southeast Alaska.

We arrived in Meyers Chuck at 11:30 a.m. as the rain lifted and the sun began to creep through. The small cove was surrounded by a sampling of rustic and well cared for cabins. There was random activity among the 50 or so inhabitants, although the atmosphere was peace and tranquility. We rafted alongside Sanctuary, an impressive Grand Banks Aleutian 70 that would spend several more months after the Grand Tour cruising Alaska. “This is why we came 700 miles,” said Jeff Bland, an experienced yachtsman and owner of Sanctuary. Yes indeed, I agree.

Jeff and Susan Bland had arranged for Chef Becky Selengut to cook on board their boat, and Grand Banks also enlisted her wonderful range of talents to coordinate various events on the Grand Tour. This day she was putting on a culinary extravaganza. All the participants were invited to the private home of Greg and Rebecca Rice for a late lunch. “We’re opening the gallery after the feed,” shouted a salty looking lady as she passed by in her skiff. A feed?

Well, after arriving at the home of our hosts, I learned what a feed means. It was an Alaskan experience complete with a variety of salmon and halibut dishes, and several stellar side dishes prepared by Chef Becky. During the feast, the pie lady arrived by skiff, packed to the gunwales with 20 pies. Each boat received a pie, and somehow we ended up with several pies. Pie for breakfast became a new Alaskan tradition on board Sea Gate. Had my trip ended after this day, it would have been a memorable experience.

Day three-Meyers Chuck to Santa Ana Inlet

We left Meyers Chuck, bound 19 miles north to Santa Ana Inlet, arriving just before lunch. Tall steep cliffs directed cascading waterfalls into the deep blue water, presenting us with the postcard perfect Alaskan cliché. We took our position on the side of Sanctuary, before taking off on the impressive Zodiac CZ7 to explore a few coves. "It's like going back a thousand years, "commented Michelle observing the vast wilderness around us.

That night we enjoyed the hospitality of the Blands, trading sea stories and lies. The 70 is an impressive ship, and very much at home in these waters.

Day Four-Santa Ana Inlet to Wrangell

We departed at 6:00 a.m, heading for the final port of call. We cruised   through Blake Channel, then followed the eastern side of Wrangell Island.

I wish I could have spent more time in Wrangell, but obligations at home began to call. There was a final dinner, which I heard was another impressive event. Had I been there, I would have found myself clanging a wine glass, poised for a toast. In my speech, I would have said that the Grand Tour was one of the best organized events I've been involved with, and then given a Happy Anniversary toast to a company that seems perfectly positioned with new product, savvy management, and loyal owners to endure  another 50 years. Although, I don't know how they'll top this event in 2056!