holland mi
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Holland, MI Lat: 42° 46.381 Long: 086°. 12.855 |
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Important Numbers
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DESCRIPTION Holland MI is a large city located about 5 nm inland from Lake Michigan. It lies at the eastern end of Lake Macatawa and is connected to Lake Michigan by a well-marked channel. Holland was settled in the late 1840's by Dutch immigrants. The city was incorporated in 1867. To this day, it retains a very strong Dutch flavor to its culture. Although Lake Macatawa is more developed at its eastern end, for the most part, it is a quite natural environment that is a haven for boaters. Opportunities abound for a visiting sailor to either enjoy quiet times or move a little closer and experience what the city has to offer. There are lots of reasons to do either - or both! |
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APPROACHES The approaches to the channel entrance for Holland MI are clear from all directions. The entrance lies between two breakwalls marked with a Fl GREEN light on the north side, visible 7 mi/6nm and a Fl RED light visible 5mi/4 nm. This light also has a horn. The inner channel entrance is marked with a Fl GREEN light on the north side and an Al RED/WHITE light, visible 19 mi/16.5 nm offshore. The channel up Lake Macatawa is well-marked. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Parkside Marina (616) 399-2020 VHF 9 When you clear the inner entrance to Lake Macatawa, its approximately .25 nm to the first marker buoy, a Fl GREEN "G1". WAs you approach it, alter course to approximately 000° leaving the buoy on your starboard beam. The marina will be on your port bow. There are 80 slips with a number set aside for transient sailors. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There is water and power availanle at dockside. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Other amenities include picnic areas, BBQ grills and internet service. Eldean Shipyard (616) 335-5843 VHF 9 When you clear the inner entrance, follow the channel until the Fl GREEN "G1" marker buoy is on your port beam. Alter course to 180°. Eldean Shipyard will be on your bow. This is one of the oldest marinas in the United States, serving sailors for well over 100 years. They have over 300 slips with about 4 dozen set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There are hookups for water, power and cable TV. It is a full-service marina, cappable of carrying out a wide range of repairs and maintenance to engines, mechanical and electrical systems, rigging, hull and canvas work. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Other amenities include a swimming pool, hot tubs, picnic areas with BBQ grills and a clubhouse. Internet service is available. Macatawa Yacht Club (616) 335-5815 VHF 9 MYC is located immediately to the east of Eldean Shipyard. They have several slips available for transient sailors from other clubs. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There is water and power at the slips. The clubhouse has restrooms and showers. There is also a lounge and dining room. The club has a swimming pool and internet access. Yacht Basin Marina (616) 786-2205 VHF 9 Yacht Basin Marina is on the north side of the lake, up inside Big Bay. Stay in the center of the bay as you proceed up. The marina will be on your port side. There are over 350 slips with up to 2 dozen available for visiting sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water, power and cable TV are available dockside. This is a full-service marina. They are able to carry out engine, mechanical, electrical and hull repairs and maintenance. Restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are available. Other amenities include a swimming pool, picnic areas, BBQ grills and internet access. There is also a ship's store. Anchorage Marina (616) 399-1802 VHF 9 Anchorage Marina is at the head of Big Bay. It is a private condominium development but the marina does welcome transient sailors and has approximately a dozen slips for visitors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water, power and cable TV are available dockside. This is a full-service marina able to carry out a wide range of engine, mechanical, electrical and fibreglass repairs and maintenance. Their clubhouse has restrooms, showers and laundry facilities as well as a heated swimming pool, sauna, attractive lounge and full restaurant. Other amenities include picnic areas and BBQ grills. There is internet service. Anchorage There is a special anchorage area (charted) in Lake Macatawa, immediately south of the entrance channel. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Eldean Shipyard (See above) Yacht Basin Marina (See above) Yacht Basin Marina (See above) Anchorage Marina (See above) Crescent Shores Marina (See above) Boat Services & Outfitters, located at Yacht Basin Marina, specializes in electronics troubleshooting, repairs, sales and installations. They also have factory-trained mechanics who can work on a variety of diesel and gasoline engines. UK Halsey Sailmakers is a full-service sail loft located south of Crescent Shores Marina. Part of UK Sailmakers world-wide group of sail lofts, they can provide a full range of design and maufacturing expertise and service. They also carry out repairs and recuts. Most grocery stores are located in and around Holland, at the east end of the lake. In Holland, there is a Save-A-Lot supermarket. About 1/2 way along the south shoreline, is Wiersma's Central Park Foods There are at least a half dozen banks in downtown Holland, all with teller service and ATM's. PNC or Fifth Third Bank are likely the closest. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES Holland Hospital (616) 392-5141 is located in central Holland MI, about 5 mi/8 km east of Eldean Shipyard. Model Drug Store (616) 392-4707 is located in downtown Holland MI, about 5 mi/8 km east of Eldean Shipyard. |
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PLACES TO EAT Holland MI has a number of good restaurants and pubs to enjoy. South shoreline is Boatwerks Restaurant. You can tie up in front of it if you choose to cruise in for dinner. This casual pub has a lovely outdoor deck overlooking the lake. Across the lake from Boatwerks is the well-known and highly-regarded deBoers Bakery In downtown Holland MI, you can try AlpenRose Restaurant, a very popular German restaurant. The Windmill Restaurant earns rave reviews for their breakfasts. Other restaurants worth considering include Crazy Horse and Salt & Pepper, both very highly regarded, and worth visiting. For an excellent pub experience, visit New Holland Brewing, a highly-regarded micro-brewery and brew pub. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Holland MI is very proud of its Dutch heritage and there are numerous events to celebrate its cultural roots. Although too early for cruising sailors, it is natural that Holland MI has a Tulip Festival and this one attracts visitors from all over the world. Once the summer comes, visiting sailors can experience a real Dutch town created at Nelis's Dutch Village with its acres of unique architecture, canals and gardens. Visitors are welcome at De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory to watch the unique blue and white delftware being created. Windmill Island Gardens has the only authentic, operating Dutch windmill in the United States. Every Thursday, there is an eclectic mix of jugglers, musicians, clowns and acrobats performing in the downtown. All summer long, Holland MI hosts Concerts in the Park every Friday night. The first weekend in August sees Art in the Park, an annual fine arts and crafts show. Museums include Holland Museum, detailing the history of the city and the Dutch settlers who laid its foundation. De Graat Nature Center lies within the city and has acres of woodland and marsh accessible by walking trails. And of course, there are the beaches. From busy Holland State Park to the quiet Laketown Beach, there is room for everyone to enjoy Holland MI 's Lake Michigan. This very informative Holland MI site will give you many ideas on getting the most out of your visit. Return from Holland MI to Lake Michigan Return to Home Page |
