Captain’s Corner: Featuring Steve Carrothers
Meet Captain Steve Carrothers, one of Diamond Jack’s captains. Steve entered the marine business in 1991 when Diamond Jack’s River Tours was started. He began his work with DJRT running the bar and concession stand on the Diamond Jack.
“My father in law and owner at the time, Bill Hoey, said that the only way to run a business was to be able to do all the jobs on the boat,” Steve said. “So, I started paying attention to our captains and started driving boats under their supervision.”
Steve learned to become a captain from working as a crewman and practicing alongside experienced captains. To become a captain, you have to take a written test through United States Coast Guard to prove you know the rules and navigation. Steve received his captain’s license in 1995. Now, his duties as captain include knowledge of the engine room, loading and unloading passengers, managing the crew and everything else that’s involved with manning the boat.
Steve said that he loves getting celebrities on board. Some celebrities who’ve sailed with Diamond Jack include Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, Ray Liotta, Eminem and some prominent Red Wings hockey players. He said that his most cherished sailing moments, though, are when kids from children’s hospitals sail with Diamond Jack.
“Knowing that these kids were dealt a pretty tough go in life, and to see them smile and forget some of their problems for a few hours with us on the boat is pretty special,” Steve said.
Jack’s Happenings
Even during the off-season, we’re very busy over here at Diamond Jack’s. We’re currently working on renovating the boats before the 2018 cruising season arrives. Our river boats – The Diamond Jack, The Diamond Queen, and The Diamond Belle – will all be in spectacular shape for our passengers next year. All of our boats are getting new carpeting, and we are installing a new ceiling on The Diamond Queen. The Diamond Jack will be going into dry dock with Nicholson Terminal & Dock Company in Ecourse after January 1st for its check-up and overhaul. The Jack will remain at the dry dock for maintenance and a U.S. Coast Guard Inspection, along with a complete re-painting of the bottom of the boat!
Our staff is looking forward to the 2018 sailing season, so we are doing everything we can to get the boats prepared for our riders. Wifi is now installed in all boats for summer 2018 for your pleasure. You can upload the photos you take to Instagram and Facebook during your exciting boat ride. We can’t wait to see you all again in 2018!
Save 20% on your 2018 Private Charters when paid in full by March 1, 2018. (Small deposit required).
Boat Facts
Featuring: The Diamond Belle
The Diamond Belle is a “mini-ship” that holds up to 225 passengers. With quite the history behind it, and several name changes over the years, the ship was built in 1958 and originally was used as a Mackinac Island ferry by The Arnold Line Ferry Company. Also known as Arnold Transit Company, the company has served Mackinac Island longer than any other ferry boat company in history. The Belle was originally named the Mackinac Islander because of its time spent on Mackinac Island.
The Belle was later bought by a charter company in Chicago during the 1980’s. During The Belle’s time spent chartering with this company, the boat was referred to as The Sir Richard. After Diamond Jack bought Sir Richard, we named it The Diamond Belle. Now that The Belle belongs to Diamond Jack’s River Tours, this mini-ship has even more of a history behind it. The chronicles of The Diamond Belle continue to grow with every new sailing season!
Summer 2018 Events in Detroit
Already planning for your summer in Detroit? We don’t blame you! It may be cold out now, but there’s always summer to look forward to. Every year in Detroit, you can participate in GM River Days in June. 2018 will be the 12th year of the annual festival. Experience an exciting celebration of the Detroit RiverWalk with fun activities for people of all ages.
The Ford Fireworks in Detroit will be taking place June 25, 2018 at 9:55 p.m. at the Hart Plaza. The Diamond Jack is our only boat still available for charter. It departs from Bishop Park in Downtown Wyandotte. We hope you enjoy your summer in Detroit, but for now, snuggle up by the fire, drink some warm hot chocolate, and enjoy your holiday celebrations! Season’s greetings from all of us at Diamond Jack’s River Tours!