The end of September marked the end of our sailing season. 2023 was a very special year to us, as it marked the second and final year of honoring our pre-COVID guest reservations at their original booking costs.

It also marked a year of absolute visual splendor.

We recently caught up with Captain Jim Jefferson of our M/V Mist Cove to hear a few of his personal highlights cruising amongst the quiet coves and vast expanses of the Tongass National Forest this year:

Captain Jim really enjoyed the times around sunrise and sunset. Things get quiet and he likes to see the few passengers who choose to wake up early or stay awake to see the beautiful hues—sometimes with a glass of wine by themselves, or a with a cup of coffee as they come up to talk to him on the bridge.
This summer, the M/V Mist Cove had a rare sighting of a momma bear with her three cubs, seen right from the big boat (about 300 feet away, per regulations).
Jim laughs when he recounts his desire to “break the record” of how many people end up in his bridge at the same time, for a certain period of time. This year, the record was 23 guests in his approximately 400 square-foot bridge as he steered their way through the Tongass.
Captain also finds it special when a passenger comes up to the bridge and sits on the settee behind him just to take in the same sights as him, or journal early in the morning, or just enjoy coffee and quiet time.
One of Captain Jim’s favorite stories this year was that one of his passengers, a doctor, is using his fishing lanyard as his hospital ID badge!
Not only Jim, but The Boat Company as a whole is deeply touched this summer by a family who had reserved their fourth full-boat charter. We love being able to see these families and friendships grow, and to have our own relationships with them grow as well—not to mention, their relationship with the Tongass National Forest.

Some of the photos taken by Jim and crew that relate to these moments are below: