Captain Mike Luis and the crew look forward to helping you enjoy your time on the water.
Captain Mike
Captain Mike Luis learned to sail on Lake Washington when he was eight years old, and has been on the local waters ever since. He served two years as Chief Boatswain of the Sea Scout Ship Argo, based on Mercer Island, and has owned and sailed a number of boats since then. Captain Mike holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Inland Master’s License, with endorsements for sailing and emergency towing.
Before taking over the Fremont Avenue, Captain Mike had a long career in politics and public policy, and served a term as Mayor of the city of Medina, on Lake Washington. He is also a historian, and author of several community history books, as well as Century 21 City, an economic history of the Seattle area.
Stop by the wheelhouse and say hello!
First Mate Erika
Erika, our lead crew member, has served aboard the Fremont Avenue since 2015. Erika is responsible for safety in the cabin, handling lines during docking and selling tickets and concessions. She is a local native, grew up on boats in the area, and currently attends Western Washington University in Bellingham.
Cruise Director Andrea
Andrea joined the crew in 2021, working charters and the Ice Cream Cruise. Andrea grew up sailing and fishing the local waters aboard the Fury. She currently attends the University of Washington.
Yeoman Flora
Flora joins the crew this year, filling in on charters and helping Captain Mike keep the operation running smoothly. Flora is an area native who has cruised the local waters extensively. She attends Dartmouth College.
Chief Yarn Spinner Feliks
Feliks Banel joins the crew for the summer, providing narration for the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise. Feliks is a producer, host, and historian for KIRO Newsradio, where he can be heard Wednesday and Friday mornings on Seattle’s Morning News.
RIP Captain Larry
Many of you knew Larry Kezner, the longtime captain and founder of the Ice Cream Cruise. Captain Larry passed away in early 2023. Fair winds, Larry.
