TRADER TODD’S MARINA BRINGS BOATING, GREAT LAKES HISTORY, AND A NEW NAUTICAL MILE EVENT VENUE TO THE METRO BOAT SHOW

Published: Thursday, September 17, 2026 8:00 am

Trader Todd’s Marina is bringing a little bit of the Nautical Mile — along with a fascinating piece of Great Lakes maritime history — to this year’s Metro Boat Show at Lake Saint Clair Metropark, September 17-20 2026.

Visitors can find Trader Todd’s Marina in Booth E-4, where owners Todd Hyatt and Virginia Carstarphen will be on hand, along with their staff, to showcase the marina, meet with boaters and offer special boat show pricing on storage and dockage combinations.

The booth will also feature two organizations with deep ties to the Great Lakes boating community: the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) and Mariners’ Church of Detroit.

A Piece of Edmund Fitzgerald History on Display

Hyatt and Carstarphen are volunteers with NAMMA, an organization dedicated to supporting maritime ministries and those who serve the people of the Great Lakes and other waterways. As part of their participation at the Metro Boat Show, Hyatt and Carstraphen will host NAMMA and Mariners’ Church of Detroit in the Trader Todd’s Marina booth. Mariners’ Church will have its historic life ring from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on display for visitors to view.The church holds a special place in Great Lakes maritime history and is famously referenced in Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

The life ring provides a tangible connection to one of the most remembered tragedies in Great Lakes history and offers show attendees an opportunity to learn more about the maritime heritage that continues to shape the region.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to share this piece of Great Lakes history with people attending the boat show,” said Virginia Carstarphen. “Through Mariner's church, Todd and I, along with our harbor master Leslie Leitch, became involved with NAMMA this past year. We believe strongly in supporting the people and organizations that make the Great Lakes maritime community so special. Having Mariners’ Church, NAMMA and the Edmund Fitzgerald life ring in our booth makes this year’s show particularly meaningful for us.”

Discover The Anchor

Just adjacent to the Trader Todd’s Marina space, visitors can also meet representatives from Crank’s Catering, the exclusive catering partner for The Anchor, the marina’s newly renovated event gallery and event space.

Located within Trader Todd’s Marina, The Anchor is being transformed into a distinctive venue for weddings, private celebrations, corporate events, fundraisers and other special occasions on the Nautical Mile.

Representatives from Crank’s Catering will be located in The Anchor tent during the boat show to answer questions and talk with prospective clients about hosting an event in the unique waterfront venue.

The Anchor is scheduled to officially open in spring 2027, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for this fall to launch its booking team.

“We have a lot happening at the marina, and the Metro Boat Show is a great opportunity to bring all of those pieces together,” said Carstarphen. “We can talk to boaters about their next season on the water, celebrate our Great Lakes maritime heritage, support NAMMA and Mariners’ Church, and introduce people to The Anchor and our vision for a new event destination on the Nautical Mile.”

VISIT TRADER TODD’S MARINA

Metro Boat Show
Trader Todd’s Marina — Booth E-4

Visitors can:

Take advantage of special boat show pricing on storage and dockage combinations
Learn about seasonal dockage, storage and marina amenities
Learn about the various businesses located in Trader Todd’s Marina: Bucketlist Experience, Captain John’s Yacht Services, On Pointe Marine Construction and Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen
Meet Todd Hyatt and Virginia Carstarphen, Leslie Leitch, volunteers with the North American Maritime Ministry Association
Learn more about NAMMA and maritime ministry
Visit with representatives of Mariners’ Church of Detroit including Reverend Todd Meyer
View the historic Edmund Fitzgerald life ring
Visit The Anchor tent
Meet representatives from Crank’s Catering
Learn about hosting weddings, celebrations, corporate events and other gatherings at The Anchor