Captain Mike McMahon of Big D Cats has spent 30 years sailing the seas all over the world. Mike reminisces, "I have sailed many places and probably the most positive and memorable sailing experience was sailing 130 miles from Rome, Italy to the Island of Sardinia in May on my Dakota 33 foot high performance catamaran designed by Malcom Tennant. The day was perfect, the wind was perfect, the sea state was perfect."
He brought his chartering business, Big D Cats and his catamaran, the Chamonix II, from Puerto Rico to Lake Lewisville in 2007. With his 100 ton masters Captain's license, he has been operating his current business for close to a decade.
Captain Mike's catamarans rock over the waves in Lake Lewisville for special events throughout the year. Currently, his brunch cruise, catered by Blue Mesa, is featured on Living Social for $29, as opposed to the regular price of $59. This event goes on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 9th. Valentine's brunch and dinner cruises are also popular. The Valentine's evening cruise will be on Thursday, February 14th from 7:30 to 10 pm and costs only $89. Seats must be reserved by tomorrow, February 12th.
The Valentine's dinner cruise seats 12 couples, instead of the maximum capacity of 100 on the Chamonix II, to maintain a sense of intimacy and romance. The Valentine's dinner cruise sweeps away standard Valentine's restaurants with additional variety, roses for the ladies and dancing.
Captain Mike has had his fair share of unexpected and unforgettable moments aboard Chamonix II including surprise engagements and birthday parties. He has also hosted weddings on the waves. Mike says that these events are extra special to him because "the catamaran becomes part of the memory."
Children can board the Chamonix II but those under the age of 6 require adult supervision at all times. Life jackets are available for all passengers but not required to be worn throughout the cruise.
