Tiara Yachts Partners with Department of the Interior to Host ‘Great American Expedition’ on Michigan Waters
Holland, Mich. – July 31, 2026 – Tiara Yachts, a family-owned manufacturer of American-made luxury watercrafts, is proud to announce its collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and local Tiara Yachts dealer Walstrom Marine. The group hosted two official on-water "Great American Expedition" journeys on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan on July 10 as part of the Department of the Interior’s Freedom 250 campaign, which united industry leaders and conservation partners to highlight America’s public lands and waters during its 250th anniversary.
The morning expedition set sail near Round Island on Lake Huron aboard the Tiara Yachts 46 LS. U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, an avid boater representing Michigan’s First Congressional District, joined the morning voyage to emphasize the deep cultural and economic ties between northern Michigan communities, outdoor recreation and public water access. The late-morning expedition took participants to Hog Island on Lake Michigan, where attendees witnessed a bald eagle nest along the shoreline: a poignant symbol during the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations that underscored the importance of wildlife conservation and responsible stewardship.
"Public waters and coastlines are a fundamental part of the American landscape, and there is no better way to experience them than onboard a boat," said Tom Slikkers, CEO and President at Tiara Yachts. "We are honored to have led these expeditions as a family-owned Michigan company that has been designing and building boats in America for over 50 years. Hosting the Freedom 250 celebration on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan allows us to spotlight the legendary spirit of American craftsmanship, the vital need for robust boating infrastructure and our shared duty to preserve our country’s natural treasures for generations to come."
The Great American Expedition served as a showcase for the strength and economic impact of domestic marine manufacturing. Today, 95 percent of boats sold in the United States are American-made and 93 percent of boat builders are small, independent businesses that support skilled trade jobs and local working waterfronts.
The collaboration also reinforced a long-standing relationship between Tiara Yachts and the NMMA. Demonstrating a shared commitment to quality and owner experience, Tiara Yachts has been honored by the NMMA with the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award for excellence in customer service for 17 consecutive years.
Tiara Yachts and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for critical public water infrastructure, including maintained harbors, public ramps, marinas and safe navigation routes, which ensure that families and coastal communities can continue to access and enjoy America's public lands and waterways for the next 250 years and beyond.
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