Bon Voyage Mary

Mary Dalby’s family was always on the water, so her purchase of the Sandpiper in 1992 was no surprise. After 24 years of ownership, Mary has become a downtown legend, entertaining passengers of all ages with her passion for Toledo, knowledge of the Maumee River and her legendary humor. This year, Mary is retiring and will pass the helm of the Sandpiper Boat to new owners, Paul and Jodie Lis.    

Paul and Jodie may be new owners, but they’re not new to the Sandpiper. Paul has been a captain for the past 6 years, working with First Mate, Mary, and the other captains. He expressed his interest in purchasing the business from Mary when she was ready to retire, and his dream is coming true this season. Since age 12, he’s worked with his grandfather running fishing charters on Lake Erie, so his knowledge of Toledo’s waterways is exceptional. Paul is a trained captain with clearance to sail boats up to 100 tons. Jodie will serve as First Mate.

Modeled after the old Erie Canal boats, the Sandpiper was built at The Anderson’s fabrication shop with the intent of conducting passenger cruises.  It is 33-years-old and 65-feet in length. The Coast Guard does an annual safety inspection, and every 5 years, it is removed from the water for a hull inspection. Public cruises start this Saturday. For more information, check their website: https://www.sandpiperboat.com/

We welcome Captain Paul and his First Mate Jodie. We bid a fond farewell and bon voyage to Mary Dalby. Thank you, Mary, for making downtown Toledo a better place.