Couple brings sailing adventures to lake

By Andy Morgan

A decade ago, Greta and Michael Mittman stepped out of the high-tech world of coding, cubicles and conference calls and into a simpler one of water, wind and memorable Texas sunsets. And they’ve never looked back.

The Mittmans are the owners of the Spirit of Dallas sailboat, a sleek, 38-foot catamaran that’s available for public and private cruises around White Rock Lake. 

They also own and manage three double-decker power boats that can be chartered for cruises on Lake Ray Hubbard near Rockwall. And in the summer, they work closely with Dallas Park & Recreation, making the catamaran available to city-run Recreation Centers for teens to experience sailing and time on the water.

The Mittmans are a prime example of a couple who transformed their passion into profession. Michael Mittman is a native of Toledo, Ohio, while Greta Mittman grew up in Arkansas. They met working at a technology company in Plano some 30 years ago.

“She had this sailboat racing calendar in her office,” Michael Mittman recalled. “I’m flipping through it and this gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed gal walks in. And Greta says, ‘Can I help you?’”

Each already had considerable sailing experience, so they began spending time out of the office out on the water.

Then about 10 years ago, with Michael Mittman logging some 100,000 miles a year traveling for work, and Greta Mittman spending time overseas with major clients, they opted for a change.

“I thought, ‘I am so done with this job,’” Michael Mittman said. “We realized that if you didn’t own a boat or know someone with a boat, you can’t get out on the water here,” Greta Mittman said. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we fix that?’ So we did it.”

The Mittmans made a nationwide search for the right boat and learned about a retired offshore-racing catamaran. “It was actually being stored outside the sailing mecca of West Reno, Nevada,” Michael Mittman laughed.

Built in the 1980s, the craft’s history includes races on Lake Michigan and off the coast of Alaska. The Mittmans moved the boat to Dallas, outfitted it for lake cruises and christened it the Spirit of Dallas. 

The Mittmans also share their love of sailing with youth across Dallas through the city’s Teens Organized and Prepared for Success (TOPS) program. They’ve worked with six city recreation centers the last few years. This year, they’re expanding to more recreation centers to include more TOPS participants.

Michael Mittman said the goal of their TOPS involvement is to help more young people discover sailing. “We’ve told the city, we’ll provide you with blocks of time for a private cruise,” he said. “Who you bring is up to you.”

During the winter, the Spirit of Dallas stays anchored at the White Rock Boat Club. But starting in March, the catamaran will be spending considerably more time under sail than under anchor.

The Spirit of Dallas holds up to 32 passengers for its public cruises and a max of 34 for private ones. 

For private charters, people can decorate for a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. One group did a “Love Boat” theme, where the passengers dressed as characters from the old TV show. 

“We had somebody charter the whole boat for a primetime sunset cruise,” Greta Mittman said. “One couple showed up. Once the boat was out on the lake, the man popped the question.”

The boat provides water, but passengers are allowed to bring snacks, picnic food and soft drinks. Passengers can consume beer and wine once the boat leaves the dock.

The Mittmans offer afternoon, sunset and night sky cruises on the Spirit of Dallas and their three power boats at Lake Ray Hubbard. 

“The Night Sky Sail leaves when the sun’s down, but there’s a little bit of that dusk light,” Michael Mittman said. “Then you come back under the stars and you get a nice look at downtown.”

Prices for public cruises start at about $32 a passenger, depending on the time. Private cruises start at $936, depending on the day of the week. 

While she doesn’t always pilot the catamaran, Greta Mittman is the official captain of the boat. Michael Mittman is the senior captain of the three boats at Lake Ray Hubbard. “I just love being out on the lake in a sailboat,” Greta Mittman said. “It just relaxes me. There is nothing that I really get upset about or emotional about when I’m out there. It’s just beautiful.”

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