Meet the Crew

Hailing from Clarkston, Michigan, Captain Jack Muhleck started on The Discovery in the summer of 2021. After wrapping up school and hanging up his baseball glove, Jack followed his love for the water all the way to Traverse City. There, he jumped aboard as a crew member, earned his sea legs (and captain’s license), and never looked back.

Jack takes his role seriously—safety is always priority number one for his passengers, crew, and vessel—but don’t let that fool you. He’s always up for a good conversation, especially about where you’re from and what brought you to this beautiful corner of the world. Northern Michigan has a special place in Jack’s heart, and he’s proud to share its magic from the best seat in the house: the captain’s chair.

His favorite memories on The Discovery? Cruising between Traverse City and St. Ignace, and watching the Blue Angels soar overhead during the Cherry Festival.

Whether it’s your first time aboard or your tenth, Captain Jack is ready to welcome you aboard with a steady hand, a warm smile, and a genuine love for life on the water.

Jillian was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where early experiences on the shores of Lake Michigan sparked a lifelong fascination with large lakes and the natural world. With a B.S. in Geology from Michigan Tech and an M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Minnesota–Duluth, Jillian has studied the Great Lakes and other large lakes around the world for over a decade—including a memorable week aboard a fishing boat on Lake Malawi. Her career has taken her from scientific consulting to informal science education, most notably teaching Great Lakes science aboard a tall ship schooner. With over 390 days at sea and a deep love for water-based learning and connection, Jillian recently earned her OUPV license and is pursuing her 100 ton master captain credentials. An avid learner with an entrepreneurial spirit, she’s now bringing her seamanship skills and passion for storytelling to The Discovery on the Grand Traverse Bay.

Jenn grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she began sailing with her parents at age 10, racing across lakes in the Southwest and California. Though she started her career in San Francisco’s tech industry, Jenn’s heart has always been in the outdoors—fishing on the bay, kayaking, mountain biking, or snowboarding. Four years ago, she and her partner Josh relocated to Traverse City, where Jenn traded office life for a career on the water. Since then, she’s guided kayaking tours on Lake Superior, co-founded a local fishing charter business (Golden Hour Outdoors), and joined the crew of The Discovery on Grand Traverse Bay. In 2024, Jenn earned her 25-ton Master Captain’s License and is actively gaining sea time toward her 100-ton certification. Her work is fueled by a passion for Michigan’s freshwater coastlines, a love of maritime culture, and a desire to help others connect with the Great Lakes. Jenn brings strong seamanship, local knowledge, and an adventurous spirit to everything she does—whether navigating big water or crafting unforgettable experiences for guests.

Keith Forton, a retired Traverse City high school science teacher with nearly 40 years in the classroom, traded chalkboards for charts, following his lifelong love of sailing. He holds a Master Captain’s License from the United States Coast Guard and prefers to work quietly behind the scenes, making sure The Discovery runs well. But hand this retired teacher a microphone, and you’ll get one of the best tours on the bay!

Lee Forton, Keith’s son, represents the next generation on the water. A recent graduate of Traverse City West High School, Lee is now studying at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College on West Bay. He’s working toward his bachelor’s degree in ship engineering, preparing for a professional future on the water. When he’s not hitting the books, you’ll find him on deck — hands-on, learning the ropes, and proving that a lifetime around boats pays off.

Both Keith and Lee grew up sailing, navigating, and operating a variety of vessels. Together, they bring not just skill but also family tradition to Discovery Cruises — a legacy of seamanship stretching from one generation to the next.