Jim Jensen's roots run deep in Arnolds Park, Iowa. He has been racing sailboats in the clear blue water of West Lake Okoboji since the age of 5.
In many ways, it just makes sense that Jensen, a Realtor, by day would become one of the captains of the Queen II -- a large excursion steamboat taking passengers around the picturesque lake at Arnolds Park Amusement Park -- by night.
1. Had you always been drawn to the water at Okoboji?
"Growing up here, it was only natural. I raced sailboats with the Okoboji Yacht Club when I turned five and I started a sailboat business (Jensen's Sailing Center) when I turned 13. As an adult, I became a sales manager and, then, general manager and owner for Okoboji Boats for many years."
2. Did you always want to be the captain of the Queen II?
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"I sold Okoboji Boats in 2001 and was told by Steve Kennedy (the Queen II's original captain and one of the key people behind recreating the original Queen, an excursion boat that sailed West Okoboji from 1884 to 1973) that he was unable to continue his captain duties due to illness. After Steve passed away, I became one of the Queen II's captains."
3. What made you think you were the right man for the job?
"Certainly, my history and familiarity with the lake helped me a lot."
4. But you're not the only captain for the Queen II. Who are the other captains?
"Lance Freed, Bill Moss, Rory Marra and Vance Phillips divide up the duties with me. Since I have to work my captain duties around my real estate schedule, I'm usually there on weeknights."
5. Even though he has passed away, Captain Steve Kennedy still has a presence on the Queen II. What is it?
"We use a CD featuring Steve's voice detailing the history of both the original Queen and Lake Okoboji. All of the other captains can offer up stories and observations but it's important to have the voice of Steve discussing the history."
6. Is it tough becoming the Queen II captain?
"Every summer, we have plenty of people apply but very few are chosen. The Queen II is 75 feet long with a beam width of 19 feet. This makes it a tricky boat to maneuver and some people just never get the hang of things."
7. What are the toughest obstacles facing Queen II captains?
"The darn boat blows in the wind a lot. That means it's a pretty rocky ride. In addition, it's a difficult boat to dock. You certainly earn your paycheck during the last 100 feet of the trip."
8. Have any of your passengers gotten seasick?
"Nobody has turned green on my watch."
9. Have you ever crashed the boat?
"Luckily, it's never happened to me."
10. Have there ever been any close calls?
"You always worry about being caught in a storm and the Queen II really isn't equipped to go fast anywhere."
11. Do you constantly monitor the weather?
"Yes, we do. We always listening to the radio station weather reports for updates."
12. Have you ever had to cancel an excursion due to weather?
"Yeah, it happens. We have cancelled trips due to lightning on several occasions. After all, it's a metal boat and everything."
13. But it sounds like you don't want to cancel trips if at all possible, right?
"That's true. Since we know passengers may only be in Okoboji for a limited amount of time, we'll make trips if it's just raining outside."
14. What can people expect from a Queen II excursion?
"About a 75-minute tour around the lake. Plus people will be able to see the exteriors of some wonderful homes."
15. I imagine you have passengers from all around the country. Is that true?
"Practically, all around the world, to be honest. I know of one couple from Switzerland who come back every summer. But we also get many local people who make return trips. We have older people who may no longer own a boat. Still they want to impress their friends with an excursion."
16. Who are your favorite passengers?
"Wedding parties and receptions are always a lot of fun because everybody is in a crazy mood. They make things fun for me as well."
17. I understand you also like kids, right?
"Sure, I'll let kids blow the boat's horn if they want."
18. You've been around Okoboji your entire life. What makes it so special to you and to tourists?
"The short answer is because it's the water. It's amazing to many people that such a clean, blue lake could exist in the middle of corn country. No matter if you're seeing in for the first time and the 101st time, you're astonished by the lake's beauty."
19. Do you ever think you'll get tired of Lake Okoboji?
"Never."
20. Or do you think you'll ever get tired of being one of the captains of the Queen II?
"Absolutely not. None of the captains do this for the money. We're all passionate about the lake. In fact, this is the best part-time job I've ever had in my entire life."
