WANDERLUST

The definition of wanderlust is simply ‘a lust to wander', as many sailors are already well aware. "It's the same word in German," says Mike Harker, who knows, lives and breathes this word every day. Mike is a TV producer for German television, currently utilizing his new Hunter 466, aptly named Wanderlust, as his ‘high seas' production studio - and so much more....

Mike was actually Hunter Marine's very first 466 customer, having purchased the prototype, which included many upgrades that were originally designed to suit his occupational purposes. However, in the end, Hunter decided to utilize many of these improvements and incorporate them into the 466 production line. Wanderlust also graciously volunteered to introduce landlubbers to the wonders of sailing as the ‘Discover Sailing' vessel at the Miami International Boat Show this past February. And she certainly couldn't be missed, with her striking blue hull in sharp contrast to the bright white boot stripe that evolves into an arrow ‘piercing' a vibrant red bow. Why the arrow? "It takes on several meanings - I'm a Sagittarian, which is always seen shooting an arrow, I'm American Indian and, of course, there's the association with a Hunter," explains Mike.

Wanderlust and Mike are now heading out to wander the seas, as he continues to produce segments for a German TV sports show, as well as for his weekly show, "Just For Fun", which focuses on adventure sports. "The First of 15 episodes is a feature on building and sea-trialing my boat and then sailing it to Bermuda, meeting up with the ARC and then crossing to the Azores for three to five days. We'll go island to island and then cross over to Gibraltar," says Mike. Needless to say, Wanderlust is the mode of transportation as well as the editing suite and overall production studio for his television productions. In fact, Hunter extended the boat's nav station to include a wide-screen TV and editing unit! The remainder of the episodes will include cruising the western Mediterranean by way of scenic harbors and secluded bays. "This is a very interesting project," Mike comments.

Currently, the nautical production team of Mike and Wanderlust is sailing to Antigua Race Week to include coverage on a segment of the German sports show as well as for a freelance assignment for another TV station. But the trip is also definitely indicative of Mike's wanderlust. "I've wanted to do Antigua Race Week all my life - this is great --- I love it!" This Southern California born and raised sportsman and TV producer extraordinaire is certainly fulfilling his lust to wander the seas. And, although his shows are aired via Germany's largest television network, they will also be broadcast in Australia and New Zealand and, eventually, on our very own Discovery Network's Travel Channel.