Anyone sailed to Macinaw in Lake Huron?

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luv2sail67

luv2sail67

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Jul 1, 2009
38
Hunter 38 Gore Bay
Hi - we are planning to sail to Macinaw from the east from the North Channel at the end of June - would love to hear any cautionary tales, or positives about sailing in the area (any good anchorages in this area etc.) We have a 38 foot Hunter, with a 5 ft keel.
 
Charlie13958

Charlie13958

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Apr 1, 2004
178
Diller-Schwill DS-16 Belle River
US Customs at Yacht Haven on north side of Drummond Island, then anchor north of there in Harbor Island. There is a nice marina at DeTour Village. Sometime go up the St Mary's River to the Sault. A good anchorage at Government BAy, abut half way to Mac. Three nice marinas at the straits, a the Island, at the city and St Ignace. hth
 
luv2sail67

luv2sail67

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Jul 1, 2009
38
Hunter 38 Gore Bay
Thanks for this - have you even sailed across the more open waters from Detour Village? I'm curious about the waves, as it is less sheltered there. It looks like it will take the better part of the day - (charts are on their way so we can plot it carefully).
 
Charlie13958

Charlie13958

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Apr 1, 2004
178
Diller-Schwill DS-16 Belle River
You will be in open water from Detour to Govt Bay. There are too many shallow areas in the channels to follow them west. You will see more when you get the charts. A Lk Huron Port Guide will be a big help.
 
flynfol

flynfol

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Oct 8, 2008
362
MacGregor/Venture 25 Winthrop Harbor, IL Drummond Island,MI
Ditto on Harbor Island and Yacht Haven at Drummond. Stick to the channels in Potagannissing Bay, Lots of shoals and submerged rocks with the low water level. South side of Drummond has Big Shoal and Wariner Cove for respite from strong northwesterlies....again skinny water. Dinghy ashore at Harbor Island for a hike and warm shallow water over the hill on the north side. Busy freighter traffic at Detour passage and St. Mary's.
 
luv2sail67

luv2sail67

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Jul 1, 2009
38
Hunter 38 Gore Bay
Thanks very much for the hints and tips. I think we'll add Harbour Island to the itinerary. Interested in any additional information.
 
David in Sandusky

David in Sandusky

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Nov 8, 2007
1,590
Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio
We will go in September

We head north from Sandusky in early August. After three weeks we will leave LAdy Lillie in Rogers City Marina, and return home for a two week break. Then we will return to Rogers City and the North Channel before sailing back south. We intend to sail west to Mackinaw Island, probably by way of Bois Blanc Island. Then return to the North Channel by way of the islands, including Drummond Island.

So I am carefully reading the advice of other responders.

It's a little pricey, but the Great Lakes Cruising Club has the greatest notes on cruising the North Channel by far. And they have good coverage of the rest of the Great Lakes.
 
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