Cruising the upper MidWest

taichi · Aug 21, 2011

Tim - sorry if I am too late into your thread but I have sailed the Apostle Islands many times - I have two friend that keep boats in Bayfield and I've also trailered my Hunter 23 up there - it is a very unique and great sailing experience, Ice cold crystal clear blue water, numerous easy destination inside the islands to anchor for the night or go to the marina on Madeline and catch a band. I trailer mine to Ashland harbor and sail the 23 miles up to Madeline from there. The marina at Washburn harbor highly regarded - there is alot of big money up there that weekends from the twin cities which kinda drives up the prioces of everything but if you've never been there at least experience it once. There's a number of marinas right in bayfield that charter boats. Bring warm cloths - even in summer up there it can get chilly.

flynfol · Aug 23, 2011

Sorry,I don't spend alot of time on here during sailing/flying season.....but if you are going as far as Traverse, look into Drummond Island or the Les Cheneaux Islands. Drummond is the western end of the North Channel Islands (my favorite since I have a cabin there). It is Michigan, so customs are not an issue(although they are located on the island). Just make sure you have your GPS running when on the eastern end of the island. Plenty of coves, (safe havens) and small islands, bays to explore. Another good spot is Door County/Peninsula State Park on Green Bay. A good eye to weather is required for all of them, including Grand Traverse. A passing low can give 360 degree wind changes. I dare you not to fall in love with any of these places. Dress accordingly......big temp swings possible.

J

John23883 · Aug 23, 2011

Traverse Bay

Contact George here at the Hunterowner website or at his own site about Traverse:
http://kobernus.com/hunter260/cruising/gtb/gtb.html

We sailed Green Bay last year and went to the North Channel with the trailersailor assoc. last month:
http://www.trailersailors.org/index.php

Next year the Apostle Islands and 2013 Grand Traverse?

We sail one week a month on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. Also Kentucky Lake is close. The midwest has lots of options!

Barnacle Bill · Aug 24, 2011

Bayfield is a great place to sail. It has been quite hot there of late and so no need for warmer clothes, but, of course weather can change, so be prepared for anything. Washburn is a good marina, but a long ways away from the Apostle Islands, so you might consider launching in Bayfield which will cut your time getting to the islands. There are slips to be rented in Bayfield, but you won't need a slip if you are sailing out in the islands. There are some nice cruising guide books that will tell you good anchorages in various weather sitations (Superior Way by Bonnie Dahl is one). Also the history of the islands is fascinating and that is convered. The water is cold and deep, but in shallow bays it has recently been warm enough to swim in. If you go out to Long Island on the Chequamegon Bay side, the shallows feel like bath water. But, you are going to spend most of your time on board and not in the water. If you want more specific info, where to go to get dockage, provisions, restaurants, etc., then email me and I will be happy to help.

SchwarckT · Aug 31, 2011

Tom Hoffman said:
Just got the latest issue of Cruising World. They list 4 easy Charters for 1st Timers.

One that I like is the Grand Traverse Bay Cruise. It is outlined into a 7 day charter boat cruise. Of course if I were to do it, I would most likely tow my boat over there and put her in. It is just short of 600 miles one way. For a 30' boat (The smallest they have) it is around $2500 for the week.

Now the question. Do any of you sail that area as a home area?

I also have thought about Green Bay or the Apostle Islands. Do any of you routinely sail those areas?

Any info would be very helpful.

Thanks,

Tom...

You should consider St. Ignace, MI as a starting point for a cruise. There is a very nice public access launch with long term parking available and it is close to some nice sailing areas and marinas.