grand traverse bay

[john12527]

Anyone out there been to Grand Traverse Bay (Northern Lake Michigan)???I am taking my hunter 170 up there in August, we have rented a cottage on the East Arm of the bay, on the Old Mission Peninusla. I have heard the winds can be quite fierce on the bay, even if you stay in the east arm. Any advice??John

 

[Steve Carpman11081]

Sail The Weather

Like any body of water, the Traverse Bay can experience high winds - that is why it always pays to check the weather before going out. While storms can roll through the bay, they are rare in August. The bay is open to the north, so any wind with some north in will kick up the seas.I have found the west arm is a much nicer place to sail than the east arm. You could launch your boat in Bowers Harbor, a sheltered bay in all but a south wind. It's located on the west side of Old Mission Peninsula. There is an island you can sail to and hike on. There are even two very good restaurants near the launching area. When the weather cooperates, you can venture out in the west bay and explore the shore line up to the point at the end of Old Mission Peninsula. You should be able to put your centerboarder on an empty beach near the point. I have sailed my 17' centerboarder all over that area with no problems. Just keep an eye on the weather and sail smart.

 

[john12527]

Thanks

Thanks for the insight Steve. This will be the first time I have taken the boat out into a big lake (OK 2nd, but the first one was a disaster). We have only been sailing for a little more than a year, and your advice was helpful. The cottage we rented is on the east arm, right on the shore about half way up the peninsula, so we were hoping to explore the east arm, maybe sail to Elk Rapids. However, you are the second person who has told me that the west arm is better sailing, so maybe we will do both. After all, the boat IS trailerable! Thanks again, John