Where headed to lake Erie in the middle of July in our 25' mac. I havn't been up in years so cant remember normal lake conditions in July and no-matter were going anyways! I was told recently that the lake is manageable in the mournings and evenings but to get off the lake in the late mournings thru early afternoon because it gets to rough. Any truth behind that..
lake erie in july
- Thread starter sailnewbie
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July is generally light winds in the morning, sometimes building through the day. Sea breezes are common near shore. We have two strategies to avoid rough weather:
1. Check the weather radar on our iPhone to avoid stormy fronts.
2. Be off the lake by 4 PM to avoid pop up storms.
Although the Islands are great cruising, the west end of the lake is often plagued with an algae bloom by July that keeps us out of the water, unfortunately.
1. Check the weather radar on our iPhone to avoid stormy fronts.
2. Be off the lake by 4 PM to avoid pop up storms.
Although the Islands are great cruising, the west end of the lake is often plagued with an algae bloom by July that keeps us out of the water, unfortunately.
You could always head to the north shore and sail the Long Point area. Protected, decent beaches and the point is virtually uninhabited. If you like anchoring out, this is one of the best areas on the lake. Google it and check it out. Excellent place to launch is Port Dover. Excellent marina and ramp plus free parking. We sailed the area for six years in our Mac 26S. The Mac has been replaced by a larger boat on Lake Ontario. We really, really miss Lake Erie and the Long Point area.
Chris
Chris
Thanks for the info, however were going out of Sandusky bay, kids are visiting cedar point for the week
Spent many years on erie and niagra river usualey nice on the lake although have seen 10ft waves just check weather should be great! If you get the chance check out sunset bay nice place
Will do if possible, its my wife and kids first time on the lake so trying to keep it as pleasant as possible
Indeed. So bad lately you can see it from space. Up close, it's simply gross.
That's a shame. I sailed on Lake Erie many times starting in the early eighties and into the nineties. The last few times were after the Zebra Mussels invasion and the lake was notably more clear. It was good swimming in the Islands and off Sandusky. I really thought they had turned the corner with that lake.
Keep it in mind for the future. There is far more to Lake Erie than the west end and islands.
And no ten foot waves in the Inner Bay (rarely more than a foot).
Chris
July on the lake off Sandusky is wonderful. With your Mac you should be able to get pretty close into shore to anchor. You can anchor off the beach at CP and the kids can swim and play off the beach. During the week it's easy to get a dock at Kelleys or PIB, weekends are tougher. A nice sail is out to the North side of Kelleys. You can anchor in the cove and play on the beach. Great place for lunch. If it's too windy for the bay, sometimes you can sail between Sandusky and Marblehead Lighthouse. The land knocks the wind down a lot along there if it's blowing that direction. There is a new marina downtown since you've probably been there last. Between the ramps and downtown is the Paper District marina. Reasonable, clean and close to most stuff downtown. Shower facilities as well. Another choice could be CP Marina if you're planning to go there anyway. Not cheap though. I think I spent about $160 for two nights with my 29 footer. If you're there on the weekend look me up on dock 336. You can grab a dock or mooring ball for about $40/night most places. If you're headed to PIB, check out the state docks at Oak Point. No power or water, but only $20/night or $10/day. Restrooms close by at the park. It's back in behind the mooring balls. If you head out to PIB on the weekend, and it's busy, don't worry, head across to Middle Bass. You can dock at the state marina there and take a $7 ferry ride over to PIB. MBI marina is nice and a lot more quiet than staying at PIB. Cost of the mooring ball at PIB includes the water taxi service, which makes it a good deal. Come on up and sail. enjoy yourself and don't worry about sailing after 4pm. Thunderstorms don't happen everyday, it's not Florida, just check the weather reports you'll be fine. As for the algae, don't let that scare you off. I can only remember a couple of days in the past 8 years of sailing that I didn't want to get in the water.
JerryA
JerryA
Sounds great, but we are staying at breakers and keeping boat at battery park,25 a night with trailer so we can put in and out as needed, I would like to sail with someone just in case, remember I'll have very little training by then, sail mine if you want
Where are you in Lake Ontario. I'm in Hamilton. Maybe we can meet up in the summer.
Battery Park is a good spot to dock for your stay. Message me when you're coming up, I'll sail with you. There's lots of good sailing so long as the weather cooperates.
JerryA