Lake Huron Trip.

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B

Benny

We have decided we are taking our trailerable Starwind 222,"COCO LOCO" to sail for a week in Lake Huron, MI. The plan is for the first week of August 2006. The boat is currently in a lake in Nashville, TN and we would pick it up and trailer it to Detroit a couple of days prior. We are thinking about staging in Port Huron and would like information about a launching ramp and parking facilities for trailer and tow vehicle near the City Marina. We intend to cross over to Goderich, Ontario from Port Sanilac and would like any information on local and recent regulations for entering Canada and returning to the US. I have been hearing about a required "proof of profficiency" for operating a pleasure craft in Canadian waters; is that for minors or for everyone and what would constitute such proof? Also an indication of prevalent winds that time of the year would be helpful. Any "must see" suggestions would also be appreciated. The time is limited and we would like to do some sightseeing so we are keeping the trip legs kind of short with the longest being 40 NM when crossing the lake in its southern corner. I figure you locals are probably snowed in right now but to help us plan for a trip may at least get your blood simmering. Thanks.
 
G

gr8_2_av8

Lake Huron

We Keep our sailboat in Bayfield about 15 NM south of Goderich if you wanted to do a few days either up or down you could cross to Goderich, then take an afternoon head down to Bayfield, and then further down to Grand Bend, and Port Franks enroute back to Port Huron. http://www.goderich.ca/ http://www.bayfieldchamberofcommerce.on.ca/pages/tourism/attractions.html http://www.grandbend.com/ http://harbourside.lambtonshores.com/port_franks.html Keep in touch maybe we can hook up Dave
 
Oct 26, 2005
116
Oday 28 Detroit/Grosse Pointe Park (O'Day 192, O'Day 28)
Baie Fine - North Channel - Tobermory

If you're up for a little more driving, you may want to check out Tobermory or Baie Fine. I launched a 192 from Tobermory once and took a day trip to Flowerpot Island http://www.tobermory.org/flowerpot.html, snorkelling over a couple of shipwrecks on the way. I've heard great things about Baie Fine http://www.corskan.on.ca/ncps/gallery.htm. I haven't made it there yet, but it's on my list. http://old.cruisingworld.com/meanwell.htm Kevin
 
B

Benny

We were thinking about Bayfield

Dave, we were originally thinking about going to Bayfield as it would shorten the lake's crossing by about 4 NM and there seems to be a nice cove at the river; but that would be our point of entry into Canada and we were not sure if there is an immigration office locally. We thought perhaps Goderich might be a more convenient point of entry. We had also failed to locate a marina and there is a couple in Goderich as I'm sure we'll want a hot shower after a 10 hr sail. Anyways we are planning a stop in Bayfield either before of after Goderich. Thanks for your help.
 
T

Tim

Ports & Requirements

Benny, My wife and I usually go up to Huron in our 321 each summer for a week or so. Of all the ports, Bayfield is probably the nicest for "tourism". Lots of good restaurants, galleries, and interesting stuff. The harbor is actually a river that feeds Lake Huron, and there is plenty of dockage at either the Village Marina or Harbor Lights Marina (I think that's what its called anyway). The Village one is run by the municipality and is on the same side of the river as the town. Harbor Lights is on the north side and is a little farther walk to town, but it can be done. As far a Customs/Immigration, here is what you need: Going into Canada: A call to 1-888-CAN-PASS does it all. They'll ake all your info and give you a report number which you'll need to keep in case of inspection later on. Usually no one comes out to inspect, its just the phone call. Returning to the U.S.: You'll need an I-68 issued by Customs & Border Protection for EACH person on board. They cost about $16 each, or $32 for an entire family if doing it all at once. You'll need 3 passport photos of each person for the I-68 as well. Also, the boat will need at Customs decal, which should be about $25 unless they've increased it. You can get the decal at www.cbp.gov under the "travel" link and "user fee decal program" link. Upon re-entering the U.S., you call the number (sorry I don't have it handy, and its different for different locations) and do the same deal as when calling Canada as noted above. They will ask for the decal number and for other info, and may or may not come out to inspect you. Have fun, you will love our Great Lakes! Tim _/)
 
Mar 13, 2004
95
Hunter 356 Port Huron, MI
International Travel

I haven't heard about the "proof of profficiency", but I do know that you will need to check in on both sides of the border. To get into Canada, all you need to do is pull into a dock that has given Canada Customs permission to be on their land and call a 1-800 #. They will ask for boat info, SSNs and birthdates of those on board. You can call from a cell phone or the skipper (and only the skipper) may go ashore and call from a land-line. Don't take anything off the boat or do any bathromm breaks until they give you a clearance number. That number will be good as long as you stay in Canadian waters. Coming back, you will need an I-68 for all on board. You get that at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Park under the bridge at 10th street and walk up. Bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate/passport) and $16 per person. That will get you through immigration. To get through customs, you will need to call another 800 # once you arrive back in the US, give them the info on the people and the boat, and they will say OK or make a trip to the bridge to talk to them (your cost for the taxi). All that said, I would suggest that you make only one trip accross and one back. The marina in Canada that you plan on for the first stop should be able to tell you if they let Customs in or not. Coming back, I would suggest landing right back into Port Huron, just in case you have to make a trip to the bridge so the taxi ride won't be too bad. I'm pretty sure the links on our web site (PHYC.org) are current fror the info and the phone numbers. You might want to plan of a stop at Port Huron Yacht Club for a visit as well. Contact me via e-mail if you want more info on the local area or the club in Port Huron or Port Sanilac (BSSC). Steve sestyles@yahoo.com
 
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters

The "proof of proficiency" you refer to sounds like our Pleasure Craft Operators Card. As a guest recreational boater in our waters the government promises to keep its hands out of your pockets for 45 days. See the link below for full details. Enjoy
 
Nov 22, 2005
11
- - Kokomo Beach
Porta Potties in Ontario Waters?

Are "porta potties" legal in Canadian waters? Specifically in Ontario? If one's boat's MSD is of "porta potty" design, how is compliance with Canadian regs. assured?
 
Jun 2, 2004
425
- - Sandusky Harbor Marina, Lake Erie
Porta-potties

The immigration details are already properly covered. I know of no Canadian regulation against porta-potties. I know for sure that ours, with pump-out piping rigged is legal. My friends with trailerable boats and portapotties have had no problems going to Canada and returning. The North Channel is (in my opinion) the best cruising grounds in the world. Baie Fine is just one of its attractions. It would be worth an extra day to motor through Sault St. Marie to put in at Spanish at the north side of the Channel, but all of your border crossings would be with the boat on the trailer, and you would enjoy the greatest treasure of our Great Lakes! David Lady Lillie
 
May 22, 2004
130
Other CS27 Toronto
I68 & Porta Potties

The rules are that you can't discharge overboard in Canada. Have never seen anything differentiating porta potties from holding tanks. A question for you Americans regarding the I68. Canadians use them to allow us to phone into USA immigration and obtain clearance when entering a USA port which isn't staffed by immigration officers or has a videophone. I didn't know that Americans used them.....are they a substitute for getting a passport? If you enetered a port with a Immigration office would you still need an I68? Kevin
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,913
- - LIttle Rock
Portapotties in Canadian waters.

Canadian flagged vessels on inland Canadian waters--including the Great Lakes--cannot have a portable toilet...they can have self-contained "portapotties," but only the ones that are permanently installed, fitted for pumpout...no removeable tanks. Technically, that also applies to all vessels in Canadian inland waters...however, they're very lenient about it when in comes to transient vessels. In nearly 20 years I've yet to hear of any US boat that was denied a border crossing on a trailer or cited for having a portable toilet while in Canadian waters. Just don't even THINK of dumping the tank over the side...'cuz they will get you for that, big time!
 
Dec 3, 2003
544
None None Rochester, NY
NEXUS or Videophone

When returning from Canada here on Lake Ontario, there are three ways to enter the U.S. and clear Customs/Immigrations. The first is to purchase the I-68 Form as mentioned in earlier posts. It is good for one year and you must apply in person to obtain it. The second is with a Nexus Card. The link to Q&A is here. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/nexus/marine/marfaqs-e.html It is good for 5 years at a cost of $50 per person. You apply by mail but must go to be interviewed when the card is ready. A complete investigation is performed by officials in the U.S. and Canada. I have this card and like it. The third is with U.S. Customs Video Phones. They are at most ports here on the south shore of Lake Ontario. There is no need for I-68 or Nexus to use the Video Phone. Problems may be if the phone is out of service. You might be asked to go to another port. I think the people that tell you what port to go to have no idea what sailing is or geography. I have heard that somebody here in Rochester was requested to go to Buffalo. Take a look at a map and you will see how ridiculous that is. I suggest getting passports if you don't already have them. They are the best means of identification and citizenship. A drivers license is not proof of citizenship and can give you trouble as your only means of identification. Checking into Canada is a piece of cake. Just remember to call in at your earliest and first port of call. You might also check out my web page on reporting requirements. Link is below.
 
R

Richard Wallace

Lake Huron Is Great

The others have covered the Customs and I68 issues well enough. Now for some of the stops. Sorry for the length of this but there are lots of places to go in the area. Canadian Side: Sarnia Bay Marina is just south of the Blue Water Bridge. It is a very nice marina and within walking distance of the downtown of Sarnia. A great stop. Bayfield is a very neat little town. The only downside is that the city docks are in the river and can be very difficult if the current is strong. The stop at Goderich is recommended. You would want to call Jan at the Maitland Valley Marina. She will take you into town, make reservations at the restaurants, and generally pamper you. Maitland Valley is found by going up the river on the north side of the breakwall, then follow the bouys. It is 52 miles from Port Huron. Further north is Kincardin. Very neat little town with a strong Scottish influence. The light house and museum are great. If you catch the Scottish festival, it is a real treat if you like bagpipes. Further north still is Port Elgin. Nice town, beautiful beach. There are some others in between that you might be able to get into, but we have a 42 footer so we are limited in where we can go. Tobermory is also very neat, but most likely you would want to trailer up the Bruce peninsula for that one. On the Michigan side: Lexington is a great stop for a shallow draft boat. You will need a cruising guide to get in safely but essentially you go west about a quarter mile south of the harbor entrance, then when you get close to the beach, you turn north and watch the depthsounder. Great stop. Harbor Beach is a good anchorage, but shallow near the marina. We have not been able to get to the marina. Port Austin is a little tricky because you HAVE to go around the lighthouse that is about 2 miles off shore and come in from the northwest(heading southeast). If you cut across, they will come out and pull you off with a tractor! Check the charts carefully for Port Austin. Further north are places such as Presque Isle. It would be a good launch site. Roger's City is north of that, also a nice area. Finally the Mackinac area is a lot of fun, especially Mackinac Island. Weather: Like any of the Great Lakes, Huron can be fickle. The prevailing winds are out of the west/north west but a noreaster can show up. We have traveled in some rough water, 3 to 5's, or 4 to 6's, and stayed in port on some rougher days. The Great Lakes tend to have a much reduced distance between wave crests which can make for a very rough ride. We have probably had to stay an extra day about 3 times in 9 years. Much of Huron is deep, over 400 feet with lots of places over 800, so you don't get the shallow water waves of Lake Erie, but it can still get rough. CHARTS: We use an electronic system but carry US and Canadian charts, Richardson's charts, a Lakeland Cruising Guide, and the GLCC books and CD. You will need decent charts at the least, and a good GPS. Most important: Have fun. It is a great cruising area.
 
Feb 1, 2006
32
Beneteau 361 Chicago
Presque Isle

We cruised from Lake St. Claire to Chicago last spring. Our favorite lay over was by far Presque Isle. Very isolated, if you like quite and nature, this is the place.
 
B

Benny

Most valuable information;

Thank you all; We may extend the trip a day or two to catch some of the recommended places like Kincardin. I will post a log of the trip with a few pictures when we get back. Thanks again.
 
T

Tim

I-68's

As someone mentioned, there are several ways to do the U.S. Customs thing. Just a note about all of them: The Nexus IS a great thing, but not worth jumping through the hoops if you only plan on doing our Great Lakes once in 5 years. We have them and it also allows me to cross at land entries through "fast lanes", which is a huge benefit since I also store my boat in Canada in the winter. The videophone thing I have heard about, but have yet to find one in a Lake Huron port. The I-68 or Nexus card with the phone call just makes it easy. I'll second the thoughts on Kincardine, wonderful harbor and great beach, lighthouse/museum, and in-town restaurants. Grand Bend (not mentioned yet) is not too desireable unless you need a port of refuge. The town caters to the high school/college "party crowd" and is more of a powerboater type of place. Fair winds, Tim _/)
 
Mar 13, 2004
95
Hunter 356 Port Huron, MI
I-68's do NOT replace a passport...

I-68's are not a replacement for a passport. A passport is required to prove citizenship. An I-68 is a "by-pass" of the law requiring a face-to-face interview with an immigration officer (now CBP offier, but the law hasn't caught up) upon entry into the US. That law covers anyone, US citizen or otherwise. The I-68 is a once-a-year interview allowable on the US-Canandian water boarder for US and Canadian citizens.
 
J

jfssail

Launch in Spanish

Launch At Spanish. If you have only a week to spend on Lake Huron, you might spend a week just going from Michigan, across Lake Huron and up the Ontario coast hitting Goderich, Kincardine, Port Elgin and Tobermory. What many do is drive to Spanish and launch there. They have an excellent facility with plenty of room for trailer storage. From Spanish you can go west to Beardrop harbor or east to Bai Fine. We spent 7 weeks last year making the trip, and while we enjoyed all the Michigan and Ontario ports, they were only a means to arrive at the ultimate destinations in the North Channel. With your boat, you may have to wait it out if bad weather arrives on Lake Huron, and it does.
 
R

Richard

Question for jfs

Do you know what they charge for the ramp, and for parking for a trailer and tow vehicle? Thanks.
 
J

jfssail

Launch-Parking at Spanish,ON

The city of Spanish has a web site, WWW.town.spanish.on.ca The rates for 2006 are $4.50 C$ to launch and C$4.00/day for vechicle and trailer storge. For a month, the rate is C$30 They have a great facility there.
 
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