Lake Superior crossing

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
A couple of weeks ago we crossed over Lake Superior, making the 80NM run from Houghton to Isle Royale light then falling off to Washington Harbor. The forecast called for 15-20 knot NE sustained, and 10-15 foot waves. It didn't disappoint. Crossing with an Express 37 that rates the same as of 36.7, we sailed close hauled, never more then 1/4 of a mile from each other. As we rolled thru the waves, we would often lose sight of each other as the crests were over the tops of the boats. Somehow they got these pictures of us. Two race boats double handed in that stuff. It was epic.







Only later in the afternoon did the breeze and waves fall off. In the lee of the island we deep reached under asym towards the harbor.



Once there we were so buzzed by the ride we hugged and laughed for hours. The rum helped a bit I think. Perfect day.

 

Squidd

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Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
Cool...So how long did the 80 nm run take...?
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Cool...So how long did the 80 nm run take...?
Hey Squidd!

We left Houghton in the dark at 5AM and motored thru the Portage Waterway, hitting the breakwall and raising sail at 6AM as the sun came up. We hit Washington Harbor at 5PM, so 11 hours?

Leaving the breakwall


After bore off (S of Isle Royale light), we jib reached in 20 knots of breeze, with consistent speeds 10+ knots. We were too hot for the asym at this time. Maybe a good thing!

 

Squidd

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Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
Wow, that's moving... not sure I could get my boat up that fast... (haven't hit 8 knot yet.. )

But then I haven't done 20 k winds yet either...
 
Dec 1, 2011
75
Catalina 1984 C30 Tall Rig Bow Sprit MD
Great pics.
Brought back memories of going from Houghton to Isle Royale and back in the "Chuck Wagon". One of the 60's motor vessels. I do not remember the real name of her. Chuck wagon was appropriate. A couple of the crew and me were the only one's not on the rails.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Is Redhawk still racing up there?
She sure is. We see her in Bayfield on occasion, and when we took on Diesel at the Houghton County Marina she was sitting in her slip.
 
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