My wife and I are planning to cross the lake to Michigan for a short trip in July. We have never done a trip like this before and haven't been to the Michigan side either. Does anyone have any advice to provide related to planning, weather, or places to go (marinas, anchorages, etc.)? thanks, --mike
Milwaukee to Michigan Trip... ???
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Milwaukee to Michigan
Mike - I've done the trip several times. We're actually in Racine, but the distances are comparable and the destinations the same. For a first time across, I'd suggest either South Haven or Saugatuck. Both are nice towns with a fair amount to see in walking distance. You'll want to arrange ahead when possible for slips, as they are popular tourist destinations in the summer. Some of the municipal marinas have some first-come, first-served, slips, but don't expect to get those arriving on a Friday afternoon or Saturday. As far as anchorages go, that has been one of the challenges that I've found. Lower Lake Michigan does not seem blessed with the protected areas to stay on the hook like you might find on the coasts, or other areas in the great lakes. Depending on the destination, we usually allow 12 hours to cross. You don't mention the size/type of boat that you have so this may vary for you. Most of the spots we'd go are about 70 miles or so from Racine. I don't mind pulling into a harbor at night, but given my choice, I'd prefer daylight the first time I arrive some place new. That means we either leave early enough in the morning to arrive before dusk, or we do an overnight sail, arriving in the morning. Took a while to convince my wife to do the first overnight, but I really think she enjoys it now. Obviously, weather can definitely be an issue on Lake Michigan. And we have found more than once that sailing on a schedule can be a challenge, because you can have a clear forecast for your run over and by the time you're ready to head back it has gotten ugly. The nice part is that Lake Michigan seems to go with the old adage, "If you don't like the weather, just wait and it'll change." Most weather fronts seem to move through quickly enough that they are more of an inconvenience than anything. Also, with out knowing your boat, I don't know whether anything more than 1-2' waves is too much, or whether you'd head out in 4-6's. And for those not on the great lakes, those 4-6's tend to not be long rolling swells, but short steep waves that can get interesting. If it's your first time across, do you know anyone else at your marina that might be interested in making the trip? When you are out in the middle, with no sight of land, it can be reassuring seeing another boat and having some one out there with you. If you have any more specific questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly. T J Furstenau
Mike - I've done the trip several times. We're actually in Racine, but the distances are comparable and the destinations the same. For a first time across, I'd suggest either South Haven or Saugatuck. Both are nice towns with a fair amount to see in walking distance. You'll want to arrange ahead when possible for slips, as they are popular tourist destinations in the summer. Some of the municipal marinas have some first-come, first-served, slips, but don't expect to get those arriving on a Friday afternoon or Saturday. As far as anchorages go, that has been one of the challenges that I've found. Lower Lake Michigan does not seem blessed with the protected areas to stay on the hook like you might find on the coasts, or other areas in the great lakes. Depending on the destination, we usually allow 12 hours to cross. You don't mention the size/type of boat that you have so this may vary for you. Most of the spots we'd go are about 70 miles or so from Racine. I don't mind pulling into a harbor at night, but given my choice, I'd prefer daylight the first time I arrive some place new. That means we either leave early enough in the morning to arrive before dusk, or we do an overnight sail, arriving in the morning. Took a while to convince my wife to do the first overnight, but I really think she enjoys it now. Obviously, weather can definitely be an issue on Lake Michigan. And we have found more than once that sailing on a schedule can be a challenge, because you can have a clear forecast for your run over and by the time you're ready to head back it has gotten ugly. The nice part is that Lake Michigan seems to go with the old adage, "If you don't like the weather, just wait and it'll change." Most weather fronts seem to move through quickly enough that they are more of an inconvenience than anything. Also, with out knowing your boat, I don't know whether anything more than 1-2' waves is too much, or whether you'd head out in 4-6's. And for those not on the great lakes, those 4-6's tend to not be long rolling swells, but short steep waves that can get interesting. If it's your first time across, do you know anyone else at your marina that might be interested in making the trip? When you are out in the middle, with no sight of land, it can be reassuring seeing another boat and having some one out there with you. If you have any more specific questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly. T J Furstenau
agree
Have done the trip many times and echo TJ's advice. I'd plan at least 12 hrs from Milwaukee to cross, probably more like 15 all up, and more if there's a headwind. Another nice option from Milwaukee is to go to Port Washington or Sheboygan first, then go across. The lake is narrower up there, and your crossing won't be as long. That might be an appealing option for a first trip. Gets you into some nice harbors a little further north on the Michigan side. The first crossing my wife and I made was on a 22 footer, took 24 hrs. It was over 30 years ago when we were young and confident/naive. We chose the weather carefully, which meant lots of light wind. Great memories, including sitting dead calm in the middle of the glassy lake for two hours in the middle of the night. Contrast with the 10-footers that can spring up if a front moves through, or the thunderstorms that can roll over with little notice. So, be prepared. Glad to talk further. Where's your boat?
Have done the trip many times and echo TJ's advice. I'd plan at least 12 hrs from Milwaukee to cross, probably more like 15 all up, and more if there's a headwind. Another nice option from Milwaukee is to go to Port Washington or Sheboygan first, then go across. The lake is narrower up there, and your crossing won't be as long. That might be an appealing option for a first trip. Gets you into some nice harbors a little further north on the Michigan side. The first crossing my wife and I made was on a 22 footer, took 24 hrs. It was over 30 years ago when we were young and confident/naive. We chose the weather carefully, which meant lots of light wind. Great memories, including sitting dead calm in the middle of the glassy lake for two hours in the middle of the night. Contrast with the 10-footers that can spring up if a front moves through, or the thunderstorms that can roll over with little notice. So, be prepared. Glad to talk further. Where's your boat?
Great Info...
Thanks for the responses. I'm located in McKinley... have an '80 Hunter H33. The boat is relatively new to us but we've gotten a lot of use out of it already this year... I like the idea of heading North a bit before crossing, I'll have to consider that also. I'm really trying to do some last minute homework to make this happen and make sure I'm prepared. If there are any other suggestions out there please let me know, it is great to hear from experience! thanks, --mike
Thanks for the responses. I'm located in McKinley... have an '80 Hunter H33. The boat is relatively new to us but we've gotten a lot of use out of it already this year... I like the idea of heading North a bit before crossing, I'll have to consider that also. I'm really trying to do some last minute homework to make this happen and make sure I'm prepared. If there are any other suggestions out there please let me know, it is great to hear from experience! thanks, --mike
Crossing lake Michigan
I have crossed several times and normally plan a 2 week vacation every year to the east side of the lake, typically in August. The actual destination is dependent on forcasted winds and weather for the time period, so in many cases we picked the first destination (crossing) less than 24 hours before departure. As TJ said it's difficult to keep a schedule. Once on the other side, north or south also depends on forcasted winds. Plan on 12 to 15 hours for the crossing, as TJ said, and plan on a daylight arrival, as some of the channels entrances can seem narrow in bad wind/wave conditions at night for the first timer. I would suggest that you get the following book: Lakeland Boating's Lake Michigan Ports 'o Call, https://www.lakelandboating.com/lakelandshop/shop/store_detail.asp?product_id=1&categ=1 It's filled with info, harbor photos and contact phone numbers. For weather I carry my laptop (wireless is available at many or around marina's) and use NOAA Graphical Forecasts - Michigan: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/michigan.php#tabs This site allows you to mouse over different selection and times for weather info. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly or at Milwaukee McKinley marina, south section L dock. Richard H37C Rhapsodie.
I have crossed several times and normally plan a 2 week vacation every year to the east side of the lake, typically in August. The actual destination is dependent on forcasted winds and weather for the time period, so in many cases we picked the first destination (crossing) less than 24 hours before departure. As TJ said it's difficult to keep a schedule. Once on the other side, north or south also depends on forcasted winds. Plan on 12 to 15 hours for the crossing, as TJ said, and plan on a daylight arrival, as some of the channels entrances can seem narrow in bad wind/wave conditions at night for the first timer. I would suggest that you get the following book: Lakeland Boating's Lake Michigan Ports 'o Call, https://www.lakelandboating.com/lakelandshop/shop/store_detail.asp?product_id=1&categ=1 It's filled with info, harbor photos and contact phone numbers. For weather I carry my laptop (wireless is available at many or around marina's) and use NOAA Graphical Forecasts - Michigan: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/michigan.php#tabs This site allows you to mouse over different selection and times for weather info. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly or at Milwaukee McKinley marina, south section L dock. Richard H37C Rhapsodie.
An opportunity for experience
Mike - Just a thought, it occurred to me that the Queen's Cup is this weekend out of SSYC. We're not racing this year due to conflicts with my crew's schedules, but that was my first time across the lake, crewing on someone elses boat. Do you know anyone who is doing the race and could use an extra hand? See if you can hitch a ride. It's a great chance to get the confidence to cross the lake, not to mention a fun race. I almost considered single handing it, since my crew left me high and dry, but I put it off too long to get the registration and paperwork in place. I'm sorry that I'm going to miss it this year. T J
Mike - Just a thought, it occurred to me that the Queen's Cup is this weekend out of SSYC. We're not racing this year due to conflicts with my crew's schedules, but that was my first time across the lake, crewing on someone elses boat. Do you know anyone who is doing the race and could use an extra hand? See if you can hitch a ride. It's a great chance to get the confidence to cross the lake, not to mention a fun race. I almost considered single handing it, since my crew left me high and dry, but I put it off too long to get the registration and paperwork in place. I'm sorry that I'm going to miss it this year. T J
MAST
As long as you are in McKinley Marina, check out the MAST Group in Milwaukee. We have casual racing Friday evenings, have social cruises, and social land events. A cruise is planned from Milwaukee to White Lake, MI on July 24 - 27. MAST is a great social sailing organization. Another option for a group crossing would be this Friday night, June 27, in the SSYC's Queen's Cup from Milwaukee to Grand Haven. The Queen's Cup draws a variety of boats from all over Lake Michigan and has over 180 boats registered.
As long as you are in McKinley Marina, check out the MAST Group in Milwaukee. We have casual racing Friday evenings, have social cruises, and social land events. A cruise is planned from Milwaukee to White Lake, MI on July 24 - 27. MAST is a great social sailing organization. Another option for a group crossing would be this Friday night, June 27, in the SSYC's Queen's Cup from Milwaukee to Grand Haven. The Queen's Cup draws a variety of boats from all over Lake Michigan and has over 180 boats registered.
Queen's Cup
Rick - Know anyone racing that could use a hand? I'd consider cutting out of work early on Friday to get up there if I could hitch a ride.
T J ps - And Richard's suggestion for the Ports of Call book is excellent, I can't believe I forgot that. I have one at home and one on the boat.
Rick - Know anyone racing that could use a hand? I'd consider cutting out of work early on Friday to get up there if I could hitch a ride.
T J ps - And Richard's suggestion for the Ports of Call book is excellent, I can't believe I forgot that. I have one at home and one on the boat.Piece of cake!
For 15 years we sailed a '88 Hunter 28.5 out of racine. Many times the admiral & I crossed the lake over to Michigan and had a ball. Nice thing is, unlike the WI shore, all MI harbors are within 8-10 miles of each other. There is also a law in MI that a harbor MUST make room for you, even if they are full, unlike in WI. You may be rafted up but at least you're tied up and secure. All of the towns are great. Pentwater is quaint with good shopping for the admiral. Muskegan is really nice, too. The public marina is right downtown...Farmers Market on Sat AM just off the marina. Holland is cool, Manistique is nice..great local brewery there, Muskegan is nice, too. Saugatuck is the artist's colony and very nice..heck, they're ALL nice! We've left Racine at 6:00AM and never had problems making it across before dark. What WILL freak you out the 1st time is this...about 20 miles out of MI you'll probably notice what looks to be islands of some sort..very low on the horizon. You'll go down to y our chart and search FRANTICALLY for these islands. They are not on the chart!!!! "Oh, SH*T! Are we lost? Did we mistakenly end up in the Carribean???????" But relax..it's only the bluffs on the MI side which are very high. Trust me, you have 4 hours or so more of sailing to get there. Have a GREAT trip!!!
For 15 years we sailed a '88 Hunter 28.5 out of racine. Many times the admiral & I crossed the lake over to Michigan and had a ball. Nice thing is, unlike the WI shore, all MI harbors are within 8-10 miles of each other. There is also a law in MI that a harbor MUST make room for you, even if they are full, unlike in WI. You may be rafted up but at least you're tied up and secure. All of the towns are great. Pentwater is quaint with good shopping for the admiral. Muskegan is really nice, too. The public marina is right downtown...Farmers Market on Sat AM just off the marina. Holland is cool, Manistique is nice..great local brewery there, Muskegan is nice, too. Saugatuck is the artist's colony and very nice..heck, they're ALL nice! We've left Racine at 6:00AM and never had problems making it across before dark. What WILL freak you out the 1st time is this...about 20 miles out of MI you'll probably notice what looks to be islands of some sort..very low on the horizon. You'll go down to y our chart and search FRANTICALLY for these islands. They are not on the chart!!!! "Oh, SH*T! Are we lost? Did we mistakenly end up in the Carribean???????" But relax..it's only the bluffs on the MI side which are very high. Trust me, you have 4 hours or so more of sailing to get there. Have a GREAT trip!!!
Day or Night Crossing ???
Everyone, Thanks for your replies here! This is great info! I have a few follow-on questions... 1. Do you recommend crossing at night or during the day? Pros/Cons of this? 2. Are there places you can recommend where I can anchor comfortably for the night vs. staying in a marina? I was really hoping for some nice spots to anchor and swim, etc. thanks! --mike
Everyone, Thanks for your replies here! This is great info! I have a few follow-on questions... 1. Do you recommend crossing at night or during the day? Pros/Cons of this? 2. Are there places you can recommend where I can anchor comfortably for the night vs. staying in a marina? I was really hoping for some nice spots to anchor and swim, etc. thanks! --mike
Again depends....
Depends on forecasted weather conditions. A night crossing with no cloud cover is nice. The sky and stars are just beautiful but it can get pretty cool, make sure you have a heavy jacket or layers to add on board with you. Also make sure your electrical system is in good condition as you will have your nav lights in use, in addition to other electronics. Since it is a short trip and you probably had been up all day, setup 2 nap (around 2 hours each) times during the crossing at which time your wife will be on watch. She should get some sleep as soon as you are underway, so that she will be rested for her watch times. One very important aspect of night sailing, lake Michigan is a cold lake and trying to find someone that went overboard at night is a challenge and hypothermia sets in pretty fast. Since you will be only two on board, neither of you wants to fall overboard and that is even more important while your partner is sleeping. I may sound too conservative, but we are not solo ocean racers, so never venture on deck at night without been tethered down and your mate's knowledge. It would be disastrous for her to wake up and find no one in the cockpit and the same for you. A sunny day crossing is also fine but make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen, a hat and quality sunglasses as the sun radiation is intense especially if you do not have a bimini. You will be exposed for 12+ hours. Obviously, north or south winds in the teens will give you a nice reach across the lake, but you normally will encounter a wind shift and may need to motor for a while. My favorite is Pentwater MI, you can anchor in Pentwater lake, use the city dock and also workout a deal to use the showers at Snug Harbor marina. Nice grocery store across the street, nice little shops, good restaurants with live entertainment. As far as swimming, you can walk to the State Park beach on lake Michigan which has powder white sand and some waves if the winds are out of the west. Almost like to ocean but no salt. I will be at McKinley this Saturday south dock L-6. Stop by if you want. Richard H37C Rhapsodie
Depends on forecasted weather conditions. A night crossing with no cloud cover is nice. The sky and stars are just beautiful but it can get pretty cool, make sure you have a heavy jacket or layers to add on board with you. Also make sure your electrical system is in good condition as you will have your nav lights in use, in addition to other electronics. Since it is a short trip and you probably had been up all day, setup 2 nap (around 2 hours each) times during the crossing at which time your wife will be on watch. She should get some sleep as soon as you are underway, so that she will be rested for her watch times. One very important aspect of night sailing, lake Michigan is a cold lake and trying to find someone that went overboard at night is a challenge and hypothermia sets in pretty fast. Since you will be only two on board, neither of you wants to fall overboard and that is even more important while your partner is sleeping. I may sound too conservative, but we are not solo ocean racers, so never venture on deck at night without been tethered down and your mate's knowledge. It would be disastrous for her to wake up and find no one in the cockpit and the same for you. A sunny day crossing is also fine but make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen, a hat and quality sunglasses as the sun radiation is intense especially if you do not have a bimini. You will be exposed for 12+ hours. Obviously, north or south winds in the teens will give you a nice reach across the lake, but you normally will encounter a wind shift and may need to motor for a while. My favorite is Pentwater MI, you can anchor in Pentwater lake, use the city dock and also workout a deal to use the showers at Snug Harbor marina. Nice grocery store across the street, nice little shops, good restaurants with live entertainment. As far as swimming, you can walk to the State Park beach on lake Michigan which has powder white sand and some waves if the winds are out of the west. Almost like to ocean but no salt. I will be at McKinley this Saturday south dock L-6. Stop by if you want. Richard H37C Rhapsodie
Night or Day
Have you done any sailing at night? It may seem like a stupid question, but I don't think I did for the first several years I was sailing. I think it was while crewing on some one else's boat. While I certainly enjoy it now, I'm not sure I'd suggest heading across the first time, while doing it at night. Too many new variables introduced at once. Now if you've been out at night in the past, that's a different story. It does get chilly out there at night, even in July and August. And I STRONGLY second Richard's comments about safety at night. When out of the cabin, be it on deck or in the cockpit, PFDs, harnesses, and tethers are part of the uniform. Shifts work well, although I'm more of a night person and don't mind taking more than my share of time at the wheel. I'll even occasionally set an alarm on 15 minute intervals, let "Otto" drive, and catch 10 minute naps. And it is pretty neat heading east and seeing the sun rise over the horizon. Good luck, and let us know how the trip turns out when you get back. T J
Have you done any sailing at night? It may seem like a stupid question, but I don't think I did for the first several years I was sailing. I think it was while crewing on some one else's boat. While I certainly enjoy it now, I'm not sure I'd suggest heading across the first time, while doing it at night. Too many new variables introduced at once. Now if you've been out at night in the past, that's a different story. It does get chilly out there at night, even in July and August. And I STRONGLY second Richard's comments about safety at night. When out of the cabin, be it on deck or in the cockpit, PFDs, harnesses, and tethers are part of the uniform. Shifts work well, although I'm more of a night person and don't mind taking more than my share of time at the wheel. I'll even occasionally set an alarm on 15 minute intervals, let "Otto" drive, and catch 10 minute naps. And it is pretty neat heading east and seeing the sun rise over the horizon. Good luck, and let us know how the trip turns out when you get back. T J
Come on up to LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY
If you have time and wind on your side you should head up north to Petoskey, Harbor Springs and even Beaver Island!! There are anchorages and plenty of slip space too. All 3 of these places have everything you could need ALL within walking distance, a bike is handy too. Petoskey has a West Marine 2 blocks up from the marina too. A little further south is Grand Traverse Bay, there is a weeks worth of sailing around there in mostly protected type waters with quaint marina communitys. Come on over!! Dean
If you have time and wind on your side you should head up north to Petoskey, Harbor Springs and even Beaver Island!! There are anchorages and plenty of slip space too. All 3 of these places have everything you could need ALL within walking distance, a bike is handy too. Petoskey has a West Marine 2 blocks up from the marina too. A little further south is Grand Traverse Bay, there is a weeks worth of sailing around there in mostly protected type waters with quaint marina communitys. Come on over!! Dean
I don't think you can go wrong ...
anywhere along the whole east shore of Lake Michigan. It is all nothing short of spectacular. This thread got me thinking about renting a cottage in the Pentwater area later on this summer. I'm stunned by how low the rental rates are (compared to east coast prices), and the little best kept secret is that there aren't any beaches on the whole east coast that can hold a candle to the beaches around Pentwater. For a sailing venue, Grand Traverse Bay would be my destination if I had unlimited time! My wife and I are about as good as there (later on this summer)!
anywhere along the whole east shore of Lake Michigan. It is all nothing short of spectacular. This thread got me thinking about renting a cottage in the Pentwater area later on this summer. I'm stunned by how low the rental rates are (compared to east coast prices), and the little best kept secret is that there aren't any beaches on the whole east coast that can hold a candle to the beaches around Pentwater. For a sailing venue, Grand Traverse Bay would be my destination if I had unlimited time! My wife and I are about as good as there (later on this summer)!
a little bias
I think Muskegon is a great harbor for your first jaunt over. Very good anchorage both right inside the breakwater arms ,or,... just down the channel, hang a left, and you are right on the beach at Muskegon State Park. All sand holding and if Lake MI kicks up, 7 miles of Muskegon Lake to sail. Easy fuel,pumpout, provisioning on the west end of the lake at HTYC, or MYC. Torresen marine for sundries or repairs( the best sailing boatyard on Lake MI). I do like Pentwater as others have said, but check ahead as the army corps are only maintaining commercial ports this year and their harbor has been closed several times this season to over 5 feet due to shoaling. Sometimes it's open, sometimes it ain't!!! Should take about 12 hours...we always stop for a 1/2 hour swim in the middle of the lake(daytime) just to say we did it!! Check NOAA site as they have info all the way across including a mid-lake bouy. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
I think Muskegon is a great harbor for your first jaunt over. Very good anchorage both right inside the breakwater arms ,or,... just down the channel, hang a left, and you are right on the beach at Muskegon State Park. All sand holding and if Lake MI kicks up, 7 miles of Muskegon Lake to sail. Easy fuel,pumpout, provisioning on the west end of the lake at HTYC, or MYC. Torresen marine for sundries or repairs( the best sailing boatyard on Lake MI). I do like Pentwater as others have said, but check ahead as the army corps are only maintaining commercial ports this year and their harbor has been closed several times this season to over 5 feet due to shoaling. Sometimes it's open, sometimes it ain't!!! Should take about 12 hours...we always stop for a 1/2 hour swim in the middle of the lake(daytime) just to say we did it!! Check NOAA site as they have info all the way across including a mid-lake bouy. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
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