Sailing Toronto to Cobourg

[yammydo]

New to sailing. Bought a 1984 Sonic 23 last spring and spent the summer and fall sailing in the outer harbour area of Toronto. Have never sailed for more than a few hours but this summer would like to try a longer sail on Lake Ontario. Maybe Coburg. Any info on the Toronto to Cobourg trip would be appreciated. I was hoping to pay for a slip at the Cobourg Marina. Anything I should be aware of. I have read about Peters Rock just west of Cobourg and understand you need to stay south of the cardinal buoy marking this rock.
Thanks

 

[Johnb]

Yammydo,

As a basic principle of sailing (or boating?) you should have and study the charts for the area you are going to sail in. There is a wealth of important information about depths, harzards and no go areas. I also suggest suggest that anyone practice basic navigation at all times so you know where you are. I am amazed at how many people run aground in broad daylight on San Francisco Bay by just going into areas they never should have.

John Brecher

 

[walmsleyc]

Not withstanding all the standard preparations and safety precautions, be aware that Lake Ontario can get nasty, and be prepared for that. Checking weather is important. There's lots on live data from weather buoys available. Just for fun, check them out of days when there strong wind and bad weather. Look at things like wave heights, etc.

Otherwise the north-west shore of the lake is pretty straight forward.

Chris

 

[g1gaumond]

Yammydo,

It is a great sail over, a long one but a good one that is very uplifting once you have made it. Leave early morning and increase your chance of making in daylight.

As mentioned above, security is always number one, before heading out.

Also be aware that there's plenty of Yacht clubs and marinas along the way were you can seek shelter and or assistance.

Apart from Peter's Rock it is pretty clear sailing as you end up pertty far from shore on a straight layline. Make sure you enter the harbour from the south east without trying to cut the corning arriving from the west too much. If you are member of a yacht club, you can a reciprocal slip with the CYC. But it is limited and tought to get one. Don't hesitate to join in at any events at the CYC even if you are not using their slis, they are a great bunch of wlecoming sailors!!!

Staff at the Marina are also great and helpful!

Get yourself a PORTS guide book if you are going to do any extending cruisn around the lake. Best investment there is, if you are exploring

Enjoy

Ghislain Gaumond
Emilie-Jolie
C30TRBS 4708

 

[Attalia32]

All great advice, a great and relatively safe/easy first cruise. Plan on twelve hours or so with favourable winds. Peters Rock is the only obstacle. Have made the trip twice in my Tanzer 28. it's a great marina, and the downtown is right there, as well as camping on the beach next door. And coming home is a snap, turn right, and you can see the CN Tower, some 60 nautical miles ahead of you. I do suggest you migiht find a friend who has sailed to join you, just in case the weather turns. If so simply reduce sail, maintain your course, and do not panic-ever. Bring all required safety gear naturally, and plenty of food and water-stopping is very time consuming. Also you have the option for friends to come by train for a visit. See you about the Outer Harbour.
Sea Deucer, OHM
(Jeanneau 32')

 

[Ken Palmer]

You should do OK on this sail. All of the advice I have read on this post are right on. Cobourg Marina does not take reservations, but you shouldn't have any problem getting a slip when you get there, unless you go on a major holiday such as Canada Day. You need to get there about a week in advance to get a nice slip for that holiday weekend. It is worth seeing, with the carnival and tents set up for selling arts and crafts. The yacht club offers a spot on the wall, with no water or electricity (or hydro as the Canadians call it). There is also anchoring in the large basin available. They have fuel and pump-out at the marina, and the town is a great place to find a good meal. Have fun on your sail.