Whenever I read about sailing on the great lakes it is always about erie and lake michigan. Why isn't anyone sailing on ontario, huron or lake superior? What is it about these lakes that keep people off them? Last week I was flying over the lakes and just wondering. Thanks, Dave
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Many Little Critters!
Years ago at the end of June my wife and I left Rhode Island towing our 16 ft Falcon class daysailer. Dreams of cruising the shores and islands became more vivid the closer we got to Michigan. We went up the Michigan peninsula and over the Mackinaw bridge but the closer we got to the north end of the bridge the worse it got - the bugs plastering the windshield. You know, the vampire kind! And we didn't have any "Off". At the first gas station I had to stop to clean the windshield so I could see where I was going. Parked right near the water hose, quickly jumped out of the car, ran to the hose, squirted the windshild, speadily scraped the mosquitos off, then frantically jumped back into the car. The next chore was to kill all the mosquitos that managed to get inside the car. As I recall we didn't stop again for many many miles. I hope this answers your question!
Years ago at the end of June my wife and I left Rhode Island towing our 16 ft Falcon class daysailer. Dreams of cruising the shores and islands became more vivid the closer we got to Michigan. We went up the Michigan peninsula and over the Mackinaw bridge but the closer we got to the north end of the bridge the worse it got - the bugs plastering the windshield. You know, the vampire kind! And we didn't have any "Off". At the first gas station I had to stop to clean the windshield so I could see where I was going. Parked right near the water hose, quickly jumped out of the car, ran to the hose, squirted the windshild, speadily scraped the mosquitos off, then frantically jumped back into the car. The next chore was to kill all the mosquitos that managed to get inside the car. As I recall we didn't stop again for many many miles. I hope this answers your question!
Georgian Bay
Lake Huron, particularly Georgian Bay, North Channel, is terrific. I highly recommend anyone consider a vacation in the North Channel. The water is terrific, but cold for swimming if you are not accustomed to it. It is also very clear and potable on on the lake proper. A few years ago, we sailed from Tobomory, Ontario, to Muskegan, Michigan, by way of the North Channel. We went to Killarney, Baie Fine, the small islands of the North Channel; spend one wild night in Vidal Bay (Manitoulin Island), around Drummond Island, cruised through Les Cheneux Islands, and stopped at Mackinac. It is a terrific place to cruise. A few years later, we sailed to the Duck Islands. Part of that trip included sailing in thick fog and finding our anchorage with only depthfinder and Loran - we finally saw land when the anchor was down. I should tell you to be prepared for some strong winds and high seas during some part of your vacation on Lake Huron. If you get the chance - go for it. NEVEMORE
Lake Huron, particularly Georgian Bay, North Channel, is terrific. I highly recommend anyone consider a vacation in the North Channel. The water is terrific, but cold for swimming if you are not accustomed to it. It is also very clear and potable on on the lake proper. A few years ago, we sailed from Tobomory, Ontario, to Muskegan, Michigan, by way of the North Channel. We went to Killarney, Baie Fine, the small islands of the North Channel; spend one wild night in Vidal Bay (Manitoulin Island), around Drummond Island, cruised through Les Cheneux Islands, and stopped at Mackinac. It is a terrific place to cruise. A few years later, we sailed to the Duck Islands. Part of that trip included sailing in thick fog and finding our anchorage with only depthfinder and Loran - we finally saw land when the anchor was down. I should tell you to be prepared for some strong winds and high seas during some part of your vacation on Lake Huron. If you get the chance - go for it. NEVEMORE
Georgian Bay is wonderful
I sail out of midland Ontario on Georgian Bay. The bugs are rarely a problem. There are several thousand boat slips on the southeastern shore. The previous comments are about Mackinaw are a little silly. It would be like say dont ever go to LA as they have earthquakes, dont go to Miami, they had huricane Andrew etc...... The bay has an island group referred to as the 30,000 islands. It is a cruisers paradise. Come see for yourself. Warren
I sail out of midland Ontario on Georgian Bay. The bugs are rarely a problem. There are several thousand boat slips on the southeastern shore. The previous comments are about Mackinaw are a little silly. It would be like say dont ever go to LA as they have earthquakes, dont go to Miami, they had huricane Andrew etc...... The bay has an island group referred to as the 30,000 islands. It is a cruisers paradise. Come see for yourself. Warren
Population issues
I live on lake erie and have sailed on most of the great lakes. I think to answer your question look at the density of the population and where they vacation. Erie has Cleveland, Bufolo, Toledo and the population. Michigan has Chicago, the other lakes have much smaller populations around them. Plus Sailors only represent a fraction of all boating. After saying that There is some great sailing of Toronto on lake onterio. Skip Cleveland PS> Mystic Conn. is a great place to visit.
I live on lake erie and have sailed on most of the great lakes. I think to answer your question look at the density of the population and where they vacation. Erie has Cleveland, Bufolo, Toledo and the population. Michigan has Chicago, the other lakes have much smaller populations around them. Plus Sailors only represent a fraction of all boating. After saying that There is some great sailing of Toronto on lake onterio. Skip Cleveland PS> Mystic Conn. is a great place to visit.
Early yet
If you just flew over Lake Ontario, expecting to see many sailboats out there... Forget it! Most marinas are just beginning to launch, and our yacht club in Rochester doesn't begin until May. The ice just melted after-all, and the water temperature is 43 degrees. The Rochester newspaper reported yesterday that Lake Ontario will have the best water level of all the Great Lakes this season. That means that boat owners will be happy and lake-side land owners will complain. To find the yacht clubs around Lake Ontario, visit my web site listed below. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
If you just flew over Lake Ontario, expecting to see many sailboats out there... Forget it! Most marinas are just beginning to launch, and our yacht club in Rochester doesn't begin until May. The ice just melted after-all, and the water temperature is 43 degrees. The Rochester newspaper reported yesterday that Lake Ontario will have the best water level of all the Great Lakes this season. That means that boat owners will be happy and lake-side land owners will complain. To find the yacht clubs around Lake Ontario, visit my web site listed below. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
sssshhhh.... Dave we like it that way
Georgian Bay and North Channel is one of the top cruising destinations in the world. The season is short though, about 3 months. There are lots of cruisers for the 6 classic warm weeks of summer but thins out at either end of the high season. Were talking vast inland oceans here, with relatively small population base as pointed out. I have not sailed Superior, but my father in law has and he tells of cruising for days without seeing another boat. These waters are so large that they have there own weather systems. Water levels have been of concern last 2 years, keeping the prop docs and dredging companies busy, and perhaps some deep draft boats away. Don
Georgian Bay and North Channel is one of the top cruising destinations in the world. The season is short though, about 3 months. There are lots of cruisers for the 6 classic warm weeks of summer but thins out at either end of the high season. Were talking vast inland oceans here, with relatively small population base as pointed out. I have not sailed Superior, but my father in law has and he tells of cruising for days without seeing another boat. These waters are so large that they have there own weather systems. Water levels have been of concern last 2 years, keeping the prop docs and dredging companies busy, and perhaps some deep draft boats away. Don
Erie and Huron are Great!
We have been cruising on Lake Erie since the middle 80's. The western basin offers a lot of interesting ports in Ohio, Canada, and at the islands. Our favorite spot is Pelee Island. We have made the trip into Lake Huron twice and plan to go back this year. The trip upriver is a two day marathon, but once you are on Lake Huron, it is worth it. We made a passage from Sarnia to Godrich (65 miles) and only saw one boat after we got away from the shore. Blue deep water (400+ feet) and nice weather. Our only problem in a 10 day trip was having to deal with an attack of black flies in the middle of Lake Huron. (We have had that on Lake Erie as well.) At one point the flys were so numerous that the transome was black. We have built a screen porch around our bimini since then so that we can enjoy the sailing even during the fly attacks. The east shore of Lake Huron is beautiful with a number of nice ports. Jan at Maitland Valley Marina at Godrich treats everyone like they are her long lost children. It is the kind of hospitality that you just do not see anymore. We are going to go north to Tobermorey this year and then either explore a little of Georgian Bay or the North Channel.
We have been cruising on Lake Erie since the middle 80's. The western basin offers a lot of interesting ports in Ohio, Canada, and at the islands. Our favorite spot is Pelee Island. We have made the trip into Lake Huron twice and plan to go back this year. The trip upriver is a two day marathon, but once you are on Lake Huron, it is worth it. We made a passage from Sarnia to Godrich (65 miles) and only saw one boat after we got away from the shore. Blue deep water (400+ feet) and nice weather. Our only problem in a 10 day trip was having to deal with an attack of black flies in the middle of Lake Huron. (We have had that on Lake Erie as well.) At one point the flys were so numerous that the transome was black. We have built a screen porch around our bimini since then so that we can enjoy the sailing even during the fly attacks. The east shore of Lake Huron is beautiful with a number of nice ports. Jan at Maitland Valley Marina at Godrich treats everyone like they are her long lost children. It is the kind of hospitality that you just do not see anymore. We are going to go north to Tobermorey this year and then either explore a little of Georgian Bay or the North Channel.
Highways or Biways
From Connecticut you can sail up the Hudson, step your mast in Albany, and motor along the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal to Oneida Lake, then take the Oswego Barge Canal to Lake Ontario, it's a bit of a haul, but very interesting. From there, sky's the limit. From Oswego, it's only about a 6 or 7 hr sail to the 1000 Islands or to Kingston, Ontario. Check out www.lakeontariosailing.com , it'll give you all the hot spots on the lake. Lots of space and lots to race! Ike 'Freebie'
From Connecticut you can sail up the Hudson, step your mast in Albany, and motor along the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal to Oneida Lake, then take the Oswego Barge Canal to Lake Ontario, it's a bit of a haul, but very interesting. From there, sky's the limit. From Oswego, it's only about a 6 or 7 hr sail to the 1000 Islands or to Kingston, Ontario. Check out www.lakeontariosailing.com , it'll give you all the hot spots on the lake. Lots of space and lots to race! Ike 'Freebie'
The Islands of Lake Huron keep calling.
I've been venturing into Lake Huron from Lake Michigan for several years. The North Channel, Drummond Island, Harbor Island, the Les Cheneux Islands, Mackinac Island and Beaver Island in Northern Lake Michigan are all great destinations. Each place has far more good points then bad points and all are worth a look. Take your Golf clubs and fishing poles. Remember in Canada you'll need a Canadian Fishing license - just ask my friend Dick. And take along a Cruising Guide, these books are a great source of information. I've never been into Lake Surperior but I hear that it's big and cold, and surrounded by friendly natives. Enjoy your self these are all great places to go.
I've been venturing into Lake Huron from Lake Michigan for several years. The North Channel, Drummond Island, Harbor Island, the Les Cheneux Islands, Mackinac Island and Beaver Island in Northern Lake Michigan are all great destinations. Each place has far more good points then bad points and all are worth a look. Take your Golf clubs and fishing poles. Remember in Canada you'll need a Canadian Fishing license - just ask my friend Dick. And take along a Cruising Guide, these books are a great source of information. I've never been into Lake Surperior but I hear that it's big and cold, and surrounded by friendly natives. Enjoy your self these are all great places to go.
Ike, thanks for the plug.
I try to keep LakeOntarioSailing.com full of ideas and places to go on Lake Ontario. I have built up a Links page that is quite extensive for the area. Since Phil added the link field below the text field on these posts, traffic to my site has tripled. I am always looking for new links and ideas for the site, so if any of you Lake Ontario sailors have more to add, please contact me. I hope to see many of you at the Kingston Rendezvous for the Lake Ontario Hunter Sailing Association July 13-15. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I try to keep LakeOntarioSailing.com full of ideas and places to go on Lake Ontario. I have built up a Links page that is quite extensive for the area. Since Phil added the link field below the text field on these posts, traffic to my site has tripled. I am always looking for new links and ideas for the site, so if any of you Lake Ontario sailors have more to add, please contact me. I hope to see many of you at the Kingston Rendezvous for the Lake Ontario Hunter Sailing Association July 13-15. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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