Anybody ever sailed the Great Loop? Most research I have done shows power boats, but I wondered if it could be done by sail.
The Great Loop
- Thread starter chefmike
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I'm looking into doing this too. Seems that a few low bridges are the only significant obstacles for a sailboat. One of the things that makes Macgregor (26 M or X) look appealing is their mast hoist system. Has anyone lowered and raised their mast while cruising? Is it as simple and idiot-proof as Roger Macgregor claims?
I'm assuming you mean the video where they lower the mast just as they get to the bridge. I'll bet they practiced that a few times 
. We usually put the mast up and down on land, but the last time we were out a friend was bringing our Suburban and trailer to us from 90 miles away and wouldn't get there until after dark. We dropped the mast no problem on the water, but I'll have to say if you are doing it and drop something it is going to be easier to pick it back up off the ground than the lake bottom. I dropped a wrench overboard in Idaho and it was kind of sickening watching it head for the bottom.
The part from the Hudson over the Erie Canal if you go that way would be 300 miles of mostly mast down. There are a few lakes on the way where you could put it up. I think you can go under most or all of the bridges on the ICW along the east coast. I'm not sure what the situation is going down the Illinois River and the Mississippi.
I do know that if you tried to sail when you could it would probably take forever. We tried to sail the 150+ mile length of Lake Powell which is as wide as a lot of the loop and it took us 18 days to make 90+ miles. We sat out a few wind days and 3-4 days when I got hurt, but still trying to sail in a narrow channel is taxing. We hope to go back out in May and do the last 60 miles and we will probably set aside a least a week to do that.
If you are on the ocean where you can tack or run in one direction for a long ways 60-90 miles wouldn't take that long at all.
We aren't interested in the loop, but are interested in the Erie from Buffalo to the Hudson and then down to NYC and up into Long Island Sound, but not this year.
Go for it though if it is what you want to do,
Sum
Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID
Our Mac Pages
Mac Links
. We usually put the mast up and down on land, but the last time we were out a friend was bringing our Suburban and trailer to us from 90 miles away and wouldn't get there until after dark. We dropped the mast no problem on the water, but I'll have to say if you are doing it and drop something it is going to be easier to pick it back up off the ground than the lake bottom. I dropped a wrench overboard in Idaho and it was kind of sickening watching it head for the bottom.The part from the Hudson over the Erie Canal if you go that way would be 300 miles of mostly mast down. There are a few lakes on the way where you could put it up. I think you can go under most or all of the bridges on the ICW along the east coast. I'm not sure what the situation is going down the Illinois River and the Mississippi.
I do know that if you tried to sail when you could it would probably take forever. We tried to sail the 150+ mile length of Lake Powell which is as wide as a lot of the loop and it took us 18 days to make 90+ miles. We sat out a few wind days and 3-4 days when I got hurt, but still trying to sail in a narrow channel is taxing. We hope to go back out in May and do the last 60 miles and we will probably set aside a least a week to do that.
If you are on the ocean where you can tack or run in one direction for a long ways 60-90 miles wouldn't take that long at all.
We aren't interested in the loop, but are interested in the Erie from Buffalo to the Hudson and then down to NYC and up into Long Island Sound, but not this year.
Go for it though if it is what you want to do,
Sum
Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID
Our Mac Pages
Mac Links
20+ years ago, I was on a delivery of a 56' Ketch from Antigula to Chicago. And as I recall we stepped shortly out of NY up the Hudson. Went to the Erie and didn't restep till we hit Rochester, headed across to Toronto and back to the states via the Welland. Lots and Lots and Lots of MOTORING; once we hit NY. I haven't looked at the charts for the Illiana Canal or the Mississippi. Lake Champlain is sailable, the Great Lakes definitly; but in the Hudson, Canals, Illinois and Mississippi plan on motoring. Upper NY state and the Hudson are absolutely beautiful, plan on stopping at West Point for a tour and if the Irish Pub is still there across the river, good place to get a good Guinness. Also, when passing through Ilion, visit the Remington Arms Factory; it is amazing. And another stop in Rochester, if you like Cheese Cake, I don't remember the name; best Cheese Cake I have ever had. Some where in my cellar I have the log of the trip... DAMN.
Nik
Nik
This is a pretty good article. It focuses on trawlers, which probably is the ideal boat type for the Great Loop. It also has specifications and dimensions, eg, bridge heights, that are of use for anyone, as well as some good links.
http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/greatloop/theidealboat.html
This is another good, comprehensive look at "looping."
http://www.captainjohn.org/Looperboat.html
It looks like you need a lot of water, fuel and black water stowage. For tips on the latter, see Sum's recent post on super pooper stowage. Sorry, Sum, I just had to get that phrase in.
http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/greatloop/theidealboat.html
This is another good, comprehensive look at "looping."
http://www.captainjohn.org/Looperboat.html
It looks like you need a lot of water, fuel and black water stowage. For tips on the latter, see Sum's recent post on super pooper stowage. Sorry, Sum, I just had to get that phrase in.
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The big thing to controling the mast while on the water are the baby side stays they keep the mast in line from the down to up position while the boat may rocking.
Mast stepping on the water
I've done it! Not while cruising, but I've launched my 26S with the mast in trailering position and raised it on the water. Then when it was time to go home, I lowered it on the water. No problem! I'll have to say it wouldn't be much of a problem to do this in order to get under bridges.
Thanks for the mast-stepping feedback; looks doable. Sum: I can screw up anything, anywhere, anytime. . . should feel just like normal.
I figure the trip is 80-90% motoring, possibly 20-30% motorsailing.
Major attraction of the Macgregor (vs. a trawler) is fuel economy. With a 120-160 hp diesel, the trawler should burn about 2 gallons per hour at about 8 knots. With a 25-30 hp gas outboard, the Macgregor should burn about 1/2 gallon per hour at about 5 knots. Regular gas for the outboard should be cheaper than marine diesel.
At 5 knots, with an autopilot engaged, I ought to have a nice relaxed cruise. While always maintaining a sharp lookout, I might even be able to do some guitar picking while underway!
Just ordered some books by the founders of the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruising Association). So, it's still in the research phase. I'll keep everyone informed as I move ahead. Any input from anyone is always appreciated at anytime.
I figure the trip is 80-90% motoring, possibly 20-30% motorsailing.
Major attraction of the Macgregor (vs. a trawler) is fuel economy. With a 120-160 hp diesel, the trawler should burn about 2 gallons per hour at about 8 knots. With a 25-30 hp gas outboard, the Macgregor should burn about 1/2 gallon per hour at about 5 knots. Regular gas for the outboard should be cheaper than marine diesel.
At 5 knots, with an autopilot engaged, I ought to have a nice relaxed cruise. While always maintaining a sharp lookout, I might even be able to do some guitar picking while underway!
Just ordered some books by the founders of the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruising Association). So, it's still in the research phase. I'll keep everyone informed as I move ahead. Any input from anyone is always appreciated at anytime.
Which Mac are you thinking of, a classic D or S or the X or M powersailor?
With the Classics there is really no reason to go with anything over a 10 HP. A 5 or 6 HP will push it at hull speed, but the larger motor might come in handy someplace on the trip and it would have electric start, something I would want for sure for a trip of that length.
Most of us seem to get 10-12 mpg with our classics regardless of which outboard we are using. 6-7 knots is going to be max speed though.
Keep us informed of your plans,
Sum
Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID
Our Mac Pages
Mac Links
I live very close to Waterford NY, where the Mohawk (Erie Canal) and Hudson come together. So let me know if you do it & I'll buy you a beer as you go by! Jon Jon@JonRickert.com
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