The Perfect Place to Sail

[Jim Budde]

I would like to know what you think ... where's the best place (coastal, lake or river) to sail in the US, given the following parameters

Season ... Ice out by mid March ... reasonably warm water thru early October.In other words, Spring, Summer and early Fall
Weather ... reasonably predictable.
Boat ... 24 (LOD) gaff rigged, shallow keel w/ two berths and a small diesel for aux power.
Trip duaration ... probably two to four days, anything longer and we would put in for accomondations.

Obviously, living in Nebraska, boat is being designed for trailer travel.

[ 08-21-2003, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: Jim Budde ]

[Dan McCosh]

Sounds like right here. Detroit, Michigan. Choice of two (count em, two) Great Lakes a day's motor away; hundreds of square miles of navigable marshland at the back door. Five overnight destinations a day's sail away. (some even need passports). Two days to cross Lake Huron, or stop every 30 miles or so. Then you are in some really pretty country.

[Dennis Marshall]

Shoot, Dan. Here I thought he was talking about Lake Michigan -- Holland, Luddington, PentWater, South Haven, Grand Haven, and acroos the lake, the Door Peninsula.

Dennis

[Donn]

Weather ... reasonably predictable.
That pretty much eliminates the Great Lakes. :D

[Ian McColgin]

Since you include coastal:

Nantucket Sound.

Predictable winds and the best on either coast.

Mostly sand if you hit the hard brown stuff around the edges.

Enough tide and current to give some interest but not so much that it's really hard.

Enough places to sail with everything less than a day's sail away.

It's likely that you could even arrange affordable "parking" for boat and trailor so you could easily make a few 4 day trips without carting the boat back and forth more than one round trip.

G'luck

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Jim Budde:
Season ... Ice out by mid March ...Ice out? What's that? Oh, wait, I know. That's when the Igloo needs another chunck of ice 'cuz the beer is hot.

Hey, there's a whole other world out there that never gets iced in. Except in the Igloo. If the boat is on a trailer, go where the sailing is good at any particular time of the year. Starting in North Carolina and continuing southward and around the corner into the Gulf of Mexico and down to Brownsville, Texas you will find perfect places to sail when your home waters are too hard to use.

And then there is the other direction. "Go West, young man!" Lake Yellowstone, Flathead Lake, all of those really big man-made lakes up in British Columbia. Or, all the way west to Puget Sound, Vancouver Island, etc. A boat like yours could easily go up the Inside Passage as far as you like. Re-supply points aren't more than 4-5 days apart. Usually less than that. I have a book at home about a couple who traversed the Inside Passage in sea kayaks and their longest stretch between hot showers was 10 days. You won't have that many days between "civilization stops" in a boat like yours.

The beauty of a sailboat on a trailer is a limitless cruising area.

[Frank Wentzel]

Hi Jim!

The only time I see ice is in a glass of tea, and sailing is great all winter long. A picture of your family lazing back while sailing on clear water makes a great Christmas card!

/// Frank ///

[NormMessinger]

Hey, Jim! Can we come too?

Dennis, tell Jim more about sailing around Holland. My sister lives there but I sort of had the impressing that side of the lake was pretty much developed and not many hidyholes.

[Dennis Marshall]

Norm,

The lakeshore is pretty well developed, to be sure. Residences (large and palatial) inhabit the shoreline. For cruising, however, the towns are spaced such that one would never be more than 3 days away from a place to replenish, shower, get groceries, whatever. Add to that the fact that there are many state park areas along the shore makes for good sight seeing, bird watching, and camping. One of these days, I'd like to sail along the coast in a small open boat North to Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, etc. It is God's country up there. It would be about a 400 mile round trip from Holland (where I tend to sail in Lake Macatawa).

As for the weather, it is true that Lake Michigan's weather is rather unpredictable, but that is mostly from November to April. On average, winds on the Lake during the summer in this area run no more than 15kts with a 1-2 ft chop. Perfect weather, Donn, for your Seabright Skiff! If you want good summer sailing, low humidity, warm days and reasonably cool nights, come to Michigan, by God! You won't regret it.

Dennis

[TimH]

Dennis,
Thanx for skipping White Lake. Too many sunfish eaters there in the summer as it is smile.gif I do miss Michigan in the summer. I grew up there, and now live in Washington state. Its beautiful out here, but you cant swim in the sound. In the summer there is noplace nicer than West Michigan.

[Dennis Marshall]

Tim H,

Sorry for skipping White Lake, but there are so many nice places along the shore I can't keep count of 'em. BTW, I have lived here for 5 years and I have to agree, summers in Western MI are as near perfect as one can get. The winters, however, tend to wear on one.

Dennis

[Gary Bergman]

Well, being raised in Nebraska, I understand. Fairly fond of my sailing venue,San Francisco Bay, got it all, eh wot?

[ishmael]

Um...this is a trick question right?

Where the water is deep enough. ;)

[TimH]

The winters are good if you like snow...hehe

[Ariel]

Mobile Bay, Alabama--worth the extra miles--trust me

[ 08-22-2003, 12:19 PM: Message edited by: Ariel ]

[Willin']

The Channel Islands of Southern California. It's a beat out of Oxnard, more of a reach out of Ventura and Santa Barbara. Count on June gloom but dependable afternoon westerlies from May through October. Good protection at numerous coves on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and San Miguel Islands. Great diving/ snorkeling.

Two caveats, expect weekend crowds in July-August to be big and ill mannered. Avoid Santa Catalina at all costs!

Cheers,

Mark

[Bill Dodson]

I'm surprised y'all couldn't tell that he was obviously talking about the Chesapeake Bay tongue.gif

Bill :rolleyes:

[Noah]

I gotta place my vote for Lake Champlain. 6th biggest lake in the country, 120 miles long, but only 12 or so wide. Lots of nice little islands, generally very moderate weather. Waves never much larger than 6ft in the warm months. Beautiful Mountains on either side so both sunsets and sunrises are amazing. Probably more naval history per mile than any other water in the US. Plus there are very few motor boats and not too many sailboats. The water is deep so you don't go bump. It isn't too hot in the summer, though the spring can be cold.

But I guess that I'm biased. I'm going cruising all weekend right here....

Noah

[TimH]

Lake Michigan this time of year is nothing but a big huge swimming pool with lots of toys

[JimConlin]

What Ian said about Nantucket Sound. Same for Buzzard's Bay (adjacent).
Also, any part of the Maine coast from Casco Bay to Mount Desert Island can't be beat.

Favor MA if you want to swim or dislike fog or light winds.
Favor ME if you like less development and smaller crowds

[Ex-Oceangoddess]

Someone said it already - go to the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia - relatively sheltered waters, lots of marine parks, gorgeous scenery, Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, endless well protected moorages, great fishing, wonderful people, 73 cent dollars, etc. etc. etc.

And say hello for landlocked me....

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Ex-Oceangoddess:
Someone said it already - go to the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia - relatively sheltered waters, lots of marine parks, gorgeous scenery, Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, endless well protected moorages, great fishing, wonderful people, 73 cent dollars, etc. etc. etc.

And say hello for landlocked me....Right you are! I said it earlier and I'll say it again. Tops on my list for sure. A perfect combination of civilization and wilderness. Ex-Oceangoddess only hinted at all there is. Not to mention all of the places to explore between Nebraska and the coast.

We really are blessed with several lifetimes of places to sail in North America. There is always a "perfect place" somewhere any month of the year. All you need is a boat on a trailer.

[Jim Budde]

Thanks for all the ideas ... posting them on my shop wall as motivation to get started on my new boat. Since this project will take some time, I am thinkin' the unthinkable .. buy a plastic throw away and go see some of your favorites now.

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Jim Budde:
...I am thinkin' the unthinkable .. buy a plastic throw away and go see some of your favorites now.Not unthinkable at all. Go for it! We all postpone things thinking that there will be plenty of time later. Too often LATER never happens. I found that out the hard way when my Dad's health failed.

Do your exploring with a smaller, more easily towed boat. When the big boat is finished, you'll know exactly wehre you wish to go.

[Bruce Hooke]

Limiting yourself to places where you can be on the water by mid-March eliminates A LOT of good sailing waters. In mid-March, in a small boat, I don't think I would consider anything north of Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast and I have my doubts about anywhere on the Great Lakes. I don't know the West Coast that well but I am guessing that anywhere in the Pudget Sound area would be out too, as would anywhere in Canada, including the Inside Passage. Many of these places would be ice free by mid-March (if they ever get ice at all), but it would be quite foolish to go out in small boat at that time of the year, especially if you are new to sailing. A person's lifespan in water that is not much above freezing is just way to short, especially when the air is also still cold.

In terms of considering sailing locations, you need to think about what your priorities and preferences are. Do you like:

- Sandy beaches?
- Remote locations with not very many people around?
- Spectacular scenery?
- Warm water?
- Good fishing?
- Scenic, rocky, spruce covered shorelines?
- Lots of little places to poke into?
- Broad, open waters where you can focus on sailing rather than navigation?
- What do you consider to be perfect temperature weather: 70 degrees or 95 degrees?

Your preferences in these matters will largely determine what sort of places you will like sailing in most. I think the coast of Maine is a great place to sail, but for someone who likes warm water, warm air, sandy beaches and not much to worry about in the way of navigation it would probably seem like hell on earth. :D (Also, sailing on the Maine coast before June is only for the hearty and experienced sailor.)

[MuddyFeet]

Apostle Islands, but please don't tell anyone else. :)

[bainbridgeisland]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bruce Hooke:
[QB]I don't know the West Coast that well but I am guessing that anywhere in the Pudget Sound area would be out too, as would anywhere in Canada, including the Inside Passage. Many of these places would be ice free by mid-March (if they ever get ice at all), but it would be quite foolish to go out in small boat at that time of the year, especially if you are new to sailing. A person's lifespan in water that is not much above freezing is just way to short, especially when the air is also still cold.

About Puget Sound:

I sail my Windmill sailing dinghy year around in Puget Sound. I am not alone. Any time of the year one can find sailboats here. Average winter high temperature is about 55 degrees. Average summer high temperature is about 68 degrees. The water is virtually the same temperature year around. The ocean and bays virtually never freeze here and it only snows a handful of days each year.

It is usually overcast but rarely rains hard. Puget Sound connects via the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island in Canada. Weather and water temperature is near the same up there until you get towards the North end of Vancouver Island in Winter. There are lots of places to go here in Puget Sound and the inland passage to Canada, some urban and some that are near wilderness.

This is a beautiful place to sail but winds are not consistent and tidal currents are strong. Except for the current, Puget Sound is a good place for beginners. The tidal range and current take a little practice. I wouldn't be afraid of it though. The weather is best in August, daytime highs in the high 70s, mostly sunny and very little drizzle. The wind is best in September without too much drizzle.

[Leon m]

Muddyfeet

SSSHHHHHHH ! Ya aint suppose to tell :mad:

Besides the ice Stays till may and the water is always ICE cold ;)

Its bad enough that the Flatlanders have found
out(OOPS) redface.gif :D

[TimH]

Puget Sound is no good for sailing, its always raining and you have to worry about being attacked by Orcas and run over by aircraft carriers and cruise ships. smile.gif

[Venchka]

Aye, and further north up by British Columbia is no good either. The place names say it all: Desolation Sound and Cape Caution. Scary stuff! :D

[Ex-Oceangoddess]

Yeah - well we call it scary stuff to scare the trippers away, dontcha know....

[mmd]

Not here. It's horrible. Cold, wet, overcrowded, just terrible. We only sail here to experience enough discomfort to see God. It's a religious thing. Stay away, if you know what's good for us - um, I mean you.

What?

Oh, right; we're not in the US. Never mind.

;) :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid33/p3727ad2837095e471d6b7a52af5ac299/fd388810.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid33/p5643b9e2b63dc1d9c5434ff4fa31fd1b/fd391957.jpg

[Venchka]

mmd,

You are an evil wicked man! I'm a glutton for punishment! I can't wait to suffer like ya'll! :D

[Venchka]

December. The Gulf of Mexico. The last place you would want to be!
http://www.wctss.dittybag.net/photoalbums/Dec2001sh/sandcsle_5543.jpg

March is awful too! We can't even afford docks down here!
http://www.wctss.dittybag.net/photoalbums/march2002/stevedrasc2_5142.jpg

Ya'll should stay home by the fire! :D