We are experienced sailors for many years...inland waters, the Caribbean, and off shore eastern seaboard. We have a 28 foot trimaran and plan on sailing from Door County, Wisconsin to Mackinac Island and back in mid-August. A self proclaimed "experienced" Great Lakes sailor told Cathy not to to it. Crossing Lake Michigan at the northern end is dangerous. He suggested we trailer as close as we can like Manistique or St. Ignace. I don't really understand that mind-set. We are careful and experienced with an experienced crew of 4 on a trimaran with a 20HP Honda four stroke and plenty of fuel. We do 7 knots under power, and have a 150 roller furling Genny and an Asym.
Our plan is to sail directly to Traverse Bay and then up to Mackinac Island. Staying at Beaver Island on the way back.
Would anyone care to comment on this??
Thank you for your input.
Alan and Cathy
The Cathyalan
No problem
Permalink Submitted by dweller on Mon, 06/14/2010 - 19:40.
Should be no problem. We are making the opposite trip next week--Cheboygan, Michigan, to Green Bay, and back. We've done it--as have many others--numerous times.
Northern Lake Michigan can kick up bad weather, like any other open water, but careful planning and good seamanship can handle it.
(Hope your experienced Lake Michigan is not a GLCC member!)
Best wishes,
Ron Dwelle