[bolger] Re: crazy mid winter stuff. circumnav. NE
I probably put the guy in the keys out of business. Rented some sort
(maybe-Bolger) designed (almost certainly Bolger-designed - it had an
off-center mizzen) fiberglass job that was supposedly a rejected prototype
for for the folks who built "Dovekie". The water inside the keys is very,
very shallow - to sail you need to stay within narrow channels (called
"drag-overs", I believe), which is pleasant, fun and kind of challenging.
However on the second or third day out as I was running gently up a sinous
channel a squal came up behind me which I, concentrating on following the
channel didn't notice, and my crew thought it would be amusing to see how I
reacted when it hit. I instinctively (and very wrongly) reacted by letting
go the sheets and helm to swing into the wind. Bad idea! I swung out of the
channel, the lee board bit into the marly bottom (too stiff to sail through
and to soft to walk in) and the boat laid on its side. Efforts to right it
proved unavailing and as the tide rose, the boat, lying on its side filled.
Efforts to attract the attention of the park service birdwatching boats with
flares were unavailing and night was not far off with three pretty cold guys
perched on a small bit of hull side above the water. Fortunately a
sharp-eyed National Guard jet-jockey spotted us - how he could see us from
altitude is a mystery to me. Equally fortunately, the National Guard and the
Coast Guard navigation stuff was incompatible, so by dint of making repeated
and spectacular low level passes over us he was able to direct a Park Service
launch to our rescue - just in time to avoid what I think would have been an
expensive and unpleasant rescue by a Coast Guard helicopter. In retropsect,
if I had just run before the squall, we would have grounded in the soft marl,
and remaing vertical, could have floated off unassisted and still dry when
the tide rose. Live and learn. Anyway the Park Service was great and my
father's and uncle's tales grow better with each repetition.
Bill in the land of HARD water.
(maybe-Bolger) designed (almost certainly Bolger-designed - it had an
off-center mizzen) fiberglass job that was supposedly a rejected prototype
for for the folks who built "Dovekie". The water inside the keys is very,
very shallow - to sail you need to stay within narrow channels (called
"drag-overs", I believe), which is pleasant, fun and kind of challenging.
However on the second or third day out as I was running gently up a sinous
channel a squal came up behind me which I, concentrating on following the
channel didn't notice, and my crew thought it would be amusing to see how I
reacted when it hit. I instinctively (and very wrongly) reacted by letting
go the sheets and helm to swing into the wind. Bad idea! I swung out of the
channel, the lee board bit into the marly bottom (too stiff to sail through
and to soft to walk in) and the boat laid on its side. Efforts to right it
proved unavailing and as the tide rose, the boat, lying on its side filled.
Efforts to attract the attention of the park service birdwatching boats with
flares were unavailing and night was not far off with three pretty cold guys
perched on a small bit of hull side above the water. Fortunately a
sharp-eyed National Guard jet-jockey spotted us - how he could see us from
altitude is a mystery to me. Equally fortunately, the National Guard and the
Coast Guard navigation stuff was incompatible, so by dint of making repeated
and spectacular low level passes over us he was able to direct a Park Service
launch to our rescue - just in time to avoid what I think would have been an
expensive and unpleasant rescue by a Coast Guard helicopter. In retropsect,
if I had just run before the squall, we would have grounded in the soft marl,
and remaing vertical, could have floated off unassisted and still dry when
the tide rose. Live and learn. Anyway the Park Service was great and my
father's and uncle's tales grow better with each repetition.
Bill in the land of HARD water.
Jack,
Good advise on the G.P.S, I admit I am use to sailing on the
forgiving sand bars of our South Coast. The Scotian area is one big
rock pile. I think cutting across to Grand Mahan is a good idea as
well.
"jack bearden" <beardej-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2679
thought to cutting across the Fundy mouth to Grand Manan and following
the coast to Cape Cod from there. The idea of crossing the gulf of
Maine is a 15' 4" boat makes my knees weak. Think about spending at
least one night in Yarmouth horbour so you can wave goodbye to the Cat.
Comforting to know she's not out there in the fog with you. Another
good reason to cross her wake to GM before the home stretch. Similar
timing for Bar Harbour is probably a good idea.
cruising/ anchoring/exploring. If you buy the tapes one at a time they
cost almost nothing. Let me know if you're interested and I'll track
down the address/email for the source.
I'm even fantasizing the new workshop I gotta build first.
Good advise on the G.P.S, I admit I am use to sailing on the
forgiving sand bars of our South Coast. The Scotian area is one big
rock pile. I think cutting across to Grand Mahan is a good idea as
well.
"jack bearden" <beardej-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2679
> Uh, add G.P.S. to the supply list. You can almost buy real estate onthe Scotian Shelf fog banks early to mid summer.
>have up to date charts for Canso to Shelburne stretch. Maybe give some
> Peters advice about clockwise travel is...well wise. Make sure you
thought to cutting across the Fundy mouth to Grand Manan and following
the coast to Cape Cod from there. The idea of crossing the gulf of
Maine is a 15' 4" boat makes my knees weak. Think about spending at
least one night in Yarmouth horbour so you can wave goodbye to the Cat.
Comforting to know she's not out there in the fog with you. Another
good reason to cross her wake to GM before the home stretch. Similar
timing for Bar Harbour is probably a good idea.
>maritime coast from 400 ft. up at 90 mph. Handy stuff for previewing
> The Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans has video taped all of the
cruising/ anchoring/exploring. If you buy the tapes one at a time they
cost almost nothing. Let me know if you're interested and I'll track
down the address/email for the source.
>similar adventures with WDJ. Right now, as I watch new snow falling,
> Your trip plan is the stuff of dreams. I plan (fantasize?) very
I'm even fantasizing the new workshop I gotta build first.
>
> Go for it.
>
> jeb, drooling on the shores of Fundy
>
Unfortunately, my winter schedule is way too difficult, and it is way
too hot there in the summertime.
kf4cal-@...wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2677
too hot there in the summertime.
kf4cal-@...wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2677
> Way off subject, but another great (and a lot warmer) wintercircumnavigation
> would be South Florida. A canal cuts the state in half through Lakesouthwest, things
> Okeechobee. On the east side is the ICW, clear sailing with lots of
> development and night life on the shores. On the west and
> are a little more open with the southern part of the state occupiedby
> Everglades National Park, which I hear is delightful in winter time.Could
> even include the keys in such a sail and perhaps get some open waterin the
> Gulf of Mexico. At one time, near the head of the keys, there was afellow
> who chartered Bolger designed boats. Ideal for the shoal draft, butI
> understand he is no longer there. Best regards, Warren
Alex,
No, I definately to not know it all. I feel like I know just enough
to get into trouble, therefore gaining knowledge from those more
familiar with the waters and the boat is essential.
The J24 is absolutely the wrong boat for this type of thing. Careful
attention is needed when heading downwind to avoid broaching when
overpowered. Broaches happen suddenly as the transom gets ahead of the
COE and it spins upwind on its fin keel.
i plan on bringing a support team with car/trailer to put the boat on
when time runs short or the weather becomes impossible.
"alex" <alex-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2673
No, I definately to not know it all. I feel like I know just enough
to get into trouble, therefore gaining knowledge from those more
familiar with the waters and the boat is essential.
The J24 is absolutely the wrong boat for this type of thing. Careful
attention is needed when heading downwind to avoid broaching when
overpowered. Broaches happen suddenly as the transom gets ahead of the
COE and it spins upwind on its fin keel.
i plan on bringing a support team with car/trailer to put the boat on
when time runs short or the weather becomes impossible.
"alex" <alex-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2673
> David,
>
> I noticed J24 link on your Website; if you raced a J24
> on North Shore you know it all. If not, sailing a
> 16-footer to Nova Scotia is a challenge under the best
> of circumstances. Add to it a new boat and less than
> perfect weather conditions, and you might get more
> excitement on your hands than you really want.
>
> I assume you considered a trailer-sailor alternative.
> Still, until you complete your boat shakedown and
> adjust to it, trailor-sailoring could be just as good
> and a bit easier on you and your love ones.
>
> But then I never paid too much attention to those
> who "knew it all"; luckily my family and I
> survived our voyages... we remember only the best...
> just be careful.
>
> alex
> > Am I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
>
>
Alex,
The J24 is absolutely the wrong boat for this type of thing. Careful
attention is needed when heading downwind to avoid broaching when
overpowered. Broaches happen suddenly as the transom gets ahead of the
COE and it spins upwind on its fin keel.
i plan on bringing a support team with car/trailer to put the boat on
when time runs short or the weather becomes impossible.
"alex" <alex-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2673
The J24 is absolutely the wrong boat for this type of thing. Careful
attention is needed when heading downwind to avoid broaching when
overpowered. Broaches happen suddenly as the transom gets ahead of the
COE and it spins upwind on its fin keel.
i plan on bringing a support team with car/trailer to put the boat on
when time runs short or the weather becomes impossible.
"alex" <alex-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2673
> David,
>
> I noticed J24 link on your Website; if you raced a J24
> on North Shore you know it all. If not, sailing a
> 16-footer to Nova Scotia is a challenge under the best
> of circumstances. Add to it a new boat and less than
> perfect weather conditions, and you might get more
> excitement on your hands than you really want.
>
> I assume you considered a trailer-sailor alternative.
> Still, until you complete your boat shakedown and
> adjust to it, trailor-sailoring could be just as good
> and a bit easier on you and your love ones.
>
> But then I never paid too much attention to those
> who "knew it all"; luckily my family and I
> survived our voyages... we remember only the best...
> just be careful.
>
> alex
> > Am I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
>
>
Great idea Peter,
I have contemplated going clockwise before, but had decided to do it
the other way around due to the prevailing winds in Long Island sound
(beat straight upwind) and the beat back to Boston from downeast. I
guess that would make it upwest. However, your point about sheltered
harbors and provisions is well taken! There are plenty of good harbors
along the south shore of Connecticut and Maine from Jonesport to
Camden! However that does not appear to be the case along the St.
Lawrence.
A current to 10 kts is worth avoiding. Having had a similar
experience in the Cape Cod Canal where the current only goes to 4.5kts
against the Buzzards Bay afternoon hurricane, I can't imagine bucking a
10kt current with similar winds.
Clothing and a radar reflector are a given.
The beauty of micro is that you can pick it up with the car and
trailer when you get tired of the journey. I will have to travel to
the upper St. L by car this summer to check it out. Sounds like a road
trip is in order.
David Jost
Boston
"peter lenihan" <ellengaes-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2658
I have contemplated going clockwise before, but had decided to do it
the other way around due to the prevailing winds in Long Island sound
(beat straight upwind) and the beat back to Boston from downeast. I
guess that would make it upwest. However, your point about sheltered
harbors and provisions is well taken! There are plenty of good harbors
along the south shore of Connecticut and Maine from Jonesport to
Camden! However that does not appear to be the case along the St.
Lawrence.
A current to 10 kts is worth avoiding. Having had a similar
experience in the Cape Cod Canal where the current only goes to 4.5kts
against the Buzzards Bay afternoon hurricane, I can't imagine bucking a
10kt current with similar winds.
Clothing and a radar reflector are a given.
The beauty of micro is that you can pick it up with the car and
trailer when you get tired of the journey. I will have to travel to
the upper St. L by car this summer to check it out. Sounds like a road
trip is in order.
David Jost
Boston
"peter lenihan" <ellengaes-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2658
> "david jost" <djos-@...> wrote:.
> original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2649
> > Ok,
> > I am looking for opinions here. Particularly from Peter in the
> > frozen hinterlands of North America. I will probably have my Micro
> > built by August and fully provisioned with motor/sails/anchors/etc.
> > .by May 2001. I have an extended vacation coming up of July andcompletely
> August
> > 2001 and have come up with what might be a great idea or a
> > bone-headed one. I think I would like to circumnavigate New Englandbodies
> in
> > Micro.
> > At first glance it looks do-able with perhaps the section of water
> > between Nova Scotia and the St/ Lawrence Seaway. Both of these
> > of water are completely foreign to me.head
> > I would plan leave the south coast of Cape Cod in Mid-June and
> > through the Canal up to Boston and then downeast. Gunkholing andCanal
> > what-not to Bar Harbor. Next would be the leap from ME. to NS and
> then
> > around to the inlet. of the St. Lawrence. Big tides, eh. . .
> > After the St. Lawrence it is a picnic run down the Richelieu
> > to Champlain and the Hudson, L.I Sound and back to the Cape.Am
> > Opinions welcome. "a pfd, life harness, vhf, will be on board.
> > I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?to
> > Hello David,
> Sounds like a real adventure to me.No,I would not consider you
> crazy,in mid-life crisis or worse but simply going about it in the
> wrong direction!In particular,you might prefer coming up the
> Hudson,then doing Lake Champlain(prevailing winds from the South,South
> West),then exiting North into the Richelieu River before turning right
> at Sorel and down the St.Lawrence,which is oriented somewhat in a
> Northeasterly direction with prevailing winds at your back from the
> Southwest.It is worth keeping in mind,that should you insist on
> coming"up"the St.Lawrence,it will be one hell of battle especially at
> Quebec City where you have the waters of one huge watershed(5 Great
> Lakes and numerious secondary rivers from the North) joining forces
> with an ebb tide to give you an average current of near 10.5 kts.Add
> this winds on the nose with waves to match and you might spend a monthof
> once you turn the corner at Gaspe and head upriver just to get as far
> as Sorel and the mouth of the Richelieu River.Micro has a hull speed
> a wee bit over 4 knots and both the North and South shores of theright
> St.Lawrence are scarcly populated down river from Quebec City with few
> resources(ie;fuel,food,an occassional warm hotel bed) and rocky
> shores.....You will also need lots of cold weather clothing!I have
> sailed in the Gulf,mid July,and had three layers of
> sweaters,windbreaker,woolen hat and gloves and just barely felt
> comfortable on an C&C 32!!
> So,my choice would be to go about it in the other
> direction,keeping the wind(and St.Lawrence current) at my back for the
> most difficult part.I would not venture far off-shore once around the
> corner of the Gaspe then stick with the North Thumberland Strait
> between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick down to the canal
> between Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.Once through the canal,hang a
> and travel along the senic coast of Nova Scotia until near the Westernthat
> tip of Nova Scotia before attempting the jump across the Gulf of
> Maine.The rest of the trip South,I trust you to be perhaps more
> familiar with then myself.
> I would also include,in my essential equipment,the biggest radar
> reflector practicle and some means of providing heat for the
> cabin.There is lots of fog in the Maritime Provinces(right JEB,on the
> Fundy shores?) and things will get damp and cool(cold?) very soon.
> Well,that is about all that comes readily to mind for the
> moment.Hopefully others will jump in with more advice/opinions and
> this is a start to a wonderful experience for you.
> Of course,you could always turn LEFT at Sorel,come up to Montreal
> and experience a little bit of Paris in North America.The women are
> most remarkable.............
> Sincerely,
> Peter Lenihan
> Montreal
>
> I think I would like to circumnavigate New England inOnce upon a time, someone did a trip like this in a Centennial II.
> Micro.
Perhaps, with a little research, you can find his book or articles.
Check with MAIB.
You need to think carefully about how long it will take. Thirty miles
underway is a long day, and your harbor at the beginning and end of the
day may be 5 or even 10 miles off route. You will have to work with the
currents. In addition, bad weather can keep you in port for a week at a
time. If you average even 15 miles a day, you will be doing well.
When I looked a a chart, it was obvious that the Canadian portion of
the trip was much longer, not to mention incomparably more arduous,
than the US portion. Personally, I am not so ambitious; I would be
content with starting at the top of Lake Champlain and finishing at
Eastport, ME.
In 1968, just after my graduation from college, I helped my uncle sail
his Tartan 27 from Toms River, NJ to the Sheepscot River in Maine. We
spent one night at anchor in Biddeford Hole, Maine. Anchored near us
were two young Canadian men who had sailed their 20' sloop from the
Maritimes to NY city, and were on their way home. So, it can be done.
Peter
Uh, add G.P.S. to the supply list. You can almost buy real estate on the Scotian Shelf fog banks early to mid summer.
Peters advice about clockwise travel is...well wise. Make sure you have up to date charts for Canso to Shelburne stretch. Maybe give some thought to cutting across the Fundy mouth to Grand Manan and following the coast to Cape Cod from there. The idea of crossing the gulf of Maine is a 15' 4" boat makes my knees weak. Think about spending at least one night in Yarmouth horbour so you can wave goodbye to the Cat. Comforting to know she's not out there in the fog with you. Another good reason to cross her wake to GM before the home stretch. Similar timing for Bar Harbour is probably a good idea.
The Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans has video taped all of the maritime coast from 400 ft. up at 90 mph. Handy stuff for previewing cruising/ anchoring/exploring. If you buy the tapes one at a time they cost almost nothing. Let me know if you're interested and I'll track down the address/email for the source.
Your trip plan is the stuff of dreams. I plan (fantasize?) very similar adventures with WDJ. Right now, as I watch new snow falling, I'm even fantasizing the new workshop I gotta build first.
Go for it.
jeb, drooling on the shores of Fundy
Peters advice about clockwise travel is...well wise. Make sure you have up to date charts for Canso to Shelburne stretch. Maybe give some thought to cutting across the Fundy mouth to Grand Manan and following the coast to Cape Cod from there. The idea of crossing the gulf of Maine is a 15' 4" boat makes my knees weak. Think about spending at least one night in Yarmouth horbour so you can wave goodbye to the Cat. Comforting to know she's not out there in the fog with you. Another good reason to cross her wake to GM before the home stretch. Similar timing for Bar Harbour is probably a good idea.
The Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans has video taped all of the maritime coast from 400 ft. up at 90 mph. Handy stuff for previewing cruising/ anchoring/exploring. If you buy the tapes one at a time they cost almost nothing. Let me know if you're interested and I'll track down the address/email for the source.
Your trip plan is the stuff of dreams. I plan (fantasize?) very similar adventures with WDJ. Right now, as I watch new snow falling, I'm even fantasizing the new workshop I gotta build first.
Go for it.
jeb, drooling on the shores of Fundy
Way off subject, but another great (and a lot warmer) winter circumnavigation
would be South Florida. A canal cuts the state in half through Lake
Okeechobee. On the east side is the ICW, clear sailing with lots of
development and night life on the shores. On the west and southwest, things
are a little more open with the southern part of the state occupied by
Everglades National Park, which I hear is delightful in winter time. Could
even include the keys in such a sail and perhaps get some open water in the
Gulf of Mexico. At one time, near the head of the keys, there was a fellow
who chartered Bolger designed boats. Ideal for the shoal draft, but I
understand he is no longer there. Best regards, Warren
would be South Florida. A canal cuts the state in half through Lake
Okeechobee. On the east side is the ICW, clear sailing with lots of
development and night life on the shores. On the west and southwest, things
are a little more open with the southern part of the state occupied by
Everglades National Park, which I hear is delightful in winter time. Could
even include the keys in such a sail and perhaps get some open water in the
Gulf of Mexico. At one time, near the head of the keys, there was a fellow
who chartered Bolger designed boats. Ideal for the shoal draft, but I
understand he is no longer there. Best regards, Warren
David,
I noticed J24 link on your Website; if you raced a J24
on North Shore you know it all. If not, sailing a
16-footer to Nova Scotia is a challenge under the best
of circumstances. Add to it a new boat and less than
perfect weather conditions, and you might get more
excitement on your hands than you really want.
I assume you considered a trailer-sailor alternative.
Still, until you complete your boat shakedown and
adjust to it, trailor-sailoring could be just as good
and a bit easier on you and your love ones.
But then I never paid too much attention to those
who "knew it all"; luckily my family and I
survived our voyages... we remember only the best...
just be careful.
alex
I noticed J24 link on your Website; if you raced a J24
on North Shore you know it all. If not, sailing a
16-footer to Nova Scotia is a challenge under the best
of circumstances. Add to it a new boat and less than
perfect weather conditions, and you might get more
excitement on your hands than you really want.
I assume you considered a trailer-sailor alternative.
Still, until you complete your boat shakedown and
adjust to it, trailor-sailoring could be just as good
and a bit easier on you and your love ones.
But then I never paid too much attention to those
who "knew it all"; luckily my family and I
survived our voyages... we remember only the best...
just be careful.
alex
> Am I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
>Ok,<snip>
> I am looking for opinions here. Particularly from Peter in the
>frozen hinterlands of North America. I will probably have my Micro
>built by August and fully provisioned with motor/sails/anchors/etc. .
>L.I Sound and back to the Cape.I don't know anything about you or the proposed route, but I say "DO IT!"
> Opinions welcome. "a pfd, life harness, vhf, will be on board. Am
>I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
YIBB,
David Ryan
Minister of Information and Culture
Crumbling Empire Productions
(212) 247-0296
"david jost" <djos-@...> wrote:
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2649
crazy,in mid-life crisis or worse but simply going about it in the
wrong direction!In particular,you might prefer coming up the
Hudson,then doing Lake Champlain(prevailing winds from the South,South
West),then exiting North into the Richelieu River before turning right
at Sorel and down the St.Lawrence,which is oriented somewhat in a
Northeasterly direction with prevailing winds at your back from the
Southwest.It is worth keeping in mind,that should you insist on
coming"up"the St.Lawrence,it will be one hell of battle especially at
Quebec City where you have the waters of one huge watershed(5 Great
Lakes and numerious secondary rivers from the North) joining forces
with an ebb tide to give you an average current of near 10.5 kts.Add to
this winds on the nose with waves to match and you might spend a month
once you turn the corner at Gaspe and head upriver just to get as far
as Sorel and the mouth of the Richelieu River.Micro has a hull speed of
a wee bit over 4 knots and both the North and South shores of the
St.Lawrence are scarcly populated down river from Quebec City with few
resources(ie;fuel,food,an occassional warm hotel bed) and rocky
shores.....You will also need lots of cold weather clothing!I have
sailed in the Gulf,mid July,and had three layers of
sweaters,windbreaker,woolen hat and gloves and just barely felt
comfortable on an C&C 32!!
So,my choice would be to go about it in the other
direction,keeping the wind(and St.Lawrence current) at my back for the
most difficult part.I would not venture far off-shore once around the
corner of the Gaspe then stick with the North Thumberland Strait
between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick down to the canal
between Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.Once through the canal,hang a right
and travel along the senic coast of Nova Scotia until near the Western
tip of Nova Scotia before attempting the jump across the Gulf of
Maine.The rest of the trip South,I trust you to be perhaps more
familiar with then myself.
I would also include,in my essential equipment,the biggest radar
reflector practicle and some means of providing heat for the
cabin.There is lots of fog in the Maritime Provinces(right JEB,on the
Fundy shores?) and things will get damp and cool(cold?) very soon.
Well,that is about all that comes readily to mind for the
moment.Hopefully others will jump in with more advice/opinions and that
this is a start to a wonderful experience for you.
Of course,you could always turn LEFT at Sorel,come up to Montreal
and experience a little bit of Paris in North America.The women are
most remarkable.............
Sincerely,
Peter Lenihan
Montreal
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/bolger/?start=2649
> Ok,August
> I am looking for opinions here. Particularly from Peter in the
> frozen hinterlands of North America. I will probably have my Micro
> built by August and fully provisioned with motor/sails/anchors/etc. .
> .by May 2001. I have an extended vacation coming up of July and
> 2001 and have come up with what might be a great idea or a completelyin
> bone-headed one. I think I would like to circumnavigate New England
> Micro.then
> At first glance it looks do-able with perhaps the section of water
> between Nova Scotia and the St/ Lawrence Seaway. Both of these bodies
> of water are completely foreign to me.
> I would plan leave the south coast of Cape Cod in Mid-June and head
> through the Canal up to Boston and then downeast. Gunkholing and
> what-not to Bar Harbor. Next would be the leap from ME. to NS and
> around to the inlet. of the St. Lawrence. Big tides, eh. . .Sounds like a real adventure to me.No,I would not consider you
> After the St. Lawrence it is a picnic run down the Richelieu Canal
> to Champlain and the Hudson, L.I Sound and back to the Cape.
> Opinions welcome. "a pfd, life harness, vhf, will be on board. Am
> I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
> Hello David,
crazy,in mid-life crisis or worse but simply going about it in the
wrong direction!In particular,you might prefer coming up the
Hudson,then doing Lake Champlain(prevailing winds from the South,South
West),then exiting North into the Richelieu River before turning right
at Sorel and down the St.Lawrence,which is oriented somewhat in a
Northeasterly direction with prevailing winds at your back from the
Southwest.It is worth keeping in mind,that should you insist on
coming"up"the St.Lawrence,it will be one hell of battle especially at
Quebec City where you have the waters of one huge watershed(5 Great
Lakes and numerious secondary rivers from the North) joining forces
with an ebb tide to give you an average current of near 10.5 kts.Add to
this winds on the nose with waves to match and you might spend a month
once you turn the corner at Gaspe and head upriver just to get as far
as Sorel and the mouth of the Richelieu River.Micro has a hull speed of
a wee bit over 4 knots and both the North and South shores of the
St.Lawrence are scarcly populated down river from Quebec City with few
resources(ie;fuel,food,an occassional warm hotel bed) and rocky
shores.....You will also need lots of cold weather clothing!I have
sailed in the Gulf,mid July,and had three layers of
sweaters,windbreaker,woolen hat and gloves and just barely felt
comfortable on an C&C 32!!
So,my choice would be to go about it in the other
direction,keeping the wind(and St.Lawrence current) at my back for the
most difficult part.I would not venture far off-shore once around the
corner of the Gaspe then stick with the North Thumberland Strait
between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick down to the canal
between Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.Once through the canal,hang a right
and travel along the senic coast of Nova Scotia until near the Western
tip of Nova Scotia before attempting the jump across the Gulf of
Maine.The rest of the trip South,I trust you to be perhaps more
familiar with then myself.
I would also include,in my essential equipment,the biggest radar
reflector practicle and some means of providing heat for the
cabin.There is lots of fog in the Maritime Provinces(right JEB,on the
Fundy shores?) and things will get damp and cool(cold?) very soon.
Well,that is about all that comes readily to mind for the
moment.Hopefully others will jump in with more advice/opinions and that
this is a start to a wonderful experience for you.
Of course,you could always turn LEFT at Sorel,come up to Montreal
and experience a little bit of Paris in North America.The women are
most remarkable.............
Sincerely,
Peter Lenihan
Montreal
Ok,
I am looking for opinions here. Particularly from Peter in the
frozen hinterlands of North America. I will probably have my Micro
built by August and fully provisioned with motor/sails/anchors/etc. .
.by May 2001. I have an extended vacation coming up of July and August
2001 and have come up with what might be a great idea or a completely
bone-headed one. I think I would like to circumnavigate New England in
Micro.
At first glance it looks do-able with perhaps the section of water
between Nova Scotia and the St/ Lawrence Seaway. Both of these bodies
of water are completely foreign to me.
I would plan leave the south coast of Cape Cod in Mid-June and head
through the Canal up to Boston and then downeast. Gunkholing and
what-not to Bar Harbor. Next would be the leap from ME. to NS and then
around to the inlet. of the St. Lawrence. Big tides, eh. . .
After the St. Lawrence it is a picnic run down the Richelieu Canal
to Champlain and the Hudson, L.I Sound and back to the Cape.
Opinions welcome. "a pfd, life harness, vhf, will be on board. Am
I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?
I am looking for opinions here. Particularly from Peter in the
frozen hinterlands of North America. I will probably have my Micro
built by August and fully provisioned with motor/sails/anchors/etc. .
.by May 2001. I have an extended vacation coming up of July and August
2001 and have come up with what might be a great idea or a completely
bone-headed one. I think I would like to circumnavigate New England in
Micro.
At first glance it looks do-able with perhaps the section of water
between Nova Scotia and the St/ Lawrence Seaway. Both of these bodies
of water are completely foreign to me.
I would plan leave the south coast of Cape Cod in Mid-June and head
through the Canal up to Boston and then downeast. Gunkholing and
what-not to Bar Harbor. Next would be the leap from ME. to NS and then
around to the inlet. of the St. Lawrence. Big tides, eh. . .
After the St. Lawrence it is a picnic run down the Richelieu Canal
to Champlain and the Hudson, L.I Sound and back to the Cape.
Opinions welcome. "a pfd, life harness, vhf, will be on board. Am
I crazy, in the midst of a mid life crisis, or worse?