Request for destination recommendation

[Jeremy K]

Hello all. I posted this on the Old MacGregor/Venture forum, got one very helpful response, but I thought I'd try here also. I have an elderly M25, looking to take a trailer-sail this Spring or Summer, hoping for some recommendations. Timing: most likely mid-late 5/14, but could be as late as mid-8/14; Duration: 1 wk with the w/e on either end; Location: anywhere on Atlantic coast from Boston to Daytona Beach; other desires: a marina to tie the boat up at for the week, vacation rental homes or Holiday Inn-ish hotel w/in walking distance of the marina, average daytime temps 70-80's, the marina with short motor at most to (of course) awesome sailing!

As an example of a trip we took earlier this year: in March we (family of 6 with 4 kids aged 13-24) trailered ~ 10 hours (from eastern KY) to Hilton Head, put the boat in at a ramp and motored over to the yacht basin on Calibogue Sound where we tied up for the week. Pluses: very nice marina with quick access to the Sound, very nice vacation homes, fun sailing (with dolphins!), great food. Minuses: too cold (why did I think it would be warmer? I dunno...); sorta minus: Calibogue Sound is real nice, but it's not all that big, and it has lousy access out to the ocean.

So any suggestions?

[bobbieaw]

Sail In the Great Lakes!

Fresh water.....easy to wash your dishes...use the lake! Easy to shower if you are at anchor...jump in...fresh water! More places than you could ever want to see and go! How about you drag your boat 10 hours North, by my house, I'll ride with you to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, you can drop your boat North of the Sault Locks...Lock thru and head down the St. Mary's river system from lake Superior, to Lake Huron, and then over to Lake Michigan. It is down river (about two knots of current), you can do it in a week, and you can visit the Number One Tourist Attraction In Michigan...Mackinac Island. Slip fees are $40 or so....hotels are North of $200! Come in July or August....In May you could have "Ice Berg Warnings in Superior!!!". I work in the summer tourist business so if you want help be flexible, but again, if you have no problem with me driving your car south on an interstate for 50 miles....you could have the best "One Way Trip Ever"....did I mention it is fresh water? Distance from my slip to open water 300 feet deep......400 yards! Sail in 3 Great lakes in a week! Trailer moved and stored for free by a 50 year old Macgregor Owner Please note....If I ever sail in Tennessee I expect you to do the same for me......Scott

PS: If any Mac sailor wants this option just let me know! I would do this trip forever if I had summers off, and in 48 months I will! I truly live where lake Michigan and Huron meet, 50 miles South of Sault Ste Marie, and in the best sailing area I've ever lived. I've been on the gulf coats....but trust me, fresh water sailing where you can see the bottom in 15 feet of water can't be beat! And I have sailed with Dolphins.......Gulf Coast, MacGregor Venture 23 of Newport......Scott

[Jeremy K]

Scott
Thanks for the tip! We actually bought our elderly Mac when it was sitting in the lot of a marina in Sandusky, and first sailed it on Lake Erie. If we end up sailing in the Summer rather than late Spring I will definitely put the Lakes on the list. Sandusky is actually only ~ 5 hours from us, so it is attractive...

Jeremy

[WASP18]

Check out Moosehead Lake in Northern Maine in the town of Greeneville. I believe you can get a motel to include a dock for your boat. I'm thinking of doing that myself.
http://www.visitmaine.net/town/44/greenville-moosehead

[bobbieaw]

Jeremy,

Sounds like you need one of our N.C. or Southern Mac owners to give you some guidance about great "Southern" locations! I've had limited exposure on that coast, but hope to someday spend some sailing time there. The Gulf Coast was nice when I was young, but you always had to sail a "hoop" to find real clear water and when the water was warm enough to enjoy, the jellyfish seemed to do well too Just as a side note, you may put a bit more info in your profile like most others do, but welcome to the world of Mac Sailors! Dolphins in your wake are truly amazing....I just never got tired of that part of Salt Water sailing....Scott

[WASP18]

In Maine: You can drop your hook in a quiet cove and watch for moose and black bear wandering around. If you look up, you'll see bald eagles soaring overhead and you'll think you're the only person there.

[Jeremy K]

Wasp18:

Used to spend summers in Maine (Bethel/Bryant Pond area) when I was a lad. Spent many hours lake-sailing our family's O'Day Widgeon (12 1/2' sloop-rigged dinghy) single-handed, hiking out and watching for the cat's-paws heralding the next gust. Wonderful state with many beautiful areas. A little far for us to go with only the 1 week to vacation, tho'...