Calling all midwest Trailer Sailors

[Jeff Ritsema]

Have an idea:
There is an association that sponsors an annual outing in the North channel, usually in mid-July. Great group, from what Iv'e heard, and they are quite well attended (6-8 boats). (the Trailer Sailors' Association)
I have another idea, and maybe it could be coordinated through the T/SA?
Depends on the level of interest.
My notion is this: the best time of the year to cruise in the northern reaches of the Great Lakes basin is Sept, not July, for several reasons. The water is warmer, the bugs are fewer, the anchorages are unpopulated, the winds are better, the nights are cooler, the towns are quieter, the marinas are wide open, no waiting lines, highways less busy, etc. The RVers have long ago figured this out. I have been to the North channel 4 times, once in July, three times in Sept- it convinced me. Little more risk with the weather, but Sept has been great the past few years.
Further, because I am 56 years young, I am thinking about more extended times, maybe 2 wks, and even longer as I get into my 60's. Wouldn't it be great to develop a group who would cruise different waters each year: Apostle Islands, the Trent-Savern in Ontario, Lk Champlain,, the Tenn-Tom, Isle Royale, even trailer south to the coastal waters in the winter, or western waterways. Some could join for the whole trip, others for part.
The reasons for grouping: there is always someone in the group who has been there, done that, and can save the newbies time and expense, make the trip more efficient. There is safety in numbers, in case of breakdowns. Not to mention the comraderie and friendships made. Sharing ideas of boat mods, etc, first hand, would be invaluable.
These trips could easily attract single handlers- in fact, that would likely include me much of the time- I get more liberty than my first mate at this point.
Anyone with an interest, please email me at [email protected].
I won't clutter this board to discuss this further, but rather communicate by direct email. I will return your emails in a few weeks, giving it time.
I also intend to copy this to the T/SA folks.
Jeff

[Catigale]

Jeff

Check out New Engand Trailer Sailors

www.ne-ts.com

This group organises trips all the way into the Finger Lakes region of NY as well as Ontario and Lake Champlain trips - a couple members and I are kicking around a Champlain Canal to Lake Champlain trip this summer as a matter of fact.

Ive sailed Ontario and Erie the past two summers from May to October - I have found it great all summer, but especially like the fall

I did a Loraine, Cleveland, Geneva, Ashtabula, Erie, Dunkirk NY, Buffalo cruise in 2003 - the only thing better than the great sailing was the Midwest Welcome at every port.

Be happy to coordinate the two groups perhaps for a Big outing the 'Middle"!!!

Feel free to private email me...

Stephen