Washburn to Sault Ste Marie then on to Georgian Bay

[Heli_fixer]

Hi all,

Planning a trip as shown in the title this coming May in a 35' sailboat. Any hints, thoughts or other helpful suggestions you could pass along to me. Oh ya, power boater all my life and this is my first sailboat. Should have a crew of three.
Cheers,
Trevor

[meridian28]

May is pretty early weather wise.Georgian Bay Area doesn’t open up till July

[LakeSuperior]

A couple years ago Superior was impassable due to ice in May. Better bring three layers for under your outerwear. Flexible schedule will be needed.

[Heli_fixer]

Ya, I was afraid of this. Seems like a cold winter again up there. Maybe I should have bought an ice breaker.

[Mike OReilly]

Even if the ice is out (which it may not be), it will be damn cold. I have sailed the Big Lake in mid May. In perfect conditions it’s OK, but cold can kill. Be careful.

Note, the recreational lock at the Sault (the Canadian lock) usually opens around mid-May, but this varies from season to season. It is far easier to use this lock if you are a recreational boater, but you can use the big American locks if need be.

[Heli_fixer]

Thanks Mike,
I feel like I should delay my trip til at least mid to late May at the earliest. I guess I might be pushing it to go that early. Thanks all. I will also be taking a survival raft with us cause cold water kills fast. Its also funny I was just on the Canadian lock site and noticed that little tid bit of information. Thanks for passing that along.