Crossing Lake Michigan

[Xavierp]

Hey friends.
I am about to finish my trip from the Bahamas to Milwaukee.
Last challenge, is crossing the lake, East to West, solo. (40’ SO Jeanneau)
I will do a long day rather than overnight.

If you are familiar with Lake Michigan, what are your recommendations?
I was told, “cross anytime weather permit, don’t wait”.
To avoid wind against wave, what are the conditions I am looking for?
After strong winds, am I supposed to wait for a day or 2 for the waters to calm, like in the Gulf Stream?

Thx!

[capt jgw]

Where are you crossing from? Or is that the question? Milwaukee is at the widest part of the Lake at about 90 statute miles. Straight across from there is Muskegon, MI. Crossing from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI is only about 47 miles. Since I assume you're going to be sailing you want some wind so pick a day with wind speed and direction that suits you and your boat. If motoring you'd want as little wind as you can get. Watch the weather forecast and pick your day.

[capt jgw]

It can take a day or two for the lake to lay down after a blow. There's no real current so you don't get the wind against current waves common in the Gulf Stream. The waves are wind driven so they are from the same direction as the wind unless there has been an abrupt change in wind direction. And again a day or two for that to settle down. If the wind is from the north or south, the fetch is much longer so the waves may be bigger. Not so much from east or west. Prevailing winds are from northwest to southwest.

[Thomas1985]

It’s a pretty quick trip across. Up and down is several days.

My experience is weather changes fast on Lake Michigan. Waves can also be close together making it kinda rough.

[Thomas1985]

In a 40’ Jeanneau you’ll feel comfortable on most days. I’d just try to avoid thunderstorms, but they pop up.