St. Lawrence east to west? Looking for info

[bethlowrie]

Looking for practical info on traveling from nova scotia to chicago on a 47' monohull, 65' mast, 6' draft, 75hp engine. Is this fun or the trip from hell?

[mrohr]

Am interested in this route as well, but only as far as Richeleau River. I suspect that winds (and current ) would be contrary in the summer and surely it would be a cold Hell in winter. Would love it if someone could give us some first hand insights.

......................thanks...mike............... .................................................. ....

[marlinespike]

Hey there,
Going from east to west is not as easy as going in the other direction.
The east west direction is against the current (above the seaway locks), against the prevailing wind and up locking in a seaway lock can be an awful
experience. The locks are filled at such a tremendous rate that boats get smacked against the walls of the lock. Have lots of good big fenders and maybe some spares along too. We popped 6 fenders in one whack. I suggest you ask for a slow fill.
However, many yachts do it and if played correctly its a fine trip.
The key is to pay close attention to the tidal currents and use them to your advantage. To pass through the Richelieu Rapids can only be made with the in bound tide when going up river.
The best book around with lots of information for pleasure craft traveling the St. Lawrence River is called Cruising Guide to the Down East Circle Route by yacht pilot publishing. The circle route takes a clockwise direction but the book gives information for river currents for up bound yachts too.
There is a good FAQ page on their website Welcome to Yacht Pilot Cruising Guides
We've cruised the St. Lawrence River in both directions many times and really enjoyed it.

[bethlowrie]

Thanks so much for the details - very helpful!

[bethlowrie]

Very helpful. Any other tips and info would be most welcome.

[glenn.225]

Sailed last summer from Port aux Basgues to Riviere-du-Loup with a friend. You need the "Atlas of Tidal Currents" when you get above Rimouski, 6 knot current in some places on a falling tide. CHS - Atlas of Tidal Currents
Well worth the cost.

The other thing you will want is radar, weather can be real foggy at all times of year and charts are not always super accurate. We anchored one day near Bic and there where two small islands in the cove we picked that were not on the chart. We kept off a bit.