New to Lake Michigan

[schoonmaker]

Hello, I am new, whats happening on the waves of lake Michigan anyone? I just moved out to lake Michigan and have never sailed her. I am curious how my Shannon will pull in these waters.
thanx,

J. Schoonmaker

[schoonmaker]

Schoonmaker is my name, I do not sail one!

[MSN-Travelers]

Welcome to the Great Lakes. East side is different from the west.
Most of the interesting locations are on the north end. And parts of it are kinda stiff at the moment.

Where are you located?

[SariTimur]

I am from that area and worked on the East side of the lake for the Corps of Engineers in my youth. The east side offers some excellant harbours to cruise as well as the northern bits. Also you are never very far away from a port. 15 miles is the furthest I think on the Michigan side. The Shannon should love the lake when it warms up. Right now it is a bit cool. Enjoy the lakes while you are there each harbour on both coasts has something different to offer.

Cheers

Mark

[matauwhi]

G'day, mate. I routinely deliver boats on Lake Michigan. As SariTimur advises, the east side offers lots of safe harbors. Expect to have to do some motoring if you want to cover some longer distances in a shorter timeframe as the winds will often fade during the night. All the best. Cheers.

[Elsakis]

I had a Cape Dory Typhoon that I sailed on the lake for a few years. The wind was never too strong so most days I went out I used my genny(135) and only had to reef a few times a year. There are LOTS of cool ports on the east side of the lake that have many cool bars. I never got the balls to sail to the west side in my 18ft Dory, she could have done it but it would have been like rideing a moped to Miami from Chicago. The fishing is good, I would not eat more than two or three fish from the lake a month though.

[Palarran]

All boats love the Great Lakes. The fresh water is a pleasure for them compared to cancerous salt. In any case, welcome to the region.

Matauwhi, you deliver boats routinely to the Great Lakes? From NZ? What for?

[matauwhi]

G'day, Palarran, Notice I said "ON Lake Michigan". I regularly get back stateside and deliver boats when the opportunity presents itself. Much agreed with your fresh water comments, love the break from polishing stainless! Cheers.

[Palarran]

Matauwhi, you are one lucky dude. You cruise two of the best places on the earth. While I love the Caribbean, my heart will always be on the Great Lakes. It's funny to hear people talk about "7 Mile Beach" or "We have 33 beaches" in the islands. On the West Coast of Michigan we have about 200 miles of beaches. Much of it public and accessible. If your feeling exotic, go to one of the islands in Lake Michigan or the North Channel.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you hear. I've never sailed the Great Lakes but did take the Ludington Ferry from Milwaukee many years ago. It was a strange overnighter that took freight cars too.
kind regards,