I’ve sailed past Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay many times, first as a deckhand on various ore boats making their way between Minnesota and Indiana Harbor, Indiana, then during the course of a number of Chicago-Mackinac races.
Thoughts of Homer’s walled cities, epic battles and tragic heroes filled our minds as we prepared for our weeklong charter in Turkey. True, our charter base in Marmaris was over 300 miles south of Troy, but that didn’t keep us from dreaming of ruins and lost civilizations.
Two hundred and fifty miles north of Seattle and 3,400 miles from home, our crew of six was more than a little slaphappy after a long day of travel. As we drove toward Comox, British Columbia, we decided to create a wish list for the charter trip ahead.
We left the hustle and bustle of Charlevoix, Michigan, just in time to make the second drawbridge opening of the morning as we pointed our bow toward Beaver Island, an isolated destination about 32 miles offshore in the middle of northern Lake Michigan. There was a thick fog, and a light drizzle fell from the sky. Thanks to our chartplotter, I knew our position and the proper heading to the island, but having no radar I remained wary.
In the far Pacific, long-distance cruisers celebrate what it means to voyage, while locals celebrate what it means to be Tongan.
Even after dozens of visits over the years, I still find that Damariscove Island is pleasantly mysterious in a way unmatched by Maine’s other offshore islands
From June to September, the Cove is open to the public, and twenty families live and work there together. In the off-season, the number decreases to 12 residents and fuel and water are only available three days a week. In the words of another local, “Refuge Cove is for the sort of people who max out after three months of socializing.
Find out what’s new in 2012 from your favorite yacht charter companies, including deals and new boat additions. If you’re thinking of chartering this year, read this first for valuable booking information.
During a November charter with TMM Yacht Charters, a friend’s wedding in Caneel Bay put St. John on our itinerary, and I’m glad it did. It’s well worth clearing customs to visit St. John on a BVI charter
Small-boat sailors strike it rich in the Marquesas
Three days aboard a Lagoon catamaran reminds one sailor of what he’s always loved most about being on the water.
Never Count on Neptune. A dubious decision opened the door for mischief— and Neptune waltzed right in.
Diversifying ways to generate power onboard without using fossil fuels, and maximizing that power generation, is the holy grail of sailors who want energy independence,
After 64 days at sea, the first finisher in the 10th Vendée Globe has crossed the line, setting a new course record by nearly 10 days.
A new requirement means Bahamas cruisers may pay more this year.
A woman in search of new adventures finds a Pacific Seacraft 34 to carry her dream.
By Tom Cunliffe, Adlard Coles, $35 Amazon.com, $26.47 One could read the subtitle of Tom Cunliffe’s new Bosun’s Bag—A Treasury of Practical Wisdom for the
Fish On—Carefully. If you’re fishing for dinner, choose your reef fish wisely to avoid toxic ciguatera.
The first Vendée Globe competitors are closing in on the finish line. For Zhik, there’s been no better test of their offshore gear than Yoann Richomme putting it through the paces during his incredible race.
The Cruising Club of America announces its annual awards to six sailors for a range of accomplishments, all of them bound by the same deep commitment to bold bluewater sailing.
