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
The second time around with a Dolphin 24 affirms the less-is-more philosophy of sailing.
Perception of risk is a funny thing.
With its latest grant, the Ocean Cruising Club supports a sailing family’s initiative that aims to make it easier for sailors—both inshore and offshore—to participate as citizen scientists in a variety of marine science and conservation projects.
Raymarine has released its latest generation of LightHouseCharts for Raymarine Axiom and Element multifunction displays, delivering faster redraw speeds and expanded and updated coverage.
“We’ve never seen anything like it,” says Mike Rees, Seawind Catamarans’ sales and marketing manager. He’s referring to the popular appeal of their new model,
Building on proven positives in its earlier designs, Seawind Catamarans has hit a sweet spot with its new 1370.
Even if you know it’s coming, 30 knots is a lot. And we—and presumably the whole fleet competing in last September’s Naval Academy Sailing Squadron
The OCC has announced the 2024 recipients of their awards for sailing and voyaging excellence, including Pip Hare and Victor Wejer.
A futuristic push-button passagemaker, this powerful cat is designed for adventurous couples targeting off-grid cruising. The massive cat has onshore-typical accommodations like a full-size, double-door
Sure, it’s not particularly sexy, but if you want that boat show finish, you’ve got to swab the decks.
