Hello

Chris invited me over here so I thought I would check things out.

Location is South Haven, which is the other side, at about the level of the WI-IL state line.

I am sailing a Tanzer 28, which is a decent lake boat with a lot of room in the cabin.

I have sailed Holland - Milwaukee - Holland nonstop singlehanded, which was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Unfortunately I did not stop in Milwaukee, just sailed in the north channel and out the south (middle?), the wind was way too nice to stop sailing and there were thunderstorms on the way. I have stopped by a few times by car.

Bill Z of vinegar Joe has tried to convince me to get a mooring on the south side and move to Milwaukee. As a true Laker, its one of my preferred locations. But for now still stuck on the Michigan side.

,\\//

Welcome, Skylark! Solo, non-stop Holland-Milw-Holland, eh? Suppose it gave you lots of time to rubber-neck? Sounds like a great trip, how many hours did it run you? Decent air?
Again, welcome!
Gary

I don't recall right now, I will have to check the logs, but I was hove to in the middle for about 12 hours to cook and sleep, it was so nice I did not want to finish the passage. The water in the middle is incredibly blue. I could see spending a few days just hove to in the middle enjoying the 360 degree water horizon. I think I left in the morning, was hove to from about 5pm to 6am and sailed through Mke in the late afternoon, then had a fast trip back with a lot of wind and waves, maybe 3pm back in Holland.

On the way back there were flashes of lightning over WI the whole night and 8 foot waves. Quite an adventure, but my boat handled it fine. It was too rolly to sleep but I did some meditation by kitchen timer. I got back to Holland a few hours before the thunderstorms rolled in.

Too funny, I'm with you on that one! I hove to off mid-lake bouy... what is it, 54007... a couple years back with my buddy Dan, middle of the night. Sat in a soft sprinkle, cooked a few steaks, coffee and a cigar, watched T-storms and lightening crawling eastward to our north. Very beautiful. Fortunately, we got home about 2-3 hours before the worst storm in years hit us.

Hey Skylark,

Glad you dropped in! Many of us make trips over to "the wavy side" and some of your insight and experience will be invaluable. It's definitely the more scenic side of the lake as well. I enjoy sailing up from Grand Haven north and seeing the dunes and towns. Muskegon is a fantastic Anchorage. The people, that I've run in to, are so friendly. One gentleman offered us a ride anywhere in town to make some repairs and help us secure breakfast The Lake Express being there too is great.

A few of us will be making the trip over on the Queen's Cup this year to Muskegon. Looking forward to another peaceful night with fair winds and clear skies...

Welcome Skylark. Great to hear from the other side. I have never crossed so that is a big goal for the wife and I. Yep we are pretty green. Hove to mid-lake sounds cool. I love your whole coast having been along it several times by vehicle. Did most of my growing up in Kalamazoo and my first sailing was on Gull Lake.

Interesting platform above your companionway. Did you build it??

All the best, Everett

Yes, I built the dodger, I needed a place for a solar panel and wanted to keep the rain out when the hatch was open. It is very handy for going forward, with good handholds and a place to sit at the mast.

For those who may not know, Skylark (aka Paul) runs the website www.cruisenews.net which is a fantastic resource for all things sailing. Check it out.

Welcome Paul
Its great to have you on the site. I am moored at the southside. I will look for your boat. looking forward to meeting you.

Put the bottom paint on this evening:









Its about that time again!