Don't mind the subject heading of this post, it's an attempt to boost my search engine optimization.

What do you like about sailing in Milwaukee?

What don't you like?

What kind of things would you like to see available to the local sailing community?



As for me -- I love the big harbor area inside the breakwater. It's fantastic to be able to take people out sailing in nice calm seas and view the skyline and the waterfront. I also love motoring up the river and docking at the ale house for dinner and drinks. Makes for a really enchanting evening, except when the bridgetenders are crabby.

I also really like the races. There are a lot of races and lots of really great folks out on the water.

I wish we had some interesting sailing destinations nearby. When I lived in Green Bay there were a few islands nearby where people would boat to and have little campfire nights. I guess you can sail to other harbors, but that's not exactly what I'm looking for. I'm still going to take a couple of weeks off in the summer to head up to the Mackinack area and visit some of those places, but it sure would be nice if they were closer.

Not too much to complain about though!

What I like about sailing on the big lake is all the space. Sailing on Pewaukee is convenient and I have my own boat there, but unless I get lucky with some really bad weather(tongue in cheek, although both 2007 and 2008 offered some pretty quick holiday weekends) and the lake level raises to an unsafe level it is full of power boaters and morons. Once you clear the gap generally you can relax a little more and enjoy the sail.

Another great resource (especially for those of us without a large boat) is the Sailing Center. This year I hope to be more active.

I do wish we had more opportunities for short trips with interesting destinations.

Breakwater area is a definite plus. And the picturesque view from the water is wonderful. The opportunities to crew in different races on different days is another great benefit.

Yeah I can't even imagine how many great photos have been taken. I'd really like to get some good shots on a tripod from the water of the skyline at night from the boat. But it would have to be on an awfully calm night.

The lakefront is pretty awesome. Too bad it's useless 6 months of the year.

This can't be a good thread, as I agree with all.
Like Paul, when I clear the gap, I feel like I'm back in North Dakota, open space going on forever.
Like Chris, I wish I had more than one "destination" within 30 miles.
Oh yeah, and I'm addicted to the sailing center.

Have you guys ever been out sailing, or planning anything sailing related and said.. "I wish there was a <blank>, or I wish there was a place I could <blank>"?

I agree that I wish there were more destinations nearby, other than marinas.

I am planning to anchor off of Vermond park in mequon this summer and then take the inflatable to the beach.

It is a great beach. Something fun to do on those days with NO wind whatsoever.

Hopefully you will not be hearing about my trip on the news "sailboat runs aground north of milwaukee today".

I have been to Port Washington, Racine, Kenosha and Waukegan. Next stop Sheboygan.

Well, if I had the money, I wouldn't mind putting a floating island maybe 10-15 miles out there... sailboats only, of course. You know, anchor an old steel barge. Fill it with soil, plant the grass... heck, maybe even put a small tree or two on it! Yeah... nice daydream... then we could plan sailboat 'get-togethers', BBQ, party, get some noo... ah, whatever, LOL's!

Anyone got an old barge laying around?

A solar night light, hoisted radar deflector... of course, then we'd have to open up a pizza & pub...

I like this idea! I don't have a steel barge though I did hear of a guy in the Mediterranean building an island out of capped off plastic bottles... Anybody have some spare time??

Gary, I like that idea a lot.

I wonder how we could get a grant from the city or the state.

It could get a lot of press if we did it right.

If we thought it through, it could be positioned as a PR event to promote Milwaukee.

Someone (like the city)would have to be liable for it if it broke free in a storm and destroyed something.

And who would get sued if some clown fell off the island and drowned?

We could hook up with a local greenhouse to plant the amazing island each year....and each year it would be different. Since its seasonal it could even be a tropical island.