Cruising the Islands of Western Lake Erie
By John Snow #235 ( Summer 1998)
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Over the past 15 years our S2 7.9 has been primarily used for racing or transporting to or from a race. We've logged over 15,000 miles racing her with another 10,000 or so trailering about the eastern half of the country. In all that time we've spent only two specific weeks cruising! One week in the North Channel in 1995 and this year on our Yacht Club's annual Cruise.

Being the baby boat of the fleet we (and our dock neighbors) were amazed at how much "stuff" we loaded into her. The waterline on Sweven had never been lower (except for that week in 95').

Our cruise organizer had done all the hard work for the participants in the Cruise. All reservations were made, an itinerary was sent to all, and even "poker cards" were prepared. The only thing missing was the warning, preparatory and starting signals. Oops we forgot, "We're Cruising".

The first day's weather was a bit on the damp side, but we made it to Battery Park, Ohio just before the "Blow" set in. Thanks to the "Docking Crew" Sweven was wedged nicely between a larger sailboat and powerboat.

With ringside seats we were witness to the "Yucca" party. We learned that this concoction was made using a large 2 gallon jar, filled with cut up lemons & limes, a cup of sugar, and a large quantity of Vodka and Tequila. We pity those who partook too much because on Sunday morning we're sure they felt "yucca".

Sunday was a windy day for watching the water crash over the breakwall. We were well protected inside the break wall. The facilities were great, including plenty of hot showers, and of course the famous Damon's Ribs Restaurant.

With a "high" approaching, we knew that Monday's sail to Put-In-Bay may be in jeopardy. As you may suspect the southeast winds that had been predicted filled in about the time we reached Ballast Island. If only they had filled in 3 hours before we would have had a great spinnaker run to the bay! Our destination at "The Bay" was The Crew's Nest. The dock master stowed all of us in close proximity. For those who have never experienced "The Bay", it's a unique collection of shops & restaurants on the island that thrives on the summer influx of boaters and tourists. Our cruise organizer, set up a "Scavenger Hunt" to introduce first timers to the various establishments. Following the 'clues' we went from place to place collecting our hand of poker cards, returning to the most friendly, Pat Dailey's, for lunch, and vowing never to return to the Winery / Crystal Cave, where the belligerent merchant would not distribute the scavenger hunt cards. In the evening we all went to the Beer Barrel Saloon and enjoyed a great performance by the Scintas .

Wednesday greeted us with overcast skies and northwesterly winds of about 10-12 kts. Finally we were going to be able to sail to Pelee Island on Sweven's best point of sail, in short chop and to windward. But 2/3 the way to Pelee the wind shut off, the skies cleared, and we were forced to motor the remaining 4 or so miles. Scudder's Marina at Pelee Island has changed dramatically over the last several years. The docks are sturdy and the dockmaster is very friendly and helpful. They even have restrooms and showers (which could use some cleaning) and two very nice beaches to go swimming. Scudder's was very quiet and peaceful and rustic, just right for relaxing after the activity of "The Bay". Some called for the local taxi pickup to go up to the local bar/restaurant, while some just enjoyed the peace and quiet. The Second evening we all enjoyed a delicious Hobo Dinner, cooked on an open campfire.

Friday morning our sleep was interrupted with an approaching "howler". Owners were securing lines between 1:30 and 3:00 am to prepare for the 25+ kt winds from the northeast that would be present for the next 10 hrs or so. However, by noon we had a gorgeous day with a 12kt northerly which provided a perfect sail back to NCYC, and wrap up our week of Cruising. It was truly an enjoyable seven days on Lake Erie.


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updated: July 9, 1999
MES