Clipper Snips

The magazine of the Trailer/Sailors Association Trailer/Sailors Association www.trailersailors.org Fall/Winter 2010

2 Late Spring Cruising VANC11 Howard Staley 3 Breaking the Drought Derek Henshaw 6 Ramp Report—Lake Erie Islands John Ulmer 10 Hiking in the North Channel Wayne Bell 11 Trail to Lake LaCloche Dave Willems 12 North Channel Anchorages, Hiking and Henk Vanderhulst Dinghy/Kayak Trips 15 Sailors Quiz Larry Roth & Margery Whites 16 A Voyage Up the Tennessee River David Craigie 21 Around the Bottom End of Florida Henk & Sia Vanderhulst 28 Inexpensive sail, row, power dinghy for Mike Morris the home builder

North Channel Cruise 2011—Go Where the Wind Takes You

The initial plans have been set—the Cruise will leave from Spanish Municipal Marina on Sunday July 17th, 2011. Cruise leaders for the cruise are Chris Holderness, s/v Teliki and Shawn Blackwood s/v Thistle Dew. They have a combined 10+ years of sailing experience in the North Channel.

A skippers meeting will be held at approximately 9:00 a.m. on July 17th to set the destination for the day. Regular meetings will be held throughout the cruise to pick the anchorage(s). Anchorages will be picked based on wind, distance, size of the anchorage and number of boats headed that way.

We are presently confirming whether the Spanish Marina restaurant will be serving dinner on July 16th and breakfast on July 17th. We will confirm that in the next edition of Clipper Snips and on the web site.

It is hoped that everyone will meet for dinner on either Friday, July 22 or Saturday, July 23 at the Anchor Inn in Little Current. Again, we will confirm which date closer to summer

Hikes and other events will be scheduled for lay over days when no one’s in a hurry to go anywhere.

To register email [email protected] with the details of your boat make, boat name, and the names of Captain and Crew.

1 We are looking for Boaters to join us…. on a

Late Spring Cruising/Sailing Trip:

“VANC11”

When: May 15th to June 10th (2011) (these dates include road travel, setup and takedown)

Starting: From Deltaville, Virginia (on the Chesapeake Bay, about 40 miles north of Norfolk)

Ending: In Washington, North Carolina (on the Pamlico River)

The first five days will be sailing down the Chesapeake Bay’s western shore to Norfolk; then sail by the Norfolk Navy Base and into the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the Dis- mal Swamp Canal, and into North Carolina. Then we will spend about five days gunk- holeing the Albermarle Sound, its anchorages and its historical towns. The towns include, Elizabeth City and Edenton

Then, sail and motor two days south through the Alligator River and into another cut of the ICW getting us to the Pamlico Sound. In the Pamlico area we will spend the last five days visiting, Belhaven, Bath and finally Washington, NC.

We will rent a car in Washington and drive to Deltaville (about 4 hours) to pickup our vehi- cles/trailers and drive back to Washington.

We have planned for three scheduled layover days in the interesting towns, and also for 2 weather layover days. Trailoring road travel days are based on a 1.5 day for a 600 mile trip.

Of course, even with all this planning, the weather will dictate where we go…. And when.

We currently have 4 boats going: Mike and Diana Nelson, Bud and Nancy Meade, Robert Paquette, and Howard and Kathy Staley; also, there is a short list of interested people.

We are calling this trip “VANC11”, for “Virginia-NorthCarolina-2011”

If you would like to join us for this destination-oriented cruise, please email or call Howard Staley. [email protected] 513-933-8114 for more information.

2 Breaking the Drought By: Derek G. Henshaw Summer 1999 was like most summers had been with Cadence on the water at the Small Boat Harbor in Buf- falo, New York. Several times a week, I or we would go down to the marina and cast off the lines for a pleasant time out on the water. For the last few years we either had it on a slip or kept it in a dry dock parking lot that used to operate just south of the basin.

The summer of 1999, however, had one very special sail outing that was quite different from my usual singlehanded sailing adventures. Both my wife Kath- I had two years where there was no consideration for leen and our 7 month old daughter Diana were along sailing at all. I was notified of Army Reserve deploy- for the trip. It was Diana’s first time out on the water ment during the spring of 2004 and returned from de- and we were careful to have her snug in the smallest ployment during late summer 2005. What had changed lifejacket we could find. She was a tiny tyke and the while I was away was the children would imagine sail- collar was up around her ears. She was miserable and ing with Daddy on his sailboat. (Why it is Daddy’s she made sure we knew about it. The afternoon passed sailboat and not Mommy and Daddy’s sailboat is an- by lazily under sail with our baby asleep snuggled on other story.) the v-berth. The boat heeled just enough to give her a The next year, the sailboat went down to Fort Dix, New pocket to snooze in by the leeward bulkhead. Jersey where I was working. There, she received a refit that improved the electric panel and mast rigging, and The following winter we bought our house and I had a added a new Bimini top and bow sprit. The boat went new job closer to home. The yard and house occupied home with me when the job ended in September 2009 most of my time through the spring and summer. I but it was parked at my Dad’s house which for the chil- moved a picket fence to the boundary line so that Ca- dren gave it that intriguing quality of it being close but dence could be parked on her trailer in our own back- not easily seen. yard. With so much to do and a little girl running around, there was little time to think much about sail- It was about that time the children actively asked to go ing. But just seeing her outside the back door was sailing and talked about what they wanted to do. They enough that summer to be content. It was also during asked a myriad of questions about the boat, how the that summer we learned our son was on the way and by sails worked, what it is like to sleep aboard, and what Thanksgiving our family grew to four. To anyone who to do when other boats are encountered on the water. asked why I was not going out sailing, I would say, My crew had grown and was ready for training. The “I’m growing my crew.” closer we got to summer, the more eager they became and their excitement became tangible. Thinking about sailing became my way of going on adventures since there was little time for much more with two little ones about. The most activity the boat saw was putting on her tarp in the fall to protect her from Buffalo area winters and removing her tarp in the spring to enjoy her form in summer. I would wonder if this year would be the one to get back out there, and just as soon forgot the thought as strollers and trikes changed for scooters and bikes. I settled into the idea that sailing would be right when the children asked to go sailing. We were pushing them into doing so much that I already knew what their reaction would be if I said, “Hey, let’s go sailing.”

3 The moment Kathleen suggested getting the boat out highway department turned up no keys. Spare keys at the Small Boat Harbor for a week was the moment were made and locks that had no key were cut and I knew the dry hull would float once again. The chil- replaced. An entire second set was regenerated and dren were in a state of disbelief as actual plans were secured. It was weeks later that I discovered the pre- talked about with certainty. They had to come to vious set of spare keys were at my Dad’s house terms with reality and how it does not quite match where they had been left when we moved the boat to their imagined daydreams. The day the sailboat ar- our backyard in 2000. A lesson learned, albeit the rived on the driveway, you would have thought I had hard way. backed in Santa’s sleigh instead. A few days later, my crew loaded once again into the I had a glorious end-of-July day for washing the deck van with the boat already hitched. A happy chorus of and hull. I had some help from the children for children’s voices asked if I had the keys as I was cleaning, but soon discovered they had the same lack closing the back door. We set off full of enthusiasm of enthusiasm for scrubbing nonskid as they did for and headed to the ramp. Having had a multi-year dry picking up their bedrooms. They did emerge for spell did wonders for challenging my rote memory. I cleaning the interior and it was meaningful enough to worked carefully and methodically, probably half them that all was put right in record speed. Soon speed to what I normally did at a launch. All was they were chattering on and on, deciding who would going well until I stepped the mast and discovered be in charge of what, who would have which berth, the forestay too short by an inch or so. I lowered the and so on. The sound of their excitement was unmis- mast back to deck level and found the work I did the takable. previous summer at the masthead forestay fittings had them incorrectly reconnected. I was feeling well exercised as the mast stood on end again and soon the stays were connected and the deck began to look shipshape.

The next day, my crew loaded into the van for some last minute trips. We went out for a ride with the boat already hitched to get something from my Dad’s house and our nearby shopping plaza. As we got back to the driveway, I had a terrible dawning that I did not know where the trailer keys were. I have always been extremely careful with the whereabouts of keys and this was not a good moment. We looked everywhere and even walked the route back to the shopping plaza. There was no sign of the keys any- Afternoon was approaching evening before we were where. I surmised I had left them on the trailer and ready to launch. Kathleen brought refreshments and the bright red key float attached to the keys was at- dinner for our Cadence crew and I welcomed a break. tractive enough that anybody finding it that lacked So did the children as they had taken to hiding from civic responsibility would consider keeping them. the blazing sun waiting “for Daddy to get it ready.” The move to the water stopped there and then. It was They would be ready for assembly and disassembly getting late in the day and the weather was not look- next summer, this summer’s focus was to get them ing promising in the near term. The children were out on the water. As soon as possible, the trailer was dismayed and understandably disappointed. Check- backed to the ramp and Cadence floated free. But ing over the next couple days at police station and not free enough to get off the trailer. I made a rookie 4 mistake of not winding up the keel as it always is low- where the good places were to sit during tacks, gibes, ered to rest its weight on the trailer wedge. As soon as and straight ahead sailing. They quickly found the it was remembered, we were another moment closer to VHF radio a source of interest, and mastered their moving off the ramp. space, learning all they could in a very short time. We motored to the short term dockside I had noted on After returning to the slip, as happened each day that the harbour master’s board and tied up after a very week, they were in no hurry to leave the boat and short run around the marina. The kids were happy to asked to “just stay on it for a while.” I was only too be afloat but I could see they thought we tied up far too happy to oblige and on those hot summer days took soon. I went to the harbour master’s office and ar- the opportunity to nap in the cockpit under the royal ranged for a slip for the week. We moved Cadence to blue Bimini top. her slip and found the crew again disappointed we were Cousins did join us our third day sailing. The wind not going out. Inwardly, I took this as a marvellous gave out early and we spent most of it motoring. We sign my crew was ready to learn, but outwardly I had to visited the Buffalo River and looked at the naval ves- show I was just as disappointed as they. sels at the Naval and Servicemen’s Park. The children looked at all the sailboats lining the west bank and at a lake freighter offloading grain at the General Mills plant just north of the Skyway Bridge. Ours is a city that smells of Cheerios several times a week.

The next day, I found it much easier to wake the children on a summer morning than usual. They were already asking to have their cousins come along but I was more intent on getting them to learn some basic boat handling skills. We went through the procedures to get the sails up, having threaded the mainsail bolt rope into the boom and the track slides into the mast the night before. Patrick soon showed he had an intuitive ability on the tiller while Diana was better at line handling. They both seemed thrilled when the sails filled and the motor was silenced and lifted clear of the water. The second day the cousins were with us, the wind was stronger and we had a wonderful time charging along under headsail alone. The thrill of being on the water filled me again as it had so many times in the past. I had forgotten how visceral the reaction is to wind, water, and sailboat working together to produce motion, sights and sounds. That I had a crew to share the experience with made the moment much more satisfying and complete than any of the countless singlehanded adventures I had made so many years before.

The weather held for the whole week and we sailed 5 of the 7 days she was on the water. I pulled the boat They got used to heeling quickly and took it as just the out with the help of Kathleen’s Dad who has helped way the boat is when under sail. They soon discovered me before. He was a wonderful help as the wind that

5 morning was steady out of the west between 35 and up as expected then moved in an unanticipated jerk- 40 mph. The ramp was a lee shore and moving the ing way accompanied by the sound of fiberglass on boat to the trailer already in the water had been much metal. The bow had ridden up the bow roller and easier than I had anticipated. then fallen off the side just before the bow found the v-block on the winch tower of the trailer. I had backed the trailer too far into the water for the conditions. My intent was to let momentum take the boat up onto the bunk boards and use friction to slow the boat to its proper place on the trailer. The move failed with the bunks too low to provide that friction and the boat floated farther in than anticipated. I also forgot to leave the keel down as a preventer as it would have grounded if the boat got out of control in the strong following wind. A string of rookie mis- takes I knew I should have caught beforehand with my only saving grace the strong winds keeping spec- tators away. It was only my helper that commented, “I said you were coming in too fast.”

The drought was over and Cadence again became a living part of our family. Both children immediately began to talk about, “where can we go sailing next year, Daddy?” You can guess how big my smile gets whenever the children turn conversations that way. Kathleen was offered an opportunity to go to a semi- nar at Cambridge, UK in the summer of 2011. We have talked about several possibilities for joining her in England. But what makes me grin best is Diana’s smiling face suggesting, “Mommy go to England while we take Cadence to the North Channel!” We might just get there yet!

My miscalculation became evident as I lined up the hull onto the trailer. It was moving too quickly and I was not prepared to react. The bow bumped and rose

The islands at the western end of Lake Erie and the RAMP REPORT - nearby Canadian and American shoreline form one of the finest and most accessible cruising areas in all of LAKE ERIE North America. Its popularity is proven each year by the thousands of boats that visit here.

ISLANDS For many Trailer-Sailor members this is not new in- By John Ulmer formation. The association was created by Great Lakes sailors and many of them use the Islands as NOTE TO READERS : This report was first pub- their home waters. But the association has grown lished in Clipper Snips in 2001 and I thought it could and there are now many members that do not live use an update. near Lake Erie and do not know what a great cruising ------area the Islands really are.

6 The islands stretch across Lake Erie from Sandusky, ing Put-In-Bay, the state docks were free. Now there Ohio, to Leamington, Ontario, Canada, and enclose is a fee and there is no one there to take your money. the western basin of Lake Erie. You simply put the money in an envelope and drop it in a box, but you MUST have the correct amount of Put-in-Bay, located at the northern end of South Bass cash to put in the envelope. There is no one there to Island, is by far the most popular destination on the change a big bill and if you tie up your boat and go lake. That means that on Friday and Saturday nights into town to get the correct amount of money, there is the town docks will be very crowded and rafting up a very good chance that the ranger will come by and five or six deep will often be required. It is also give you a large fine for not paying for your dockage. likely to be VERY LOUD AND NOISY late into the If you decide to use the state docks, bring lots of five night. and ten dollar bills so you can have the correct The toilet and shower facilities are located in the city amount of money. park next to the harbor. They are the same facilities Last year I got so fed up with the state docks that I that all the other visitors to the island use. To keep started looking for another place to tie up, and I them fresh and clean they are attended all day and found one. Miller’s Marina, located near the state night. Unfortunately for the solo sailor, to use the docks, is by far the best place I’ve found to stay in showers you must buy a token from a little vending Put-In-Bay. It is a pleasant, family-oriented place machine near the door, and you can’t buy just one. that is extremely well run. It has good restrooms and They only sell them two at a time. showers, and being near the state docks, it’s quiet. If you enjoy the party atmosphere at the town docks, Once you have a dock, you’ll find plenty to see and you will fit right in. If not, the easiest way to avoid do on the island. A good place to start is with the the noise and crowds is simply to visit during the 350 ft. Perry's Monument and museum. The museum week. From Monday to Thursday things can get tells the story of Perry’s victory over the British in downright peaceful at Put-in-Bay and you should 1813. For other attractions, get a map from the tour- have no trouble finding room to tie up at the town ist booth in town, then walk or rent a bike or golf cart docks. and go explore the island. If weekends are the only time available for you to visit, there are several other ways to avoid the noise, though most have drawbacks. Years ago, you could avoid the noise by anchoring out. Now the harbor is full of floating moorings and there is very little room left for you to drop your hook. If you want to use one of the moorings, call the harbor master on your radio to make arrangements. There will be a charge for the mooring and if you don’t have a dingy you will have to use the water taxi to get ashore.

If you arrive early enough, you can also avoid the noise by tying up at the state docks located at the ex- Perry’s Monument treme western end of the harbor. These docks are about a quarter mile from town, which is far enough to insure a quiet night no matter how loud the cele- For a less crowded and more relaxed place to visit, bration is in town. try Kelleys Island. It’s just six miles to the east of Put-In-Bay, but it’s a whole different world. On the The down side to the state docks is that there are no south side of the island there are many places to tie showers available nearby, and the toilets are just the up, but I prefer the marina right next to the ferry normal public park facilities. They are not attended dock. It’s sheltered in any weather and is within easy and they sometimes are not in the best of condition. walking distance of the small downtown. There are Of course you are welcome to use the showers and restaurants there and a variety of small shops. toilets in town, but they are a long walk away. On a visit to Kelleys Island, most people rent a bike By far the worst part of using the state docks is sim- or golf cart and follow the road around the island. ply trying to pay for them. When I first started visit- On the way you will find many interesting things to

7 explore, such as the abandoned limestone quarry and Leamington is a busy little city and one of the nicest the famous glacial grooves. You can rent bikes and ports on the Canadian side of the lake. The marina is golf carts right at the marina. clean and well run and they usually have plenty of room for transients, but radio ahead on the weekend. Visiting either island would make a good weekend Downtown Leamington is a pleasant mile-walk cruise. You could easily extend that to a full week or inland along tree shaded streets; and it has all the ser- more by simply visiting both islands and then visiting vices, stores and restaurants you could ask for. Next either Port Clinton or Sandusky on the mainland. to the marina there is a fine sand beach for swim- Both of these mainland ports have good transient fa- ming. If you rent a car for the day you can drive out cilities and are well worth a visit. You can even tie to Point Pelee National Park, it’s a very interesting up at the Cedar Point marina, where you can enjoy place. the thrills of visiting one of America’s truly great amusement parks. To sail straight across the lake from the American mainland to the Canadian mainland usually takes For those that are more adventurous, greater cruising about 6 hours in my little 14 foot West Wight Potter, possibilities present themselves across the border, in but plan on taking a couple of days. You’ll want to Canada. Just visible from Put-in-Bay and Kelleys stop often and enjoy the trip. Watch your weather. Island is Pelee Island, the largest island in the lake In the summer you always have the chance of getting and the most southerly inhabited part of Canada. caught in a thunderstorm. This end of the lake is There is a new, full-service marina at West Dock, very shallow and a thunderstorm will quickly kick up where the customs offices and restaurants are located, that famous Lake Erie short chop. Have a plan for but I like to stay at the small harbor town of Scudder, what you will do if you get caught out, make sure on the northern end of the island. It offers transient you have all the equipment you will need, and make dockage with showers and restrooms and a small sure you know how to use it. general store. There is also a small marina on the A circumnavigation of the Western Basin offers even southern end of the island, near Fish Point, that caters more cruising possibilities. Look at your chart and mostly to fishermen and their small boats. cruising guide and you will see that there are interest- If you do cross the border, remember you MUST ing ports all around the shore. check in with Canadian Customs at West Dock as To visit the Islands, I prefer launching on the south soon as you get to Pelee Island. If you plan on sail- shore of the lake, near Marblehead Peninsula, being straight across to the Canadian mainland, you cause this is where the Islands are the closest. The must stop at Pelee Island first. best ramp I've found, both for convenience and for Don’t forget to check in with American Customs the safety of my car and trailer, is the East Harbor when you return to the U.S.A. You do that at Put-In- State Park Marina. Now don’t get confused: this ma- Bay. They have a special phone that will connect rina is NOT at East Harbor State Park, and it is not you with the customs office. The people at the dock located on East Harbor. There is a ramp at the park, master’s office will show you where it is and how to but it is ONLY for campers and is not open to the use it. Take your passport with you when you use the general public. The Marina that is open to the public phone, you will need it.

If you look northeast from the northern end of Pelee Island, you can just see the Canadian mainland at Pelee Point. If you look directly north, sticking up above the horizon you will see the tops of two tall buildings that mark the city of Leamington about 15 miles away. If you are sailing across, use these buildings for your landmarks. Be careful crossing the shipping lanes. Those ships travel a lot faster than you think and they CAN NOT get out of your way. No matter what the navigation rules say about sailboats having the right of way, give them PLENTY of room. East Habour State Park Ramp

8 is located about a mile beyond the entrance to East Harbor State Park, and is on West Harbor. RAMP REPORT

This is a full service marina and the people here are friendly and the rest rooms are clean. Besides the APOLOGY ramp, services include a lunch counter, overnight docks, a travel lift and a good restaurant just next It seemed that my last Ramp Report, the one on An- door at the Crows Nest. napolis, Maryland, was not the final, corrected version that I intended to send. I heartily apologize for The ramp is 14 feet wide, 37 feet long and 7½ feet the mistake and promise to take steps so it will not deep at the end, giving an angle of 11 degrees, and happen again. there are docks at the end of the ramp. I usually use the ramp on weekdays and have never had to wait for Aside from a few awkward sentences and more than more than one or two boat before I could launch. a few typos, no harm was done, except that I did The ramp has a seven dollar fee, which I consider to leave out the crucial ramp dimensions. be a bargain, and the parking is free.

To get to the ramp from State Rt. 2, which is the big For the record, these are the missing dimensions. four lane highway that follows the south shore of Lake Erie, you’ll want to exit on State Rt. 269, which Sandy Point State Park is between the Sandusky Bay Bridge and Port Clin- ton. Rt. 269 only goes north, so just follow it toward Length : 40 feet (full length of ramp) Width : 10 feet the lake. Depth : 5 feet Rt. 269 will turn right at a traffic light when it joins Angle : 7 degrees Rt. 163. After you make the turn, go for about a half a mile and Rt. 269 will turn left. Within a mile you I also measured the ramp at a more reasonable length will see the entrance to the East Harbor State Park. of 24 feet. The depth was 3 ½ feet for an angle of 8 Do NOT turn in. Keep following Rt. 269 for another degrees. mile. The marina and ramp are just past the Crows Nest restaurant. The road dead ends just a couple of Smiths Marina hundred yards beyond the marina. Length : 19 feet Over the years, I have enjoyed many fine cruises in Width : 18 feet the western basin of Lake Erie and never get tired of Depth : 5 feet it. The variety of experiences makes every cruise Angle : 14 degrees something to look forward to. I'm sure you will enjoy it too. Ed. Note: the Chesapeake is tidal so depths will vary.

Consult your tide charts. Depths may also be lower Send your request for ramp information to : after a day of strong north winds.

John Ulmer, 659 S. Canal St. , Canal Fulton, OH 44614, Phone : 330-854-3796, Here is neat quote from email - [email protected] David Goines

"To sail well is exciting. To write well about sailing is divine!'

So folks: climb into your pens or computers and let us enjoy your stories. From: Henk Vanderhulst S/V Go Gently. 9 With our bathing suits, and a picnic lunch in a back- Hiking in the North pack, we spent the afternoon swimming and sunning in the company of good friends.

Channel When leaving Topaz, the blazed trail to the south By: Wayne Bell took us to an open expanse that towered over the anchorage below. It is always a treat to see Bells Toil (ed. Note: This is a copy of an article that Wayne gently pulling at her rode in a calm anchorage. submitted to Sailing Magazine a few years ago. Deb- bie Bell sent it to us in response to the recent thread Baie Fine is so long and so narrow, and the hills are on Trailsail about hiking in the North Channel.) so high, that the wind tends to blow straight down the center. One way or the other, we have always had a If you have ever spent more that a night or two downhill run. For inland lake sailors like us, this is a aboard a trailerable sailboat—you’ve probably been chance to break out the spinnaker and watch the col- there. Aboard For Whom the Bells Toil, our 1986 ors of the sail reflect on the water mile after mile. Catalina 25, we call it “fiberglass butt.” It is a per- The only reason our wonderful sleigh ride came to sistent feeling that you have to stretch your legs, and end was our arrival at the next anchorage, Mary which other than when swimming, is not something Ann Cove. you do very much of on a 25-foot cruising sailboat. We decided that it was time to begin to stretch those Mary Ann Cove, unnamed on the chart, is about 5 atrophic muscles. As we looked over the nautical miles from The Pool. Sitting on the south side, the chart covering the waters east of Little Current and entrance is open and free of hazards. The island in also a Killarney Provincial Park hiking map, we real- the center is private property. Mary Ann does have a ized that before us were more choices that we had tendency to be crowded, and so latecomers need to days. put an anchor off the bow and tie to the cedar trees that line the steep-to shore. But even with the The summer of 2005, with its heat and dry condi- crowds, Mary Ann is the gateway to the most spec- tions, made the North Channel a perfect place to tacular view of these cruising waters. At the water’s hike. The rocks, which are usually wet and slippery, edge, against an old tree, those who had climbed be- were void of much of their water soaked moss. The fore had left their walking sticks, which were stand- lack of rain also produced another benefit; without ing at attention, ready to support the next hikers. The pools of standing water the mosquito population was ancient cedar forest, with the ground as soft as plush almost non-existent. And so, anchors raised, we carpet, eventually gave way to narrow cuts in the sailed from bay to bay, exercising our legs as well as rock where every step needed to be watched and our navigational skills. every handhold made sure. At the summit of Frazer Our 1st stop was The Pool. At the end of a seven- Bay Hill, we were treated to a 360-degree panorama mile fiord called Baie Fine, the hills run right down of blue waters and sky interspersed with green hills to the water. The pool is so protected by a weaving and sailboats making way. In Precambrian times, channel, that once inside, unless you know from this peak was higher than the modern-day Rockies. whence you came, the exit is almost invisible. From our perch, looking south across Frazer Bay, we From the southeast corner a trail leads to Cave Lake, could see the entrance to the Landsdowne Channel and on the north side the trail leads to Artist or Topaz and our next destination, Snug Harbor. Lakes. You are within the bounds of the Killarney Snug Harbor is deep and cold, with a tricky entrance Provincial Park, and the trail to Topaz Lake crosses a that bears the scars of more than one careless keel. blazed trail, just in case you are in the mood for some But against the north shore begins a trail that is the serious hiking. Remember, this is rugged country; so opposite of the Frazer Hill climb. Gentle and rolling, proper shoes are a must. it passes a lake. Deer always seem to be in these Topaz Lake sits high above the anchorage. Its deep woods. The short trail ends at a rock-strewn beach blue waters are rimmed with quartzite cliffs. The along Frazer Bay, where fossils can be seen in just clarity of the water is largely due to the lack of float- about every rock. ing organisms and sediment. At several points along A little farther up the Lansdowne is what many the shore, flat outcroppings allowed the young and would call the quintessential anchorage. Covered brave to jump into the water from as high as 50 feet.

10 Portage is a bowl, so deep that neither our cell phone Time was running short, and soon we needed to re- nor VHF worked with any sense of reliability. Cov- verse course and head west. But one more bay called ered Portage is just a short sail from the picturesque to us. Thomas Bay sits in the islands that touch the village of Killarney, and so it is always busy. southern boundary of the Killarney Provincial Park. In the northeast corner, the countless feet of other With One Tree Island to starboard, we turned into the cruisers have created a path that leads to the top of bay that is surrounded by the pinkest granite we have the cliff. Once there we were able to look straight found anywhere. This section of the park is a small down into our cockpit, seeing the paperback books boat dream. Setting off in our dingy, we explored the that we enjoyed with our morning coffee. countless islands and inlets. Several of the islands are stained with tar, silhouetting the nets that years be- Taking a slip in Killarney did not mean that our hik- fore had been treated with tar and pitch. Working our ing shoes went to the bottom of the locker. 2 great way along the coast, a highway directional sign trails are easily accessed from town. pointed to the Chikanishing River, a small tributary The 1st is the George Island Wilderness Trail, just that took us to the Chikanishing Trail. This trail al- short of 5 miles. It crosses the western end of the lows for excellent views of Georgian Bay. Several island. Along the trail we could see plenty of signs metal rings used for mooring lines during the logging of wildlife, even bear. days can still be seen along the trail. The history of

nd Georgian Bay is retold on plaques along the way.\ The 2 trail begins at the lighthouse at the eastern end of the channel. The waters ahead are no longer The calendar pages had turned too quickly and we the North Channel, but Georgian Bay. This 5-mile needed to aim west toward truck and trailer. This trail leads to Pond Point. Following along the shore, opportunity to sail among these pristine islands and old rusted vats still stand, once used to heat the tar for to hike their shores had made for a magnificent ad- fishing nets. venture.

The Trail to Lake LaCloche

By Dave Willems Let me give you a description of the trail up to Lake LaChoche. The trail head can be reached by going almost due north of Matheson Island a little over a Km. Once past the rocks that form a large bay a large sandy beach can be seen that extends for almost the two Km length of the bay. Proceed east until about in the middle of the beach a road can be seen. There is only one road. To the east of the road about 300 m is a reedy area that the stream from Lake LaCoche flows out of. Supposedly a dingy or kayak could go up stream a way but my guess is only in a very high water year. Proceed up the road until abandoned cabins and a bridge can be found. The trail head is at the bridge in the picture. Take your mosquito repellent and enjoy one of the nicest walks in the North Channel. The trail runs by the stream on the way up, passing by numerous water falls. Some of the stream cuts through the white rock and rushes down like a water slide and other portions of the stream move slower forming reflecting pools. The woods are cool with patches of moss on the forest floor and small stands of Indian Pipe plant can be found. the trail goes to the lake and runs along side of it. I do not know how long the trail goes since we did not go to the end. The lake has white quartzite cliffs. It would be great if a kayak could be brought up. Plan to spend at least two hours on the hike.

11 North Channel. Anchorages, Hiking, Dinghy/Kayak Trips NOTES: Required Charts: 2205 & 2206(1-2-3-4) & 2207(1-2-3-4) & 2257 & 2268 & 2286 Most of the anchorages are shown including Location, Waypoint and Co-ordinates. Anchorages: Waypoints West of Little Current are marked NCW --- ,, East of Little Current are marked NCE --- Column four indicates things-to-do such as Hiking and Dinghy / Kayaking: D / K. Where info was supplied by Dave Willems this is indicated as ((D.W.)) Contact him for more info. ((B-T)) indicates info from Article submitted by Debbie Bell, written by Wayne Bell. Location Waypoint Co-ordinates Things-to-do Picnic Isl. NCW 01 N 45 – 59.18 OK for overnight if Marina is full. (SE of) W 81 – 56.38 Easy walk into Town. Rous Cove NCW 02 N 46 – 00.77 Good for overnight. Go NW of Mink Isl. Give Palliser W 82 – 00.05 Point wide berth. Good swimming hole. Mosquito Bay NCW 03 N 46 – 02.57 OK in North end W 81 – 15.16 Bell Cove NCW 04 N 46 – 02.77 Anchor along SW shore. Short walk to Sturgeon Cove W 81 – 55.42 near north shore. Sturgeon Cove NCW 05 N 46 – 02.90 Entry: go straight in by way of following waypoints: W 81 – 54.75 N 46-03.10/ W 81-54.87 to N 46-03.06 / W 81-54.80 In SE corner: trail / road heads east; good walking Whitefish Falls NCW 06 N 46 – 06.32 D / K to river, along river to falls. W 81 – 44.90 Can also walk along Rd 6 to falls Louisa Isl. NCW 07 N 46 – 04.72 Anchor close to beach on east side. Good swimming. (East side) W 82 – 00.46 Anchorage only good with westerly winds. Matheson Isl. NCW 08 N 46 – 05.80 Trail to Lake La Cloche. D/K north into large bay, then W 82- 05.25 east along beach. Near middle, find road. Walk up road to abandoned cabin and bridge; trail starts at bridge. Enjoy very nice walk along stream, many waterfalls. At least two hours. Mosquitoes. ((D.W.)) McBean NCW 09 N 46 – 07.83 No info Harbor W 82 – 11.58 Fox Isl. NCW 10 N 46 – 06.69 Two small bays: south OK, north too shallow (east) W 82 – 12.37 Fox Harbor. NCW 11 N 46 – 06.67 Anchorage tricky to get into! Good rock-walking along (west) W 82 – 14.25 south shore. Nice D/K to the Benjamins. Oak Bay NCW 12 N 46 – 08.25 Several other anchorages. Very nice for D / K. Can go W 82 – 15.62 all the way to McBean Harbor. ((D.W.)) Eagle Bay NCW 13 N 46 – 06.58 Large anchorage. Some beach in SW corner. W 82 – 17.96 Rock-walking along NW shore. Armour Isl. NCW 14 N 46 – 07.13 Good but small anchorage. Rather difficult walk to W 82 – 18.93 west side of island but there very interesting rocks.

12 Shoepack Bay NCW 15 N 46 – 09.75 Popular anchorage. Rather deep: 30 ft. Best tie to shore W 82 – 22.22 Do not use bay to east: Logs etc on bottom. Laurier Isl. NCW 16 N 46 – 09.43 Popular. Often used by T/S A. Closest anchorage to W 82 – 24.51 Spanish. Jackson Isl. NCW 17 N 46 – 08.43 Well sheltered. Never busy. W 82 – 28.45 Moiles Harbor NCW 18 N 46 – 08.40 Well sheltered. Rather poor holding. W 82 – 32.28 Aikens Isl. NCW 19 N 46 – 08.32 Well sheltered. Not easy to enter (from S E). W 82 – 31.94 Davin Pnt NCW 20 N 46 – 08.57 Not good in east wind. (S of) W 82 – 33.46 Mulock Isl NCW 21 N 46 – 09.91 Well sheltered. Small beach. Can easily D / K to (NW of) W 82 – 35.81 Beardrop (via N E corner of Beardrop) Beardrop Bay NCW 22 N 46 – 09.58 Roomy anchorage. Holding has been known to be poor. W 82 – 37.78 Can D / K through narrow slot in south shore. Dewdney Cove NCW 23 N 46 – 08.08 Well sheltered. Entry at west end narrows. Suggest W 82 – 37.48 bow watch. John Harbor NCW 24 N 46 – 08.38 Quite popular anchorage. Rather open. W 82 – 37.91 Long Point NCW 25 N 46 – 10.54 A favorite anchorage. Good D / K area. Nice view from W 82 – 41.34 lookout east of entrance. Rock-walking. Turnbull Isl NCW 26 N 46 – 08.84 D / K among islands W 82 – 45.66 Gore Bay NCW 27 N 45 – 55.10 Hike around bottom end of Bay, then up road along W 82 – 27.54 east shore to two nice look-outs: view of whole Bay. Gore Bay good for supplies. Two good restaurants. Benjamins (A) NCW 28 N 46 – 05.16 Main anchorage. Good hiking on South Benjamin; can W 82 – 15.16 go right across: lookout over Sow and Pigs etc Benjamins (B) NCW 29 N 46 – 04.64 Favorite T/S A anchorage. Nice for exploring. D / K W 82 – 15.21 around S Benj. Or around SW Isl. Visit fossil beach. Try to find Boomer Rock. Walk to south end. Benjamins (C) NCW 30 N 46 – 04.80 Fairly small but secure anchorage in SE corner of W 82 – 15.00 South Benjamin. Can climb up to lookout. Croker Isl NCW 31 N 46 – 04.56 Much used by T/S A. Secure. Climb & walk up top. W 82 – 12.72 Nice view. D / K to beach in N-end. Picknick Clapperton NCW 32 N 46 – 00.37 Large, safe anchorage NE of small island. Harbor W 82 – 13.70 Kegawong NCW 33 N 45 – 54.57 Best to dock at marina. Get supplies. Walk into town. W 82 – 15.53 Good beach for kids. Very nice hike along Creek to Bridal Vail Falls: swim. Walk back along road. Logan Bay NCW 34 N 46 – 54.57 OK in NW to S wind. Use only when in need. W 82 – 12.35

13 ------EAST OF LITTLE CURRENT Sheguiandah NCE 35 N 45 – 53.54 Walk to interesting small museum. On Internet: check Bay W 81 – 54.80 out concerning Archeological Dig: how old? Manitowaning NCE 36 N 45 – 44.30 Interesting:::: Check it out on internet [ Debaj.ca] W 81 – 48.17 Debajehmujig Storytellers and more. Heywood Isl. NCE 37 N 45 – 56.00 Always popular; sometimes crowded. East end nice: W 45 – 46.17 from here D / K west, then into main entry. Nice beach; good for children and picnics. The T/S A Memorial Rock is located at west side of Browning Isl. Snug Harbor NCE 38 N 45 – 57.33 Enter with care. Tie shore; mostly 30 ft deep. In NW W 81 - 38.67 corner; gentle trail to Frazer Bay ends at fossil beach. Often deer at small lake. ((B-T)) & ((D-W)) Covered NCE 39 N 45 – 59.90 Also very popular. Anchorage outside Cove also good. Portage Cove W 81 – 32.83 In NW corner steep trail starts to lookout above Cove; impressive ((B-T)). In SW corner: trail to Frazer Bay. About halfway up a trail heads south to overlook Killarney Bay (most private but OK). Good hiking. Killarney NCE 40 N 45 – 58.00 Sail or D / K from Covered Portage Cove for delicious W 81 – 30.36 fish-n-chips, ice-cream and other supplies. Public docking is very limited. Walk along waterfront.((B-T)) Two great hiking trails, both 5 miles: A= George Isl. Wilderness Trail, B= starts at lighthouse, to Pond Point Frazer Bay NCE 41 N 45 – 59.43 Safe anchorage. (east end) W 81 – 34.37 Boyle Cove NCE 42 N 45 – 56.91 Safe anchorage. Could D / K to beach (east) and W 81 – 39.90 hike to Devils Bay Lake and Snug Harbor. Mary Ann NCE 43 N 46 – 00.73 Limited space: tie to shore. Great hike and demanding Cove W 81 – 37.91 climb through bush to Frazer Bay Hill for fantastic view at 600 ft up, 360 degree panorama.((B-T)) The Pool NCE 44 N 46 – 02.62 At end of 7-mile fiord (Baie Fine), enter secluded Pool. W 81 – 28.64 Weeds can cause poor holding. In NE corner rather difficult hike up to beautiful Topaz Lake, well worth it. Swim. Enjoy Blueberries. Short trail to south leads to lookout far above The Pool. ((B-T)) East Sampson NCE 45 N 46 – 04.19 Anchor in East or West Channel. Great for D / K to Isl. W 81 – 34.22 west. Go all the way around West Sampson Isl. Iroquois Bay NCE 46 N 46 – 06.62 Interesting rock-formations, several “potholes”. Rock- A W 81 – 39.85 walk to west. Iroquois Bay NCE 47 N 46 – 05.72 Nice secluded cove. Waterfall at west end. B W 81 – 39.90 Iroquois Bay NCE 48 N 46 – 06.28 Safe to enter this secluded cove and anchor. C W 81 – 36.38

14 Notice Although these waypoints have been double checked, I disclaim any responsibility for accuracy. I recommend that these waypoints be checked and entered on the appropriate paper charts prior to use.

Henk Vanderhulst [email protected] Sarnia Feb. 1, 2011

Cleary Cove Covered Portage Cove

Sailor’s Quiz By: Larry Roth & Margery Whites, S/V Forget Me Not

1. Which of the following is appropriate for the term “head”? A) Foremost or projecting part B) Highest part C) Nautical term for “toilet”

2. Nautically speaking, the term “swig” means A) To take a large gulp of your favorite beverage B) To tighten a line by pulling it at a right angle C) To bury the bow of the boat from time to time when running before big seas D) To quickly record details of speed and direction on a ship’s log E) To scrape the empty salted meat storage barrel to get out the last bits for hungry sailors

3. The term “rooting” means A) To secure the bottom of the sail B) To tighten a line by pulling it at a right angle C) To bury the bow of the boat from time to time when running before big seas D) To quickly record details of speed and direction on a ship’s log E) To scrape the empty salted meat storage barrel to get out the last bits for hungry sailors

4. What is meant by doing something “handsomely”? A) the manner of splicing ropes when using a sharp knife B) setting the table using tablecloths and silver cutlery in the galley C) briskly, lively, neatly, or cleverly D) slow, even motion as when hauling on a line

5. Nautical term meaning to go out of control, such as when a heavy piece of C 5.

gear comes adrift in a seaway D 4.

A) punt C 3. B) warp B 2.

C) take charge

D) tickle C & A,B 1. E) slosh around Key: Answer

15 We launched early morning at Louisville Point Park A Voyage on the (MM 625) on Ft. Loudon Lake. I drove our tow rig to a local storage facility and returned to board our Tennessee River floating home. Kentucky Dam was 600 miles ahead of us and we were underway. I was excited and by David Craigie as we left the dock, the morning air was cool and the In the spring of 2009 we sampled a small portion of winds were dead calm, a precursor to conditions we the Tennessee River when we sailed on Kentucky were to experience for most of our cruise. Lake. For a week before Memorial Day and two weeks after, we sailed in the company of several Motoring out of the protected bay, we entered the other trailer/sailors. It was a blast. Read about this river channel and encountered an up-bound barge. cruise in the Fall 2009 Clipper Snips: Gunkholing Not a problem, just a surprise to come on one so on Kentucky Lake. quickly. We waved, took some pictures and took a The time that we spent on Kentucky Lake stirred us one-whistle pass on our way downstream . to see what the rest of this vast inland waterway has to offer. So our plan in 2010 was to take a month and With over 600 river miles ahead, our voyage would travel all 600+ miles of the Tennessee River. http:// take us through nine lakes and eight locks. We set a www.tnriver.com daily goal to average 20 miles each day. At five miles per hour that means we would be underway When friends ask where we went sailing last summer about four hours each day. Some days would be and I tell them it was on the Tennessee River, I im- more, some less. mediately note their look of confusion. Do they think I have sailing mixed up with white water rafting? Ft. Loudon Lake was the first of these lakes and one And as a sailor, you might ask, why? Why cruise on of the smallest. As on each of the nine lakes, the a river when there are plenty of other sailing venues shore line was a mix of developed and undeveloped. to explore? Perhaps this quote from a cruising guide The developed areas ranged from the rich and famous says it best: “The Tennessee River is one of the long- to the RV that was set up for the weekend. est and most scenic fresh water boating adventures in Many of the undeveloped areas were just plain wil- North America.”

derness. From marshes and flat lands to steep hill- sides that plunge to the depths of the lake, there were endless places to tuck into, drop a hook and kick back. A typical anchorage of choice was one away Our trip started on May 21st. from homes and offering as much protection from the Joyce and I, along with our twelve-year-old grand- potential of storms as possible. We anchored in son Jonathan, left our home in Midwest City, OK many different configurations, including shore ties trailing our 1995 Hunter 26, Incipient. Our destina- and tying across a cove. A really good anchorage tion was Louisville in the far eastern Tennessee was one where we could dinghy to shore to stretch Smoky Mountains. It was a two-day 850-mile trip our legs. If we were really lucky, an ice cream would and we arrived late afternoon, got the stick up and be somewhere close. spent one last night on the trailer.

16 Like all navigable waterways, the part of the lake the T/SA, but trailer/sailors none the less. We shared below a lock is much like a river; the depths are navi- dinner with them and tied up to their dock for the gable, but that is about all. It is just part of the sys- night. Our grandson Jonathan had a fun time with tem that has to be sailed to get to the good stuff. You their grandson Sam. They swam and Jonathan gave can pretty much depend on having to use your motor Sam a few rowing lessons. to get through this part, but the good news is that The next day we visited T/SA members, Jerry and Jo there is generally a small amount of current to help Hardin in Kingston, TN, up the Clinch River at MM you along. Our practice when approaching a lock 568. We met them at the town dock and did lunch at was to spend the night in an anchorage above the a local restaurant. We were invited to join them at lock. We would be up early, get through the lock and their home nearby and later returned to Incipient, continue downstream, full speed ahead. where we all kicked back and enjoyed the lovely evening in a wide spot on the Clinch River .

For additional information on Passaging a lock, check out this It would have been nice to visit more trailer/sailors site along the way, or to have a few boats cruise along http://www.tva.gov/river/navigation/rec.htm with us part or all of the way. But no others re- sponded to our notice on Trailsail. Perhaps another time. We had the privilege of visiting two trailer/sailors on our voyage. Both were on Watts Bar Lake, the second lake on the river. Bob & Janice Johnson have a home on Hines Creek, MM 583.1. Not members of

The next several days were spent idling along, enjoying a different anchorage every night, swimming, dinghy exploring and hiking on occasion. We spent the Memorial Day weekend on Chickamauga Lake in anchorages named Possum Creek and Chigger Point

17 and others that make you wonder how they got their Today, tourist boats ply this section of the river, name. showing off the beauty of the Gorge to paying cus- tomers. It is truly a stunning area, and we saw it at Our first planned “tourist stop” was after Memorial our own speed and for free. The only drawbacks to Day in Chattanooga. The plan was to take a slip for all this beauty are a lack of good anchorages and ma- two nights and treat Jonathan, and ourselves, to the rinas. So we moved along and anchored where we famed Tennessee Aquarium http://www.tnaqua.org/ could for the next few nights, enjoying this scenic Home.aspx and a few area at a relaxed pace, and happy that we topped off other shore-side de- our fuel tank. lights . The aquarium visit was awesome and On June 6th we locked through Nickojack Lock and we had a good time. headed downstream on Guntersville Lake. The day But after two days, we before, we returned to Central Daylight Time. To- were ready to hit the morrow we would be entering Alabama. The daily water and move on air temperatures were getting warmer and the water downstream. temperature was in the high 70s. We had about 200 miles under our keel and had about 400 to go. We The river beyond were on schedule with our proposed itinerary, but Chattanooga is known with the warmer weather coming on, things were alas the Chattanooga ready getting a little uncomfortable. This is why we Gorge and offers some leave Oklahoma in the summer. of the most spectacular scenery on the Tennessee We had some long motoring days and some brief River. This 46-mile stretch of Nickojack Lake mean- sailing days over the next three weeks. There were a ders between a shoreline of high bluffs and steep plethora of anchorages , most of which were well mountains that plunge into the murky depths below.

protected, with a variety of amenities and scenery. The Gorge includes the famous Narrows, which, be- Like all cruises with multiple anchorages, there are fore this was a lake, was the most difficult section of many that will be memorable forever, for one reason the Upper Tennessee to navigate. As we cruised or another. It may be the beauty they offer, or per- along, I imagined the whistle of a long-ago steam- haps the friendships discovered. Or it may be other boat, struggling to make headway up stream. Then, memories that are best forgotten. suddenly, finding themselves stranded on a rocky shoal, their boat breaks up, their journey ends and Limestone Creek on Wheeler Lake (MM 310) was perhaps their life, too, in this now passive slack water our Anchorage from Hell and impossible to forget. passage. Reality check! Our plan was to follow the cruise guide’s recommen- dation and anchor in mid-creek about ¼ mile up-

18 stream in 20’ of water. I knew when we hooked that allow boaters to hang out and swim in this scenic we were in trouble. location . There is a sand spit that extends across Not being happy with our anchoring location and knowing that we were likely in trouble, I told my first -rate first mate Joyce that we needed to pull anchor and move. (She is never happy about having to re- anchor.) As Joyce motored ahead and I hauled in the rode and chain, I quickly found that the anchor was indeed snagged, most likely on a rock in the old creek bed. I snubbed off the 25’ of 5/16” chain which was now vertical and taut. Joyce motored ahead and the boat pirouetted in a circle. We did this a few times and then I returned to the helm. With little to lose, I desperately wanted my 15-year- old 7.5 Kg authentic Bruce anchor back. The chain was as vertical and tight as I could get it. I powered up our trusty Yamaha 8 and when we ran ahead, the most of the cove opening that doubles for a beach. boat again pirouetted around in a circle. The bow The highlight of this anchorage is a 30+ foot water- plunged downward a good two feet and I had to hang fall that is spring-fed and very refreshing on a hot on for dear life when the rear of the boat literally summer day. A trail leads up to the top of the falls came up and out of the water. Joyce yelped. and a rope lets the daring swing out and plunge into After a few tries, the bow suddenly surged upward, the deep water below. We met our only other fellow like a whale surfacing to clear her blow hole. I was cruisers here and while they were power boaters, they hoping that was good news and that my anchor was were cool and we shared happy hour for the next few still attached to the end of my chain. I returned the days. helm to SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) and darted to the bow, where I promptly pulled in the re- maining chain. Yippee! The anchor was still attached and I secured it on deck. We fooled the or- phan anchor gremlin again. Other than my distaste for this anchorage, the only damage was to my anchor, which now had a notice- able twist to the shank and a bent fluke. I would deal with this later. Meanwhile, we found another more shallow area of the creek to anchor in that was outside of the old creek bed and in mud. The cruising guide was wrong on this one and I have so noted in the guide.

Copper Hollow Cove on Pickwick Lake (MM 217.2) was our most memorable anchorage. Located in Mississippi where the river makes a brief passage through the extreme northeastern tip of the state, it is a breathtaking anchorage, well-protected and offering an unobstructed view of Pickwick Lake. State Parks were among our favorite places to stop The cruising guide rates it as a 5-star all around and along the river - your tax dollars at work. Many had advises not to attempt a visit on a weekend during the marinas that offered fuel, water, pumpout, an occa- summer. It is crammed with power boats rafted to sional restaurant and an ice cream for the Captain and the banks, tied to the shore and anything else that will crew. They also offered good dockage at a reason-

19 able price, but unless we had business on shore, we point. Ample parking is available, and I was told preferred to slip away to a nearby anchorage. there was no charge for that. This may be subject to change, but nevertheless, it would be a good starting Another amenity that point to head downstream. state parks offer is the chance to step ashore With abundant anchorages on Pickwick Lake, and and stretch your legs. after a run down Kentucky Lake, you would soon be Many parks have ex- in the area of Land Between the Lakes. Here, in my tensive, well- humble opinion, lies the jewel of the Tennessee maintained trails that River. With so much to explore, one could easily offer a chance to ex- enjoy a two-week holiday on just this part of the perience the local flora river. I will explain return transportation later in this and wildlife. At the article. very least, there are By June 19th we were on Kentucky Lake at Paris paved roads and the opportunity to step ashore for a short time. Finding a trail in locations other than state parks along the river is difficult, so we took advantage when we could .

Marinas abound along the river and most are ex- traordinary. But our favorite was in Alabama: the Florence Harbor Marina. http:// www.florenceharbor.com / When planning our trip I noted that there was a long distance between suitable provisioning stops, both before and after Florence. The marina in Florence is very close to the down- Landing State Park, MM 66. The air temperatures were now in the mid 90s and the water temperature was in the mid 80s. It was too hot and our thoughts were turning to bringing this voyage to a conclusion. We were now less then 40 miles from our destination and a little ahead of our planned itinerary. Two days later we arrived at Kentucky Dam Village. We had reached our destination and anchored in the bay, within the sea-walled marina. Enterprise Car Rental was scheduled to meet us at the ramp the next town proper and a super Wal Mart, too. day at 10 am. One of the advantages of being a In early spring, I called the marina to confirm that I trailer/sailor is the ability to make one-way trips. No could drop in as a transient. I spoke to the Dock need to cover the same territory that you just came Master, Eva, the most affable dock master that I have over and head upstream to boot. ever had the pleasure of meeting. She assured me that there would be space and she would leave the Enterprise was bringing us a car from Murray, KY, light on. In addition, she said they had a courtesy car which is about 30 miles away. Their policy states available that we could use. I was stunned. They also they will deliver a car within 7 miles. It was my offer all the usual marina services plus WiFi and a good fortune that they do not stick to that rule. Our super restaurant. It doesn’t get any better. Thumbs plan was to use the car for the round trip to Louisville up to Florence. to retrieve our tow rig, about 300 miles each way.

A short version of this river trip I did not know how long we would be gone to re- In addition to a fine marina, there is a suitable ramp trieve our rig, so I made arrangements with Kentucky available. If someone wanted to do a shorter one- Dam Village Marina for a slip. The cost was mini- way version of this trip, this would be a good starting 20 mal and they offered a Boat US discount, too. They This site contains information regarding charts and allowed us to occupy the slip early so that we could cruise guides, our itinerary, details about us and other be ready for Enterprise. Thumbs up to the folks at information. In addition, there is a section titled, KDV Marina. “What you need to know” that could be of value to those heading out for the first time. The driver showed up promptly, as promised. We all Trailer/Sailors Forever. piled in and drove to their office for paper work and payment. We spent the rest of the day driving in the See you on the water, David [email protected] cool of air conditioning to Louisville and back. We dropped the rental car off in the late evening and got back to the marina way past my bed time. One month to cover 600 miles by water. One day to cover 600 miles by land. I found the people at Enterprise to be extraordinarily accommodating and for the money they charged, I have no idea how they keep the doors open. I give them a big thumbs up for making this cruise possible. The next morning we loaded Incipient on her trailer. It was really hot and we were glad to be leaving. But we were pleased that we chose to spend a month on the Tennessee. Now it was time to head north to cooler climes and another sailing adventure. We will return next summer to enjoy more cruising on Kentucky Lake and the Land Between the Lakes area. I hope that you will join us. Pity the poor soul with the big fancy boat who cannot do likewise .

Additional Cruise Information:

For further information we have a web site set up and it will be available for a little while longer: http:// www.tennesseerivercruise.info/

Around the Bottom End of Florida. By: Henk & Sia Vanderhulst

This may be a unique article in the annals of “Clipper Snips”.

It is an oldie about a trip that my wife Sia and I enjoyed in Florida some eleven years ago! I happened upon the log of that adventure the other day. This log is rather skimpy on details, and so I will have to dig around in the memories of the both of us in order to produce a more or less complete account. I will write it in the present tense which I find more interesting for the reader.

Well, here goes. I hope it works out and may entice some of you readers to follow the same route more or

21 less. This is also written partly as a guide. particularly like this. I think it looked friendlier the

way it was. The year is 2000 which happens to be a Leap Year. And since it is Feb. 29, I will call this Leap Day. We have to motor these 25 NM which is not unusual. We have been enjoying a few days staying with our The previous time I did get some sailing in, although daughter Linda who lives near West Palm Beach. it was slow. This is a bit boring: it’s a good thing that This gave me the opportunity to ready “Go Gently” Sia brought some books along. We see a number of for the trip that Sia and I have planned. alligators, several biggies. They are dozing along the shore and before long you don’t even look at them. After 1 ½ hour driving we arrive at the ramp we have chosen for the launch. This ramp is close to South We do see a variety of birds and I try to identify Bay and there is a good area for raising the mast and them. About halfway we pass the town of Clewiston. do all the other stuff. All this took a little over two When we reach Moore Haven, we make a 90 degree hours and at two thirty we are in the water and ready turn to the left and after only a mile we are at the first to sail away. lock. Locking through is a breeze and the lockmaster Linda has come along and drives back to her house is very friendly. with van and trailer. Nice and handy! We are now in And so we enter the Caloosahatchee Canal. the most southern section of the canal that circles After a little over 3 NM we find ourselves a spot in Lake Okeechobee. I have been here before single- Lake Hicpochee where we drop the hook at 1530 hrs. handing, so I know all this area somewhat. After only Since there are no other boats around, we enjoy a 1/3 mile west we enter a keyhole on the starboard nice quiet night. side. This brings you into a nice small anchorage: a good place to get everything in order and sorted out. The next stretch that we hope to do is about 30 NM. And then spend the night. We are on our way at nine am and after + 10 NM, pass through the Ortona Lock: again no problem. The last time I was here I decided to cool off with a These locks are only a few feet going down. dip at the stern ladder. As I did so, my one foot felt something!! It did not take me long to get back What we don’t like is that we have the wind on the aboard and wash myself using a bucket. This place is nose, so again no sailing. Just before La Belle we loaded with alligators!! Not a good idea to take a make a lunch stop in a small oxbow. We decide not swim! We have twenty eight feet of water under us. to stop at La Belle since the small town-dock is full. Anyhow, we do not need anything to go shopping While rowing our rubber dinghy around the anchor- for. And we have been in this town several times on age, I pass right over a four foot alligator! In the our way driving across Florida. We have to wait for daytime they are quite docile, but it is best not to rile the bridge to open for us and some more boats. We them up! This one I had not seen until he had passed have two more under me. bridges that have to

Right after supper it is already dark. When I aim my open: one at big light around towards the shore we see quite a Denaud and the next number of alligator eyes shining in the dark. one at Alva. About 2 ½ NM We are in bed at 7 o’clock since we plan for an early beyond Alva we departure in the morning. enter a nice quiet

And so we are off the hook at eight the next morning. spot to spend the We hope to put a good many miles behind us. night It is in an ox- We have to stay in the canal motoring northwest, bow on the starboard side, where heading for Moore Haven. we have anchored I immediately notice a big change since I was here before with our last. At that time there was a barrier of Brazilian pep- friends the Bow- per trees between the canal and the lake. But since mans. Well; we did these trees are not native to Florida, the government our thirty NM to- has decided that they have to go. And so, they have day! all disappeared, giving a view of the Lake. I do not March 3: let’s see

22 where we get to today. told we will find the church. We are only just in time for the service. When we get back to Go Gently we After passing through the bridge at La Belle, we are are bothered by pesky no-seeums. in the actual Caloosahatchee River and the shore be- comes a lot more interesting with more things to look To get to St James City we had to go along what at. most folks call “The Miserable Mile”. This is often busy with all kinds of boats, many of them going way About 2 NM after our quiet night at that oxbow we too fast for this narrow buoyed passage, which is a have to lock through the Franklin Lock. Between the little over two miles instead of one. You really have north shore and the lock is a small island. The total to watch what others are doing and also make sure island is a nice campground and between it and the that you stay in the channel. Since today is early Sun- mainland is a neat anchorage, which we have made day morning it is amazingly quiet. use of several times. Since it is on the east side of the lock, it is the last fresh water. We have seen a good Upon leaving St James City we head west, being size alligator here. And we have sneaked in for careful not to get caught in the shallows south of a nice shower! A few feet down at the lock and you York Island. After 3 NM we pass under the high ten- are in brackish water. And no more locks. sion cables. And another 4 NM gets us to After another 8 NM or so, we are in North Fort buoy 34 from where we go straight west to flashing Meyers where we visit with Wayne and his wife Red light “2”. Here the channel into Tween Waters Suzy. We have a bit of a hard time finding a dock, starts. This is again a place where we have been but with Wayne’s help we can make use of his many times over the years. We anchor in our usual friend’s dock for the night. corner near buoys 5 and 4.

Wayne used to sail with us in Georgian Bay and the We have done 10 NM and enjoyed some fair to good North Channel. But since then he has sold his boat sailing: about the only sailing we’ve had since and bought himself a beautiful BMW motor- launching. We sure hope that this will improve! cycle which he enjoys a lot and uses for rallies etc. Well, what do you know: Pete & Carol Bowman are During the night we notice that the wind is coming here! This is not really so strange because these up. Will that mean we can sail that next day??? friends have often joined us here. If you work it right, But alas: we have the wind on the nose and it is you can sneak into the pool-area for a dip. When we strengthening! We get quite a bit of spray aboard and get up the next morning both Sia and I are not feeling it is not too pleasant. The river is now more than a well. And so, we decide to hang around, not doing mile wide and you have to watch where you are go- much of anything all day. After a very short walk we ing: stay within the channel. It is also a lot busier get to the beach and watch a beautiful sunset. with motorboats etc. But again: it is more interesting. The next morning we feel OK again and before long If only that wind died down! Pete and Carol in “Anna B” and us aboard “Go Gen- After about 7 NM we pass Cape Coral on the north tly” head back to Shell Point. Back along the miser- shore. And another 3 NM takes us to one of our fa- able mile, and this time it lives up to its name! vorite anchorages at Shell Point. We have been here several times over the years. It is almost like a very But again we get some reasonable sailing winds. small lake although open on the north side towards Once we are at anchor, guess who drop in unex- the river. Here your best entry into this cove is at ei- pected. Dave & Joyce Craigie in “Incipient”! ther end of this opening as there is a sandbar in the VHF tells us that we will be stuck here for a while. center. We usually found the best spots to anchor at The Punta Rassa Bridge is out of order for repairs! either east or west end quite close to shore. The co- And there isn't much we can do other than be patient. ordinates for this gunk hole are The next day is an enforced lay-day for us. So we visit back and forth, read and tidy up. Oh well! < 26 31.30 N---82 00.33 W >.

It is now Sunday March 5. Since Sia and I decide When we call the next morning, we are told that all that we want to go to Church, we make our way to is well. We are soon on our way and once past the St James City. This means getting up early to do the bridge it is only 3 NM to the busy channel into Fort 5 ½ NM and find a place to anchor. Then by dinghy Meyers Beach. While rounding the northern point of we have to find our way into one of the canals. At the Estero Island the usual bunch of dolphins are waiting end we park the dinghy and walk to where we are for us and give us a welcome with an aerobatic per-

23 formance. Sia and I make a long dinghy ride around San Carlos Island. After this we go for gas at the nearby marina. Fort Meyers Beach is homeport for quite a number of When we get up the next day we make some plans shrimp-boats and they have right of way when com- for the next few days. We decide to check out Ding ing through the channel. Darling Park, so we go back through the Punta Rassa Once past the bridge the estuary opens up and we Bridge and then west past St James City to the Sani- enter the anchorage area. There are quite a number of bel Bayous. Here we anchor. Using the dinghy we try boats at anchor. It is not easy to find a suitable spot. to find a way into the bayou and the park. You do need a fair amount of room away from other But we cannot find a way in as it is all too shallow. boats because this is not like anchorages such as you So we head back to St James City thinking to go to are used to! This is because as the tides turn, so do church in the morning. Again we find us a small cor- you as well as all the other boats. If this is your first ner to anchor and spend the night. But the no-see- time here, you are usually made aware of how to an- ums are very bad here, so we are soon down in the chor by other boaters. What you need to do is: cabin, protected by our screens. You set two anchors off the bow, keeping the rodes not too long but cleated fairly tight. When we get up on Sunday we are stuck because of very heavy rain. So: no church! Later it clears and we First, motor into the current, dropping the first hook. enjoy a good walk. Leaving St James City, we go Then back up to where the second anchor is dropped. back to Fort Meyers Beach but keep on going to Once this hook is down you pull the boat to half way Coon Key near Carlos Pass. All the way along Estero between the two anchors, making sure that both are Isl. you have to stay within the marked channel. We holding well. Now you cleat both rodes at the bow enjoyed fair to good sailing all the way from St fairly tight. You will notice that on many boats the James. anchor lines are twisted together. This is due to the turning which most often is in the one direction. At Coon Key I anchor too close to the shallows. I did This can be a bit frustrating when you want to leave, not consider the extra low tide and in the middle of because you have to untangle this which is not al- the night I have to step overboard and dig out and lift ways easy! my rudder! Not a very pleasant job!

Since our three boats have done this a few times be- Monday morning. We have a bridge to pass through fore, we have become pros at it and before long we and then have a bit of a hard time getting out into can relax. Sia and I decide we need to top up our 16 open water. The buoys are difficult to find but we gallon water-tank. Close by lives a very nice and gen- make it OK. erous gentleman who lets you use his dock and water The wind is very gen- tap. So I make a couple of trips with the dinghy and erous to us and we our tank is topped up. We will need this because over have a fast and pleas- the next number of days there will not be an opportu- ant sail all the way to nity to do so. Gordon Pass: 15 NM. We make good use of the rest of the day. First we About ½ NM into the take a long walk with Pete and Carol, crossing over pass we turn to port, the high bridge and on. There isn’t much to do here, entering the area so we backtrack and walk the pier. It is busy not only where the wealthy with walkers but also with people fishing off the pier. live. Here we find a Sia and I then visit the park at the top of Estero Isl. good anchorage in nine feet of water. We We need to top off our groceries etc. In order to get feel very small among to the grocery store, we take the neat Trolley. These these large mansions. run all the time and can even take you to Bonita But here we can an- Springs. The charge is very low. This is done in order chor for free, while if to decrease the number of cars on this busy road. you go on to Naples The next morning (March 10) Anna B and Incipient proper, you would leave and so Go Gently is on its own. We have an- have a hard time find- other long walk along the beach and the pier. ing a dock or mooring

24 ball. And that costs good money as well as being tered anchorage near this sandy key. always noisy! We do go there by dinghy and walk around a bit. But since we don’t need anything, we It is now Saturday March 18. We plan to make it all are soon “home” again. I find a place to top up our the way to Flamingo before dark. This is about 60 one propane tank. One tank lasts us about two weeks NM!! So we better be on the ball. After a very early for cooking (two burners), but if need be, we carry a breakfast of oatmeal porridge and coffee we are on the way at 6.30 am! The first 20 NM or so we have second tank. again good sailing on a beam reach. But then we get After a good nights sleep we are soon on our way to the wind more and more on the nose, and have to Marco Island by way of the Intracoastal. We plan to motor. However the motor is starting to quit on me a do a total of about 17 NM. At the north end of Hallo- number of times. I change the plugs, but that does not way Island we make a lunch stop and since the outer help. It proves to be water in the gas. After adding beach is only about 100 yards away, we go for a nice some alcohol (which I always carry) we have no walk along the beach where we see quite a large more problems. number of Fighting Conch. And they really do fight: we figure it must be the rut! There are literally hun- When nearing Cape Sable the weather deteriorates to the point that we cannot carry on and decide to dreds of them fighting for a mate! anchor. We are in open water and this is a bad storm, Near Capri Pass we make a sharp turn to port. We are luckily of short duration. But it rains so hard that I now going up the Big Marco River. At this turn you cannot see ahead of us. It only lasts about half an have to be aware that the buoyage changes. Where hour and we are again on our way. we had the greens to port, we now have the reds to Rounding Cape Sable, we only have about ten more port because we go up river from here. miles to go before entering the marina at Flamingo. Right after passing under the highway bridge to This was again 10 NM of good broad reaching. Marco we are in shallow waters and have to be care- Just as we get close to the channel into Flamingo, ful: there are no buoys for the first mile. The next it is getting dark! This scares me a bit because I have highway bridge is about 4 NM further. We are now at never been here and the channel is not wide. It is only Goodland and drop the hook just across from buoy 7. about a mile into the marina from the outer buoy. But We have a lay-day at this good anchorage. We go it gets dark quickly and looking ahead I see nothing! ashore and soon find out that the town of Goodland But I press on, having no alternative and at the last does not have much to offer. But we do buy a very moment I see that the channel makes a turn to star- nice Mackerel which we enjoy for our supper. board. Aha; there is the entrance and although it is very dark in the marina basin, we find our way to an The next morning we are up very early and are on empty finger dock by means of our flashlight. As we our way at 6.30 am. After about two NM along Coon dock, we notice an F-27 Trimaran on the other side Key Pass we are in the open waters of Gullivan Bay. of this dock. Guess what: it happens to be the John- For the next three miles we are in very shallow wa- sons with whom we have sailed in the North Chan- ters and have to keep an eye on the color of the wa- nel! It sure is a small world! We are soon invited ter. This is the best way to see where it is deep aboard for a greeting and a cup of welcome coffee. enough. We are soon sailing at a fair clip along the Ten Thousand Islands. Sia and I have had an eventful and long day and it

does not take us long to get to bed. After thirteen miles of this we round Indian Key and by way of Indian Key Pass we make our way to Ev- On Sunday morning we decide to stay put: we are erglade City. Here we enter the Barron River and still feeling tired and a lay-day is a good idea! after only about one mile we anchor in a quiet corner. The wind direction is perfect and would have taken We did approximately 19 NM. us nicely to Vaca Key and into Marathon. So be it! We spend the day getting acquainted with Flamingo Why this is called a City I will never understand as and the surroundings. We find that a good way to do there isn’t much to it! It is now March 17 and we this is to take a ride with a small tour boat into the spend the day taking it easy. We walk around what back country. We have a good guide who tells much. there is of this City. We do our thing at the Laundro- We get to see some of the wildlife, but I don’t recall mat. And we use this opportunity to call daughter what. When back at the marina we take a walk Linda in West Palm Beach. We then lift our anchor around and at the bottom end of Buttonwood canal and return to Indian Key where we find a good shel-

25 we see some big Crocodiles just loafing in the sun. grows on this key. It is kind of greasy and was used Some canoes come down the canal and go right by to make bearings. There is a trail on the Key but we them. Knowing that crocs can be very aggressive, I decide we have done enough for this day. We enjoy a would not have ventured that close! beautiful evening with a red sunset. Another day dawns and we have 30 NM ahead of us. We find an anchorage NW of the Island. That And guess what: the wind was supposed to be SE at proves to be a bad mistake. We should have anchored 10 MPH. Instead The Wind Imp gives it to us right on the east side, close in to shore. The wind shifts to on the nose! So that means motoring once again! But the NW and increases to + 15 mph. We have a at least the wind is light, so we enjoy this motor trip. bumpy restless night! You can’t win them all! First we have to back track to Cape Sable to Red Light “2”. Here we turn practically south towards the We leave very early the next morning. Here you have Moser Channel, passing under the highway bridge. to dodge many crab traps. That pesky Wind Imp Another three miles and we are at the bridge to Boot really has it in for us; He decides to send the wind Key. We just miss the open time and have to anchor, around to the NE. And so we have it again on the waiting for the next one. When the time comes to lift nose with quite a bit of spray coming over. We de- the anchor, we discover that it is stuck! The only cide to anchor close to Islamorada. We have only thing I can do is: dive to see what gives. With gog- done 6 NM but don’t like this corner. After 1 pm gles and flippers and using the anchor rode for guide, conditions have improved somewhat and we are on I am soon down there. I see the anchor entangled our way once more. with an old rusty crab-trap, buried in the sand! Up for At first the wind is down some. But than that Imp air and down again. After three of these dives I get it spots us and really throws it at us: gusts up to 30! free. Previous to diving I had set my second anchor We make it into Tarpon Basin having done 23 NM. to hold Go Gently from drifting out of my reach once this anchor is free. Believe me; this was not a pleasant ride!

In the meantime we missed the bridge opening and And once in this Basin we experience a fair bit of wind: we end up re-anchoring twice to find a quieter have to wait again for the next one! corner. We anchor in Boot Key Harbor and take a well deserved break. There are many boats anchored and In the morning we move once again and are now also several derelicts half sunk. A bit messy! We close to Quay Dockside Grill. This is a good spot. take a dinghy ride around the harbor and then it is 6 We go on land and do some nosing around. We have coffee and key-lime pie at the Grill and make use of pm; time for supper and early to bed. their pool and shower. The first shower in a long The next day is a lay-day for us. We take the dinghy time! But we bathe regularly using salt water from to where Publix is and do some shopping. overboard. Then wipe yourself good and all’s OK. Next we walk to Banana Resort where the Collins’s All day long it remained too breezy from the NE. have “Why Knot” docked. Too bad; they are not Saturday March 25. Leaving Tarpon Basin by way of home. We leave a note and greeting. Just as we are Dussenbury Creek, our next stop is at Gilbert’s Ma- about to leave, a van drives up with a floral arrange- rina for water and gas. Then through Jewfish Creek ment for Jan’s birthday! I accept this and place it on and the bridge for highway US 1. We pass through the table down below, with our note and congratula- Barnes Sound, anchoring near shore in the NE cor- tions. \ ner. There are six sailboats at anchor here. We have We decide we have earned a nice restaurant meal only done 11 NM but at noon we call it a day: too And we are soon seated in the Stuffed Pig where we much wild wind on the nose again! enjoy a good meal. And that’s it for the day! We enjoy a nice lazy Sunday morning before sailing At 8.30 am we lift the hook and leave Vaca Key by under the high Card Sound Bridge. Card Sound is at way of the Sister Creek. This takes us to the Hawk the bottom end of Biscayne Bay. You have clear sail- Channel south of the keys. After about 20 NM ing all the way to Miami. Providing that the Wind of pleasant slow sailing we reach the Channel Five Imp lets you sail! But since this is Sunday he must bridge just east of Long Key. This bridge has to open be resting. for us and we make our way to Lignumvitae Key. We do get some slow, pleasant sailing at + 4 KN. The name is derived from the special wood that And before long we get company. A fellow in a

26 kayak joins us, paddling next to Go Gently. He keeps very large homes going up. up pretty good. He tells us that he is from Thunder By 12.30 we are on the hook at Lake Boca Raton. Bay, Ontario. Here we have a nice walk along the beach. Wherever We anchor near Sands Key after doing 19 NM. there is the opportunity to walk, we do so. Sia often There are hundreds of motorboats enjoying some rac- gets cabin-fever and this walking is the best remedy. ing. We watch this until they all leave at 3.30 to re- Thursday, March 30. turn to Miami. Then we move to the north corner of This is going to be the last day on the water for us. Sands Key. Here we enjoy a good, quiet night after We only have 14 NM to do before getting to Lantana. all that motorboat noise. This is just south of West Palm Beach. It is also the We are away at just after 7 am. We have a pleasant place where our daughter Linda lives. Only 5 bridges 16 NM sail on the jib all the way to the first bridge at today!! The wind is good for sailing and that is just Miami. This is the Bay Bridge and is the first bridge what we do, broad reaching. of many that has to open for us. After only two miles Just as we anchor at 11.30 the wind increases to the we have three of those to contend with. point were it is whistling through the rigging! We are now in heavy traffic at least for the next few Go Gently is anchored securely and I row our dinghy miles. I guess there is always a lot of business around ashore which is a bit of a job in the following wind. Miami. At a nearby restaurant I use the phone to call Linda. Rowing back to the boat I get soaking wet!! The next bridge is a high one and then we have an- At 3.40 Linda arrives. I row back to shore with Sia. th other Bascule bridge at 79 St. Most of the bridge After hugs and kisses we go home with Linda. tenders are courteous, although they do not wait for a We have a lot to talk about before a good supper. slowpoke. At quite a lot of them we had to call on Sia stays with Linda for the night and I drive my van VHF. Sia gets good at that, much to my relief! and trailer back to where the ramp is. And so we carry on going north. At the Broad Cause- way Bridge we have to contend with the only tender I am back aboard at 8 pm for my last sleep in my who decides to be pesky! We are very close bunk. I do some figuring. We have covered a lot of when he decides to lower the boom on us! I have to water in the month of March: a total of 427 NM. make a sharp about-turn so as not to run into the The next morning it is time to haul Go Gently back bridge! Not only that, but we have a strong wind on the trailer. Luckily the wind of the previous day from the rear because it is funneling in this narrow has died down and soon we are on dry land for de- part of the ICW. We turn circles for the next half rigging. It is only a few miles to Linda’s house and a hour! Bad, bad!! well deserved rest.

We need an anchorage, which is not so easy. But we Looking back on this adventure, Sia and I decide that find a good little corner right near the Bakers Hau- we had a good and interesting trip with some excite- lover Bridge and at 2 pm we are hooked. ment thrown in here and there. Although we had Tuesday March 28. We enjoy a nice lazy morning. quite a bit of fair to good sailing, we had to do quite a First a walk at Gregory ….. University Campus. bit of motoring also! And then we enjoy a stroll in a nice public park. After that we are on our way again, heading for Fort Lauderdale. We carry on until we do the “S Bend” at Fort Lauderdale and just before the next bridge at Los Olas Blvd we are lucky again: here is a nice little corner and much to our surprise there is a free mooring available! We don’t mind this at all! It is 1:30 when we are settled in. Later we walk the waterfront and have one of our very few (but good) restaurant meals.

We leave this good mooring right after 7 am and have our breakfast while on the way. We pass eight bridges in the next few hours. We see many new and

27 the 20+ mph range, the lake all white caps, only 3 boats Inexpensive sail, row, (normally over 20) with reefed sails left the dock to race . I was out bashing around having lots of fun in my Duck. power dinghy for the The 3 boats went thru the start line and retired before the first turning mark due to the wind and waves. When I came in the skippers came over to the dock expecting me home builder to be soaking wet and were really surprised to find me By: Mike Morris, S/V About Time and the boat interior bone dry.Since that event we have 5

more boats complete, with others under construction. Come this time of year I get a tad bored looking out at the snow and start looking for something to do in the My boat hull weighs about 70 lbs. It rides down the road boating area. While About Time, my cruising boat, is in in the back of a small pickup on its side (I have seen as the driveway under tarp, its too cold to do much there. I many as 3 hulls toted this way in a standard pickup box). am a member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club Setting up to go sailing is as simple as sliding the sail (www.fyc.on.ca) here in London, Ontario and like a lot over the mast and dropping the mast in thru the partners. of organizations we are struggling to maintain and grow I have a 2x2 boom as well as the sprit to give the sail our membership. Again, like a lot of groups, it is a real some shape. A simple sheet from a rear traveler to a mid- chore trying to get young folks excited about sailing or boom block is the only line on the boat. My dagger board anything that is not hooked up to electronic gadgets. drops down outside the hull on the starboard side. The rudder is set in the gudgeons and away I go. Total time Enter the Puddle Duck Racer (pdracer.com). This 4x8 taken is maybe 15 minutes. foot boat is about as easy to build as is possible. A finished hull will fit thru a normal doorway. I built mine in If built correctly the boat can sail, be rowed or motored the basement. Costs for the COMPLETED boat (hull, with a small motor. I have test towed mine and find it rig and sail) generally run under $300.00. The boat is tracks well even though the hull bottom is flat. Some rectangular--the hull bottom is a 4x8 sheet of 3/8 ply- builders have installed external ribs on the hull bottom wood --- no pointy end. Tools required are simple hand for protection when beaching which would make the boat tools. Plans are free on the web site. My basic boat is 3 track even better. sheets of plywood, a 2x4 for a mast and a poly tarp for a Building one is a great project for a father or grandfather sail. Lots of PL200 adhesive and a box of drywall and kids or grand kids. The fun of building it then the joy screws hold it all together. The only thing that has to be of sailing it. Take a look and see what you think. consistent for class racing is the shape of the lower 10 inches of the hull . Sail shape, mast position, type of I think the P D Racer might make a great tender behind a centerboard/keel are wide open. I decided I should build larger sailboat as a taxi to get around a mooring basin and one and see if I could generate enough interest to get a provide lots of sailing fun on lay days for young and old fleet going in the club. Five of these silly-but-serious alike. My neighbour built one (never on a sailboat in his sailboats entered and finished the 2009 Texas 200 race life) and put oar locks on it. Being 4 feet wide with a flat down the Texas gulf coast while other factory boats cap- bottom they are extremely stable. I have had 2 other sized and broke down. Some owners are contemplating adults aboard while sailing. Too late for a Christmas pre- sailing the Everglades Challenge 300 mile race from St. sent, but lots of time to complete before sailing season Petersburg Florida to Key Largo come next March. begins. Lets get the kids involved. These are real boats make no mistake. On completion I took the boat over to the club for a test sail. Upon seeing the funny looking boat I took a lot of ribbing, finger pointing and laughing from club members. However, once out on the water everyone including me was surprised at how well it sailed. I chose to make a sprit sail of about 70 sq feet (there is no limit to sail size) and raised it on a 10 foot mast. I tried an old Sea Snark Lateen sail but went back to my home made Sprit sail. In high winds and choppy water everyone was really surprised at how dry this floating shoe box was. One Wednesday night at the fun races the wind was in

28 1992 Classic Yacht 26 For Sale Features By far the roomiest 26’ sailboat around. Full standing headroom throughout. Overall condition of boat and gear is excellent. Great boat for North Channel cruising. King size bed in stern area. Excellent Storage under and behind all seats, below V berth and in toilet area. Great ventilation thru 8 side ports with screens and forward hatch. Side ports have Beckson awnings to allow opening ports during rain. Hull below water line painted with Micron CSC. Sails are in very good condition. Main sail maintained by Sail Care every other year. Genoa is 5 years old and has UV cover on CDI Flexible Furler. Extra older main and genoa. Specifications L.O.A. 25’9” Beam 8’4” Draft 3’1” Displacement 3,900 lbs Main Sail 131.2 sq.ft. Genoa 145 sq.ft Berths 6 Cabin head-room 6’2” Mast length 28’ Mast height above water 34’

Included Equipment 2000 8’ West Marine Zodiac Inflatable Dinghy, with Dingy Mate Gas Tank, Oars 1993 Rollco Dual Axle Trailer Rebuilt in 2004 - Disc Brakes, Tongue Extender, LED lights, Spare 2004 Nissan 4-Cycle Long Shaft, 9.8 HP, Electric Start, Outboard Motor 2009 Dometic Portable Toilet with Deck Pumpout Electronics: Navico TP100 Tiller Pilot; Uniden DT206 Depth Gauge, thru-hull Transducer; Apelco/Raytheon VHF Radio; Jensen AM/FM Cassette Radio 50’, 30 Amp Power Cord S/S Swim Ladder Sogeman Hatch Screens for Forward Hatch and Companionway Hatch Large, 5 Day Ice Box Bulwaga 17 lb anchor, w Heavy Duty S/S Anchor Roller, 20’ Chain, 80’ Rode Extra Fortress Anchor S/S Lifting Davit Mast Up Mast Raising System Electric Water System to Galley, 5 Gal. Nauta 14.5 Gal. Water Bladder, 2009 Bimini Top on Cockpit – Burgundy, w attachable Rain Shield Main Sail Cover – Burgundy Origo Two-Burner Alcohol Stove Drop down dining table for four in main cabin Four Life Jackets & Storage Bag New Bomar hatch on bow Many spare parts Asking price: $15,900 Location: Lafayette Sailing Club, Monticello, IN Contact Owner at: 574 965-4359 (H), 765 412-2984(C), [email protected]

29 From David Craigie, Hat and Flag Chandler for T/SA

There is a rumor that one member that I sent a flag to had a complaint. It is said that this member, who shall remain anonymous, when seeing his flag fly for the first time, bowed so deeply he dislocated his sacroiliac. This has been blown out of proportion. Actually, it was just a small rupture easily rectified by surgery.

Surely it will be appreciated that there is no cov- ert attempt to gloss over the risks of flag- ownership. If you are ready to face these risks and have familiarized yourself with the dis- claimer on the opening page of Clipper Snips, you too can experience this supreme indulgence by sending me$16.50 USD; shipping & handling are included for both US and Canada. (BH)

BTW, hats are the same deal. No tee shirts available at this time.

Payment and contact information can be found on the T/SA web site WWW.TrailerSailors.org

Our Flag Flies on Lake Havasu

T/SA members Dave & Gwen Dabney from Northwestern Ontario near Dry- den are spending some time at Lake Ha- vasu this winter. Towing their CS 22, Top Secret, they made a stop in Okla- homa for a few days to visit us. While in Havasu they are proudly flying their colors and to the best of my knowledge have had wonderful time and are having no problems while flying their flag. Hope to see them in the North Channel when it warms up .

30 H E A R Y E, H E A R Y E “GO GENTLY” is looking for a new home Fast, reliable, better than new, well-proven Precision 23 She has been my trusted companion for 24 years and I am sad to part with her. She is still eager and healthy, but my own health no longer matches my eagerness. She would really like to remain a member of T/S A; so how about it?

“GO GENTLY” is a PRECISION 23, built in 1986, sail-number 84. The following is detail information and specifications about the PRECISION 23: The design is by Jim Taylor, well known as a top Designer and Naval Architect. Length 23’5”, waterline length 20’0”, beam 8’6”, draft 1’11”, displacement 2,450 lbs. Shoal keel/centerboard design. Lead ballasted keel (850 lbs). The centerboard is fiberglass (draft w. board down: 5’4”). Lead ballast is by far the most efficient as can be seen in the following comparison: weights per cub ft: [Lead – 708 lbs] [ iron – 450 lbs] [ water – 63 lbs]. This means far less wetted surface with lead, allowing for better speed through the water. Lead ballast can be kept at the lowest point of the boat, giving the best stability. The keel/centerboard design means no obstruction at the cabin-sole. The beam of 8’6” gives excellent stability as well as a roomy cabin. The large sliding hatch allows for all the headroom needed.

“GO GENTLY” has been well and lovingly maintained. Over the years I have added desired equipment and made many modifications, increasing performance, safety and livability. I have enjoyed doing this as well as making my boat more efficient for single-handing. The list of added equipment and modifications is over the hundred. A more or less complete list was published in the Clipper Snips of Winter 2006. The following are the more important ones: Sailing and rigging items: Other add-ons etc: Changed from fractional to masthead rig Bow-roller with 16 lb. Bruce anchor Jib furling (solid) 16 lb. Delta anchor in ABS pipe at stern Lazy-jacks Rodes and chain for both anchors DRS (ballooner) with snuffer 1990 9.9hp Yamaha (electric start) Boomvang 12 amp alternator Second set genoa tracks and winches Bracket on transom for dinghy motor New deep-cycle battery Cabin: Full-batten main sail (1993) 16 gallon water-tank; deck-fill 160 furling jib with padding (1993) Marine toilet with 16 gallon holding tank Rapid reefing (own design) Improved v-berth comfort with headboard All lines to cockpit Propane stove (2 burner). 5 lbs tank + spare Whisker-pole. Stores on mast Diverse cabinet work etc 2-part Bimini. Zip-on Dodger Improved foam in seats and v-birth One-man mast raising system VHF radio (Horizon). New coax cable Navico Tillerpilot + Tiller-tamer Radio with CD player

Complete list on request I have more stuff hiding in my basement that I will be adding such as a Danforth anchor, mooring lines, live-jackets and more.

Trailer: double axle / spare wheel / trailer-tires / brakes / galvanized / well maintained.

PRICE: $ 14,500 or best offer. (Consider all the extras etc) Henk Vanderhulst, 519-542-7531, [email protected]

31 Trailer/Sailors Association The Trailer/Sailors Association is a non-profit organization formed more than 20 years ago. Its members provide a exchange of ideas and information about all aspects of sailing trailerable sailboats. Our more than 300 members are scattered across the USA and Canada, and the diversity of their experiences enrich the association and heightens our collective interest in small sailboat cruising. Clipper Snips, published the Winter, Spring, and Fall, is the official publication of the organization, providing cruising articles, association announcements, how-to articles, and free classified ads.

Association Officers:

President: Mike Nelson, (937)-767-9487 [email protected] Webmaster: Contact him about T/SA official business. Chris Holderness, (519)-741-0199, Launch Ramp Advisor: [email protected] John Ulmer, (330)-854-3796, [email protected] Contact him about web site issues. Contact him for ramp info. Membership Secretary : Clipper Snips Editor: Rick Haynie, (260-447-2323) [email protected] Kathy Blackwood, (705)-748-0359, [email protected] Contact him about your personal directory information. Contact her about article submissions. Assistant Membership Secretaries: Clipper Snips Publisher: Carolyn and Mike Richards, (810) 227-8336 Gregg MacMillan, (800)-771-3171, [email protected] [email protected] TrailSail List Manager: New Member Secretary: Mike Nelson , moderator, (937)-767-9487, Mike Forbes, (317)-872-0232 [email protected] [email protected] Contact him about new memberships. Contact him to join the list. Treasurer : Public Relations: Howard Staley, (513)-933-8114, [email protected] Gary Schafer, (248)-649-4911, [email protected] Contact him about your dues. Contact him for PR.

Trailer/Sailors Association Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly PRSRT STD Clipper Snips Publisher U.S. Postage 2002 Ford Circle PAID Milford, OH 45150 Milford, OH Permit #271

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