Trailer/Sailors Association The magazine of the Winter 2003 Trailer/Sailors Association

Features/anouncements Front Cover Welcome Aboard CS Editorial Staff 1 We-Do-It David Craigie 9 Treasurer/Membership Report David Craigie 20 What s in your boat name? David Craigie 21 Update on the Trailer/Sailors Web Site Mike Nelson 25 From the T/SA Web Discussion List Ed. John Coppedge 27 2002 Annual Trailer/Sailor Meeting Jack Beggs Back Cover Classified Ads

Cruising Articles 2 Super Superior - Part 2 Henk Venderhulst 12 From City Island (NY) to Rhode Island Guy Hubbard 16 Our First Cruise in the North Channel Dallas & Jan Thomas 17 Ramp Report - Allen Harbor on Narragansett, RI John Ulmer 22 Upper Huron Cruises Rebecca & Bob Bringle 28 It was a dark and stormy night... Joe Orinko

How-To 10 Building a Trailer Sailboat: About Time Michael Morris 26 Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley... Ed. Debbie Bell

Planned Cruises 20 Planned Cruise: North Channel via Trent-Severn Waterway David Craigie Back Cover Planned Cruise: Sioux Narrows to Kenora ON Chuck Johnson

The authors of the newsletter disclaim any and all responsibility for any kind of injury or damages sustained which may result from the application of any or all ideas or suggestions appearing in any articles of Clipper Snips. The authors of the newsletter furthermore give no warranty, express or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness for purpose, advertised quality, or any other matter of any products advertised in Clipper Snips or appearing in any articles of said newsletter.

Clipper Snips Page 1 Winter 2003

Welcome Aboard...

A special welcome to new mem- The Treasurer/Membership North Channel. bers, both brand new, and those Report by Dave Craigie in- Update on the Trailer/Sailors whose data was screwed up in the cludes comments by another Web Site by Mike Nelson in- last issue. A member of the edito- newsletter editor about lack of cludes a photo of the web site. rial staff messed up the sort & se- articles in his newsletter. I can If you haven't tried this site, lect from the database, and the page only add: I know the words and have a friend or librarian show was pretty worthless (except for my melody to that tune. you this site. It's a colorful ren- comment about reaching out to dition of our common interests. members). All the correct data is in Frequent Snips submitter, Guy Hubbard, describes a long one- the 2003 T/SA Directory piggy- Regular features From the T/ way cruise in Long Island backed with this issue. If you get SA Web Discussion List and sound in From City Island the issue without the directory, Gizmos, Gadgets, and Gal- (NY) to Rhode Island in his please contact me. ley...contain many interesting Seaward 25. It s not Déjà Vu we re re-running snips. John Ulmer complements Mike Morris article on building Rebecca and Bob Cringle in Guy s cruising article with the boat. We created all of Clipper Upper Lake Huron Cruises Ramp Report - Allen Harbor Snips in one Microsoft Publisher relate cruising Georgian Bay on Narragansett Bay, RI de- file. The outside pages are printed and the North Channel, from scribing cruising in the waters on heavier paper, so the printer has the non-group sail perspective. to massage the file to make it hap- around Newport, RI. pen. I didn t notice it on the proof., Finally, your editor includes a per- The owner of the shabbiest sonal account of historical humor in but the article text restarted on the hulk will brighten up upon second page (pg 31). With this is- It was a dark and stormy hearing "Nice boat - nice night...Truth is funnier than fiction. sue, Snips is done in 2 files, the lines". We all love our boats, cover and the pages. and Dave Craigie consolidated Enjoy our magazine. Here s what s special about this some positive comments into Joe Orinko issue of Clipper Snips: an article What s in your boat name? New this issue is a feature arti- On the Clipper Snips Horizon: cle "We-do-it". It's subtitle "A We have 2 notices of cruises - collection of notes from T/SA Chuck Johnson posted Planned Can being a Trailer/Sailor members about their 'trailer/ Cruise: Sioux Narrows to save your marriage?... docu- sailing' experiences" might be Kenora ON and Dave & Joyce ments marital advantages of better stated "We (all can) do Craigie posted Planned trailer sailing over big boat Cruise: North Channel via it". And I particularly like the cruising, courtesy of David & Trent-Severn Waterway. If comment by Gary & Karen Joyce Craigie. Breault which I placed in a either of these sound interest- highlighted text box on page 1. ing, get in touch with them. Mike & Jan Collins list sev- eral entries on everyone's 'to- Henk Vanderhulst corrected me I have a short article by new do' list in Boat Maintenance that his age is only 77, so he's members Dallas & Jan Thomas Suggestions. "My favorite nearly octogenar- about Our First Cruise in the ian trailer-sailor. Super Supe- The Clipper Snips Spring 2003 issue: I m still looking for short We rior - Part 2 describes his sin- did it snips. The basic outline gle-handing for 2 weeks and Deadline: March 15, 2003 is: 1. We read a Snips article, meeting famous authors Focus: 2. We got info from John (always great reading). We DID it & We DO it articles Ulmer (the ramp guy), 3. We trailered from here to there, 4. Jack Beggs provides a report of Spring Fix-up/Improvement Projects We had an adventure and we 2002 Annual Trailer/Sailor Cruise Reports: All Venues had fun. Association Meeting complete Summer Cruise suggestions with pictures.

Clipper Snips Page 2 Winter 2003

"We do it" A collection of notes from T/SA members about their 'trailer/sailing' experiences

Paul & Susan Roberts spend time in Port Credit, ON. Members since 2001 Gary and the Key Largo in the winter, around Karen Breault sail their Seaward 25 They would like to see a compari- the Snake Creek Bridge area. He is Xanadu, out of Luck WI. They son of the 3 evolutions of the Mac located on the bayside in a project have an extensive sailing resume 26X that frequently has transient slips. and an interesting philosophy con- [email protected] is his email ad- Old venture ( swing Keel) cerning trailer sailing: dress. Water Ballast 26 Newest and current design 26X Don t talk about a trip, Members Al and Alice Kooyers (Ed. I thought there was a dagger- take it. The size of the sail their Precision 23 Danke out of board version somewhere. Anyone boat isn t important. Holland MI. Al related an interest- care to do some research and write ing story about their evolution to a short article?) Trailer that boat and trailer sailing. have fun. We have had My wife and I, at 65, are continu- Joy Tarrant who sails with her affa- years of fun sailing. ing in a hobby, started when our ble husband, Dave aboard their son was in the 8th grade, building MacGregor 26 - Mucky Duck out Gary and Karen Breault a 13 foot sail boat from a picket of Rockford Illinois says that she fence, aluminum clothesline, 4 would really enjoy some 1st mate They have been to the Bahamas sheets of plywood, polyester/ help with recipes that work. They twice on Xanadu and plan a return cotton bed sheets, plans from the enjoyed some terrific food while in trip in 04. When asked if they local library, and brass screws. the North Channel last summer, would like company on their next The pine pickets became the ribs, including fresh hot rolls, wonderful trip, their answer was that they al- the horizontal spruce became the chicken salads and, ah yes, a great ways welcome company. It is never mast, the clothes line turned into curry. Anyone care to share a few too early to start planning that next rigging, the bed sheets became the mealtime secrets? Also, have you big trip. [email protected] is sails. PUFF taught us to sail, and got a favorite canned or dried food their email address. to enjoy a new family interest, as that you carry aboard? well as giving him a fun sport with his friends. Members Bob and Barbara Camp- bell sail L'Attitude their MacGre- Later we obtained a Clipper 21, Having trouble backing the trailer? gor 26X out of Tempe AZ. They sold it for more than we paid for it This little message comes from also have a 1998 Hunter 410 in a 10 years later; moved up to a member James Davis from Remsen Sunsail charter program in Tortola, Spindrift 21, sold it after 10 years, NY. He and wife Bronwyn sail a British Virgin Islands. If a charter and now have a Precision 23. I Starwind 19, Twilight Time. James is somewhere in your future plans have sailed an O Day 25 with a says about backing up a trailer: or if you have questions concerning friend who is (now) spoiling me This comes to some by instinct. chartering they would be glad to with hot and cold running water To others it comes by trial and offer what expertise that that they aboard a Beneteau 32. It has been error. Some forget everything have at [email protected] or 480 interesting to start with tent camp- when there are distractions. Here 831 8653 ing, go to fold out trailer camping is one method I ve used. Turn the (with a boat on top), then a trailer- bottom of the steering wheel in able boat with a tent, and pres- the direction you want the back of Everyone seems to chat with Dave ently to a full size van with a boat the trailer to go. I know the ex- Craigie he collected these snips. in tow. perts will scoff, but I also know Please send your We-Do-It snips to you ll secretly use this tip the next [email protected] time things get tense. Don Walker and Valerie Allen sail their MacGregor 25, Valdon out of

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Super Superior Part 2 ... Henk Venderhulst

It is still early in the morning of chop on the nose, forcing me to mo- beam and broad reaching. Both Aug. 2, 2002. I have just walked tor; not very pleasant. At about 2 boats head for Moss Island; Go back to my boat, Go Gently, docked PM I am near Red Rock and then Gently anchors in the north end in Rossport after saying my good- decide to go up river to Nipigon while Lil Mischief pulls in on a byes to my wife Sia and friends, instead since my camera is acting small sandy beach in the south. I Carolyn and Mike Richards. The up and I may get batteries there. drop the hook after 9 PM having four of us have spent eleven very done 57 NM. A good day with The river-current is quite strong and enjoyable days sailing with our two pleasant weather and a good night these 5 NM take better than an 23 ft Precisions, Go Gently and for sleeping. hour, obeying the buoys because of Loon a Sea up near the north shore the extensive shoaling in the river. Next morning I m up before seven. of Lake Superior in the area west of I m impressed by the sheer rock- It is a beautiful morning with the Rossport. They are on their way cliffs that rise up to 300 ft high east promise of a wonderful day. After back home while I plan to single- of the river. At the marina ramp I breakfast I collapse and stow my hand up here for a couple more notice two fellows getting a 17 ft dinghy and bring my blue 9.5-ft weeks. Sandpiper trusty kayak up from the cabin. (called Lil This will be my dinghy from now Mischief) on. Paddling over to the Sandpiper ready to we say our farewells since they are launch. heading east and I am going west. Thinking to The sky is clouding over and I no- talk a couple tice fogbanks to the east but none of trailer sail- where I m going. I make Loon ors into join- Harbor mostly motor sailing these ing T/SA, I 13 NM. When heading for my an- approach chorage, I m entertained by a group them, only to of about eight Loons. They are find that they chasing one another back and forth already know while laughing and obviously it is about my boat all in fun. They are wonderful birds and me from and my most favorite northern bird, my articles in while the brown pelican is my fa- Clipper Snips. vorite in Florida. By the way, I saw One of them one lone white pelican while com- is a member ing down the Nipigon River. After already. Not settling in I kayak around and go to Henk & Sia Vanderhulst only that, but say ahoy to the couple aboard the to my great only other sailboat, a 30-footer Before leaving the dock I check out surprise I learn that they both live from Sault St Mary, USA. The my supplies of gasoline, water and less than 5 miles from my house in loons are still at it, running on the propane (we cook on propane stove Sarnia! They are Dwayne O Neill water after one another and I sit in aboard Go Gently). I head out from (the T/SA-er) and his friend my kayak fairly close by enjoying Rossport at 7.30 am. As far as food Stephen. They have been up here the show. is concerned, Sia has put aboard before. After I do my shopping and enough to last me till Christmas! get back to my boat, I see them sail- After my supper I visit with I m heading west on Nipigon Bay ing way down on the bay. I get go- newly met friends Phil and Boni planning to stop in at Red Rock, ing and it takes me about 10NM aboard their 30 foot sloop which is about 30 NM. It is again before catching up with them. We Ojibway Princess. They show me as it was two weeks ago: wind and have very good sailing, mostly (Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4) other sailboat, the Allegro. Before ride at over 6 knots with a max of around their beautiful boat and I bedding down for the night I pre- 7.8 thrown in for good measure! learn that it was built in my mother pare for my crossing over to Isle During this passage I have a clear country Holland. They have me Royale tomorrow, doing chart work view of Nana b oozoo, who has read aloud the tags alongside the and waypoints. The forecast been sleeping on his back for fuse-switches etc. sounds good. The night turns cold longer than 900 years. He is the and I have reason to regret not hav- After a rather dark and rainy day, spirit-god of the Ojibwa, who led ing brought bed-socks! But the Sunday Aug 4 is again perfect, and these people since the beginning of morning dawns beautiful with cool I start the day with some kayaking. time. But in the end he flew across sunny weather. Since a favorable And since I will soon be crossing Kitchi-Gummeeng, the great lake north wind is promised for later, I the shipping lanes to Thunder Bay, of the Ojibwa and being tired from spend the morning enjoying some I ready and hoist my radar reflector. all this caring for his people, he lay kayaking around the bottom end of The hook comes up before noon. It down to have a long rest. And that

Rossport to Marathon Single Handed Edward Island. There I happen to promised to be good sailing to Ed- is where we see him yet. We know meet one of the very few cottagers ward Island with NW winds at 15 him as The Sleeping Giant. All this along this coast; Bud from Thunder mph. However that does not mate- way GG is the lone boat, there isn t Bay. rialize and for some time it is like a another boat to be seen, not even a glassy sea. There isn t another boat Just before noon it s anchors freighter. I m surprised to find that anywhere around! After 18 NM I away for Isle Royale. Sailing the the north end of Isle Royale is so find a good corner to drop my hook 12.5 NM to the north tip of The near. Going around into Tobin in Walker Channel shortly after 3 Rock at Blake Point I have fairly Harbor I find a nice secluded an- PM, sharing this gunkhole with one rough seas. The last half is a wild (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 5) Rock Harbor where I have to go shoal draft you can only anchor in chorage after having done 18 NM through customs plus pay my $12 the East End near a nice dock. in less than three hours. The wind for a three-daypass. The whole of Here I meet up with three ardent calls for a Bahamian Moor (two Isle Royale is a national park fishermen. They have done well: anchors). Later it becomes a peace- within the bounds of Michigan. six of the fish they caught added up ful lovely evening, which suits me Lately it is often called Isle Rules to 100 pounds! They only keep the just fine, because I m rather tired because of the many rules and mid-size ones. I take my kayak after that roly-poly ride across. regulations. However I agree with around Hay Bay and all the way up most of these. The trails are well Hay creek hoping to see a moose or The next morning is again superb. maintained, as are the several two. But I m out of luck. This is I kayak down to Hidden Lake docks. supposed to be about the best (which you can t enter) and from moose-watching place in Isle there, we hike up to Lookout A tour-boat, the Voyageur takes Royale so I m quite disappointed. Louise, which is quite a climb up to hikers to the different scenic spots. But the trip up the creek is again 400 ft, but the trail is well main- A larger boat, the Ranger III plies very pleasant and serene. tained. Along the way there are between Rock Harbor and the quite a number of delicious mainland. Early the next morning while I am thimbleberries of which I eat my making my breakfast that consists After a short stop at the Caribou fill. I discover that if you try to of oatmeal porridge and coffee, I Islands and passing through Mid pick them, they will squash, so I look out and see a large Bull Moose Island Passage, I thread my way suck them right off the bush. coming out of the bush. He walks into lovely Chippewa Harbor. right by the dock where the three When at the top I enjoy the wide Later that evening while kayaking fishermen are standing, then into view from this high elevation in up a pleasant creek, I enjoy the per- the water and with regal steps he the backbone of this large is- fect reflections of trees etc in the makes his way into deeper water land.. Alas, my camera has given placid water. At the end of the where he dips his head under and up the ghost! On the way down I creek I surprise four beavers. Slap starts to have his breakfast. He is meet a group of hikers accompa- and they are gone! This creek is not all that far from Go Gently and nied by a ranger. Hiking and back- so nice that I make a repeat visit the so I m having breakfast with a packing is the big thing on The next morning. While leaving this moose! He has a beautiful large Rock ; in the next three days I see harbor, two loons give a perform- rack, which disappears all the way several dozen hikers along the trails ance with much laughter. Doing under water every time he goes and wonder about the many that I the 11 NM to Malone Island I enjoy down for another mouthful. Then cannot see from the water. good sailing. A nice hiking trail only a little of his rump is showing. leads me to Siskiwit Lake that is a My next stop is the visitor center at Sorry Mr. Moose, but I have a nice good size lake in the hills. A long way to go, so I ll leave you to short river with your morning meal . rapids and a nice little While I get under way shortly after swimming-hole 8 am, the moose is still browsing leads back to and another one enters the water. Malone Bay. Shortly after, I spot a bald eagle flying across the bay. His graceful I motor the 8.5 flight ends at the top of a tree close NM to Hay by, where he joins his mate sitting Bay, mostly on on a large nest. auto-pilot, while making The trip back to the Ontario shore my supper. is a mix of motoring and excellent Hay Bay is sailing, broad reaching at around 6 very shallow Mirror view from the Blue kayak and even with (Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) years. Bonnie is the author of the near a nice little sandy beach. knots. All in all it is 50 NM to much-used guidebook The Supe- However it could get uncomfort- Loon Harbor where I have my an- rior Way . able under certain wind-directions. chor down at eight in the Directly to the east of this evening. This was a good small beach around a day with warm sunny rocky outcrop is a second weather. Once again GG stony beach. All the way was the lone boat out at the east end of this I there. From Blake Point at find the beginnings of a the northern tip of Isle well marked trail which Royale to Loon Harbor is leads up to a very nice 20.5 NM. On Friday Aug lookout about 300 ft up. 9 I sail off the hook before At times it is a very steep nine in the morning and at climb but the view is 4.30 I m back in the pleas- worth it. You can see all ant small harbor of Battle along the coast as well as Island, after doing 38 NM. the Slate Islands. Here I This trip started off gently, disturb a partridge that then picked up and up un- Bonnie and Ron Dahl flies out of a pine tree til it became a fast run on making its whirring wing After having a nice breakfast of double reefed main and 50% jibs. I noise. A Partridge In A Pine bacon and eggs at Rosie s, I have feel like a tossed salad and the quiet Tree . I also get to eat my fill of the pleasure of meeting the Dahls water of this harbor is a welcome juicy blueberries. After getting on the dock. It is my chance to relief! I even enjoy a swim al- down I get on my way to the Slates. thank Bonnie for her guiding light though the water is quite cold. I The weather has become nice and by way of her book. We are well had planned to stop over at C.P.R. sunny but the wind and waves are aware that without this we would Slip but found it to rough to negoti- both up. I beam-reach these 12 miss a lot of the better sights. She ate the mine-field with its many NM on double reefed main and half proves to be a very pleasant person. hidden reefs. Only one other boat a jib averaging 6.1 on the knot- The two of us sit at a picnic- table showed under sail. Later I walk up meter in spite of the 6-foot waves! for some time while she points out to the lighthouse being welcomed Can my boat do that well under several locations along the East by Smoky and Bert, who has a nice these conditions? I m wondering if Coast of Superior that I should be cold beer for me. We sit on his my knot-meter is out. So I do a sure not to miss. And she kindly porch swapping some stories. This check using my GPS for Distance autographs my book. I think of her is very pleasant, with Smoky s (trip) and Time. Then: Speed = as Lady Superior . They have head resting on my feet. This nice Distance divided by Time tells me been up and down the lake for dog leads me back to my kayak that GG is indeed averaging 6.2 for many years and have not lost their where I have to disappoint him. the last 8 NM. I think, it s a good love and enthusiasm for it. Later I No Smoky, you can t come into my thing my wife is not aboard! But leave the dock and anchor again in kayak. Sorry . He is quite down- my boat handles it well and before the corner near the railroad tracks hearted. long I enter the water between the for the night. two islands that make up the Slates. On Saturday morning it does not The next morning I leave Rossport I quote The Superior Way: take me long to sail the 5 miles to behind, sailing to Les Petite Entering the Slates is dramatic, Rossport where I find room for Go Ecrits . The name means the since the steep, high- rising bluffs Gently at the government dock, small writings in English, possibly plunge abruptly into winding fjord- right across from Dahlfin II. This referring to Indian writings on the like channels." How true! I choose is the well-known boat belonging to rocks, but none have ever been Pike Bay at the bottom of Bonnie and Ron Dahl who have found. It is a group of small islands McGreevy Harbor for my anchor- sailed Lake Superior for many near the coast with a fair anchorage (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7) was at one time used to transport put together and plan to subscribe age. Bonnie Dahl s directions lumber from these islands to the to it. They make their home in guide me in through the narrow mainland. No longer, since this is Minnesota. Karen makes excellent entrance. The water is very clear now a Provincial Park. I also walk bread in her oven and later she pre- so you can easily see the rocks on a short trail and come upon a fairly sents me with a loaf. She also either side. Once in, this water old cabin. Entering it, I find it makes yogurt and grows bean opens up into a nice secluded bay. stocked with dishes, pots and pans sprouts in mason jars. She gives One other sailboat is at anchor, the and even some food such as cereals me a jar and a portion of beans + Mystic from Minneapolis MN. and spaghetti. There is an old The night is quiet and good for woodstove and sleeping. When I get up in the some bedding. morning I find much to my dismay Later I find out that my anchor-rode is badly that you can settle snagged. This happened because in for free if it is due to the lack of a breeze during not already occu- the night, GG has been wandering pied. This can be around in her anchor-patch . The handy for kayak- rode found itself a nice place to ers. The name of roost. It s what I call a Devil s this place is claw, a small tree stuck in the mud Devil s Roost , upside down with the roots forming but his nibs is ab- the claw. The rode first went twice sent since he is around the wrist, then around every obviously at the bottom of my bad instructions. They are delicious one of the six fingers! The thing is anchorage in Pike Bay, as I dis- and nutritious. about six feet down. I try all sorts cover when I get back to my boat! of ways to get it untangled. I also And now I need to relate a coinci- My anchor-rode was not only try to pull the thing up out of the dence. While in Rossport I met snagged on that one claw, now free bottom by way of a halyard and from it, but also a dozen feet away up with a couple of sailors who winch, but have no luck at all. The it had found another such snag! told me about a fellow by the only thing to do is to dive for it. Luckily this time it is not as bad: I name of Dennis who lives in Brrr, this is quite cold! It takes me inflate my dinghy and using my Grand Marais; built his own boat, a several dives to free this tangle. boathook, I get free. Now I imme- Dovekey, and they describe his Now is a good time not only for a diately raise my anchor and move boat to me. Next day I m dinghy- bath but my small load of laundry to a corner of the bay that I have ing in the upper reaches of the as well. Next I get a visit from the checked out with my kayak and Slates. I cannot believe my eyes; nice folks from Mystic who come have found to be free of snags. here is the boat they described. by in their kayak. I receive an invi- Wow, this has been quite an un- They don t know that he happens to tation from them for supper aboard pleasant experience and took me a be here, he could be anywhere on their boat in exchange for a prom- lot of time and effort. In the eve- Lake Superior, or not! I go up to ise that they will do me the honor ning I join Karen Larson and Jerry him and when I say Hey Dennis ; of joining me for supper the next Powlas on their Mystic for a very he is surprised that I know his evening. They are on their kayak- nice supper and a chat. They give name. More so, when I say he lives ing way to try and photograph me a magazine called Good Old in Grand Marais and built his own some of the caribou that live on Boat (www.goodoldboat.com), boat. Then I tell him where I got these islands. I take my kayak which was launched by them some that information. While dinghying around McGreevy Harbor hoping time back and is mainly to satisfy a alongside his boat, he tells me that to see one of these caribou. No need among owners of older boats. he had seen me come into the luck, but what I do find is the old They call it: The sailing magazine Slates and that he had met a couple wreck of a large lumber-barge that for the rest of us. I find it very well (Continued on page 9)

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(Continued from page 8) ters pop up and last of all is on a boat like mine in Tween his mamma merganser. All Waters, Florida. He does not is well. remember their names but My last day in the Slates is mentions that she painted with Aug. 14 and this is a wonder- watercolors. So I say: they ful day with much kayaking were Pete and Carol Bow- and meeting nice folks, etc. man (our esteemed T/SA- This is when I meet up with ers). This was a double sur- Dennis, Paul and Wess, as prise! I tell him of the many mentioned above, at the happy times we shared with cabin Rest A While . Den- Pete and Carol in Florida. nis rows his dinghy, a Later I kayak around to the Santa s reindeer - vacationing with Henk Nymph alongside my kayak bay where Dennis has his boat and comes aboard Go Gently on a dock. Here is a fairly large Without hurrying he walks on, for a visit. Next I go aboard Iron cabin, in good condition and again steps around a beaver-lodge and Lady for a delicious super supper. with all the rustic comforts such as disappears into the bush. I manage Again we see several caribou walk- I found in Devil s Roost , but in to get some pictures with my wife s ing by. better shape. Two brothers, Paul camera. Too bad that mine with and Wess, have taken up temporary the zoom lens is out of action. I The next morning I leave the Slates residence. They are traveling in a feel as if this was my personal cari- after three pleasant days except for 20-ft freight canoe made the old bou! They are of the woodland the episode with the devil s claws. way in Peterborough, Ontario. It is variety and here in the Slate Islands I promise myself to be back here. cedar strip, canvas covered with an is to be found the largest number in The sky is dark and rather threaten- old 25-horse outboard. I have a the Superior Basin. Later I see sev- ing. With my dinghy and kayak very pleasant visit with them and eral more walking along the shore, both stowed below, I thread my along come two kayakers to join us also in Pike s Bay where they pass way out the east exit passing Eight- on this nice outpost. These are the by quite close to where I m an- Foot Rock, then below the Lead- folks from Iron Lady, Keith and chored. They are a beautiful ani- man Islands into open water. The Elizabeth. He is the doctor in Ter- mal, especially the males with their waves are over six-feet, and the race Bay, Ont. I had met them pre- regal antlers and patches of white- wind is more than I need. With a viously when in Loon Harbor, and gray. They are strictly protected double-reefed main and half a jib am to meet them again later in and I learn that a veterinarian and I m having a fast ride, broad reach- Rossport, where they keep their helpers check their blood for para- ing. This is definitely not for the beautiful roomy trawler. They each sites and such by tranquilizing fainthearted! But I don t feel have a kayak; one is bright red and some on a regular schedule. threatened and Go Gently is behav- the other yellow. They are also at ing herself well. The sky is becom- Meanwhile the weather has deterio- anchor in Pike s Bay. After this ing very dark to the south of me. rated and Mystic takes off in the visit I dinghy again to the old The 18 NM passage to Allouez Is- evening around nine. They are barge, walking up the open area land is again a fast and exhilarating planning an overnight cruise head- which is a browsing field for the ride, averaging 6.2 knots. The dark ing for the Apostle Islands. I wish caribou. I discover and eat some sky has been getting closer and I them a good journey. The couple wild gooseberries. Disappointed at am happy to enter this small harbor, from Iron Lady and I make our not seeing a caribou, I head back to which I reach at noon. Bonnie way once again to the meadow my boat. But what do I spot in the Dahl tells me that this is one of the where we see a couple of caribou corner of my eye? It s a big bull best all-weather harbors, a natural browsing. After I m back aboard, I caribou walking along the shore lagoon between two half-moon is- see one tiny little duck close by. I close by. What a magnificent beast lands, one of the most beautiful wonder if he is lost. But no, one with those high antlers! I go closer anchorages on the lake. When I after another his brothers and sis- and it is obvious that he is not shy. (Continued on page 10)

Clipper Snips Page 9 Winter 2003

Super Superior Part 2 ...

(Continued from page 9) cover there is no such thing as a floating dock is excellent. Of the first enter and drop my two hooks marina. While listening to the ramp I m not so sure. A fellow in a Bahamian moor, I tend to agree weather forecast, I hear that gale- sailor by the name of Chet happens with her; the harbor is very small, force winds are on the way! I de- to be at the ramp. He lives in very secluded and pretty with the cide to forego a trip to the White Marathon and works at the mines. bluffs of the two small islands go- River further down the East Coast. He proves to be exceptionally nice ing up to 80 and 120 feet. And not Bonnie Dahl had persuaded me to and helpful: he drives me around to a ripple on the water while outside go there as it is so beautiful. But I Rossport so I can pick up my rig, a the waves are still topping over six- have to disobey her, and head for three-hour trip for him! While in ft. The anchorage is so confined Marathon instead with the intent to Rossport I have a very good meal that I would like to hang a sign at haul my boat after retrieving my rig in one of the two first class restau- the entrance: No Vacancy . The from Rossport. The two fellow rants. Then I go over to the dock entrance has to be threaded with sailors I met in Nipigon had as- where Iron Lady is and say my care due to the shoals and good-byes to these good rocks. folks. All is well, until I find a fly in Back at the ramp Chet the ointment. The wind in- and his friends help me creases and turns until entering to get GG onto the trailer directly into the back-door , a and, in spite of the poor narrow opening to the west ramp with a bad drop-off between the islands. My ane- catching the trailer mometer tells me it is now wheels, we get her out of gusting over 30 mph at my an- the water. These guys chorage! No longer serene, let had to sit in the back of me tell you! Nevertheless I the van to improve trac- kayak to the shore of the tion. I leave her there smaller island and climb up the and go with them to rocks for some pictures. The Chet s house; he has in- rocks are covered with lichen vited me over for a beer that is as slippery as ice due to with his friends. Here I the recent rain, and this makes also meet Paul who is for hazardous climbing. But I traveling in a 1950 make it OK. In the afternoon I wooden rebuilt motor- put up my dodger and this boat with the original 4- makes things more comfort- cylinder diesel. His plan able. The night is not exactly is to go all the way from peaceful due to the high wind Thunder Bay along the still coming into the backdoor. north and east shores of Superior, via Sault St In the morning I have a bit of a Mary, then Lake Huron s bad time getting my second Henk & Go Gently North Channel and Geor- anchor up and then rushing back gian Bay, Trent cannel to tiller and outboard to prevent sured me that the ramp is OK. En- and Rideau cannel up to Ottawa! being blown onto the rocks. I make tering the Peninsula Harbor, I Quite a trip! I wish him well! At it with only a few feet to spare! douse my main, proceeding on the about ten o clock they drive me The weather outside is still quite jib. It takes a bit of searching be- back to GG, parked on the trailer mean and a repeat of yesterday. fore I find a dock and ramp hiding near the ramp, ready for de-rigging While on the way I try calling behind a rock ledge with only a in the morning. I go to bed plan- Marathon Marina but get no re- gravel road coming down the hill to sponse. No wonder: later I dis- indicate its location. The large (Continued on page 11)

Clipper Snips Page 10 Winter 2003

Super Superior Part 2

(Continued from page 10) see my point. She will check with breakfast and then get the mast her supervisor and in about half an down. At seven I m all set to go. ning on a good night s sleep. hour they are back. After a short As pre-arranged one of Chet s But what is this? About an hour discussion I get permission to stay friends comes to pick me up be- later I awake to a knock on the providing I m gone at seven the cause they want me over to share boat. When I stick my head out I next morning. Mind you, there are beacon and eggs etc with them! see a young lady in uniform stand- no signs anywhere to tell me that They are surprised by my night s ing by her van. She tells me she is I m trespassing. When they leave I experience. After this good and a security guard. I am not allowed go back to bed. But I cannot sleep friendly send-off, I am soon on my to be parked here and sleeping and so I get up and start de- rigging way home doing the 600 miles to aboard! Oh woe is I! I make it in the dark, at times using a flash- Sarnia that Saturday Aug. 16. Just clear to her that with my mast up light and otherwise using the light after midnight I call Sia out of bed. there is no way that I can move and of the stars. I get it all done except Believe me, I roll into bed for a I m not about to drop my mast in for the mast. Then to bed for a few good long sleep! the dark; too dangerous. She can short hours. Up at 5.30 for a light When looking back on these four

Treasurer/Membership Report David Craigie

In looking through my wallet I find back and participation has been working members. that I am a card-carrying member received from the membership The results of the President's of several organizations, the T/SA in the past. The supply of arti- Challenge membership initiative and my local Sailing Club being my cles is generally inadequate. for 2002 are complete. favorites. Both organizations are Typically, an issue is completed run by volunteers for sailors, and using all of the material on hand The Grand prize of a hand-held are dependant on members for con- with no reserve on which to GPS was claimed by Don Zil- tributions, both physical and men- base planning for future issues. liox with 5 new member refer- tal. With apologies to my local Given a membership of slightly rals. club editor and to the gentleman he under 400, it would seem rea- Receiving new T/SA flags for 2 stole the following column from, I sonable to assume that two or new members Wayne Bell, shamelessly want to share it here: three members might have an Roger & Barbara Garland, and article which would be of inter- I am certain that the member- Walt Murek. est. Let's do better in the future! ship recognizes the necessity of Earning a new T/SA hat with evaluating performance for the I remember years ago in speaking one new member each are Karl purpose of providing feedback, to our founder, Bob Hodgson, that Alkier, John Bricker, Harry which might help improve any he often feared a shortage of arti- Clark, John Clement David operation. A maximum effort is cles for publication. This is more Craigie, Norm Larsen, Tom & made in producing Camarade- apparent since Clipper Snips only Ann Lyons, Jack Metzel, rie, with the goal of including uses member produced articles. Dwayne O'Neill, Mike & Caro- articles which will capture the The 2003 enrollment period is over lyn Richards, Dallas Thomas, interest of the vast majority of and the treasury is in good shape. Nancy Thompson, and Law- the membership. Of course, the Sadly though, our membership rence Wright achieving of that goal cannot be numbers are down again from last realized without feedback from Thanks to everyone for all your year. But only a few and that is the membership as well as sub- kind notes and for your continued better than in years past. As of Jan. missions of articles for publica- support. 2003 we had 311 quality, hard- tion. Unfortunately, scant feed- David Craigie, Treasurer

Clipper Snips Page 11 Winter 2003

Building a Trailer Sailboat: About Time Michael Morris

barn in southern Penn- and when I told him of the boat he sylvania. Most of the said, "lets go get it". important parts (no In a few days I called the seller say- sails) were there along ing I had found a bigger truck and with a bunch of miscel- would be down on the weekend to laneous stuff. The ask- get the boat. "Not for sale" says he. ing price was $600.00!. After so many years he had decided For some reason I had to keep the boat, finish it off and go saved a copy of the sailing---someday. 1980 Luger catalogue and price list and using Several times in August and early this I determined the September I called trying to pry the original retail cost for boat loose but to no avail. In early As the boat arrived from Dover, PA what was advertised to October my friend came over and more than $8000.00. said we had to go soon cause he I d like to give a little history about What a bargain! was heading south for the winter. my interest in this Luger fiberglass In July after a few phone A final call was made and I decided sailboat kit. While recuperating calls I loaded up ye olde from a leg injury in 1973 I decided Ramcharger and with the that should I fully recover, I would $600.00 in my pocket, build a small cruising sailboat. Af- off I went to Dover Pa. ter much searching I decided on a On arriving at the farm I Luger 21 foot kit boat. Completed found the boat still in the in time for the next sailing season, barn. Man that was it turned out to be a roomy and some big boat! The door good sailing boat that we kept for 8 was 10X12 and it looked 1/2 years. like the boat on its trailer In May 2001, I got searching the would barely come thru Internet and found a web site for it. It was a scorching hot Luger boats. They had gone out of day with strong wind business in 1987 after more than 30 from the west into which years of selling boat kits. On the I would have to tow this web site under classifieds there was monster home. After 3 New interior looking aft a Luger 27 listed, partially built, hours of pondering the outcome of sitting on the factory trailer in a this return trip I decided it better to to up my offer to $800.00 - $200.00 leave the boat where more than the original asking price. it was rather than After a few minutes the seller ruin my truck on the agreed and off to Dover we went. 500-mile trip home. On our arrival we found the boat Anyway, still want- outside the barn with all the stuff on ing this boat, I left it the ground beside it. There were no behind. lights on the trailer so some were quickly installed, and all the parts Early in August an were loaded into the boat. The old buddy showed up swing keel was set in the pickup in the driveway with box and soon we were on the road a new Ford 350 Die- back home. sel pickup. He asked what I had been up to Originally Lugers were shipped The before cabin interior

Clipper Snips Page 12 Winter 2003

Building a Trailer Sailboat: About Time

seam had been opened new deckhouse was to be built in and a 15 inch riser made the middle of the boat to give stand- of plywood and fiber- ing headroom in the main cabin. glass was installed mak- The new profile would be similar to ing something similar to a motorsailer. There are large side a 27. This work was windows with dual windshields in poorly done and some- the front. The main companionway time before the boat was will have swing doors instead of lift moved indoors, water out boards. These doors will hook had got into the forward back and be removable. The new 2/3 of the plywood caus- deckhouse top will be no higher ing it to rot. The aft 1/3 than the top on the old deck so you was sound. can see over when seated in the New interior looking in to the Vee berth cockpit. As of today the new deck- The plan was to remove house is almost completed and the the forward 2/3rd of the riser and with the molded hull and deck par- windows are to be here next week. bring the deck back down on the tially bolted together sitting on the Soon the boat will be weather tight hull as original but leave the rear trailer with the selected options set for the coming winter. section up so we could keep the big loose inside the hull. I have no idea aft under cockpit bunk. Over the Compared to my current Venture how the keels were shipped cause winter, I spent many hours rebuild- 23 this boat is huge. Its a full 10 ing and redesigning the inches wider, a foot longer and has new interior with a big standing headroom in the main vee berth forward, head, cabin. As we already have a boat hanging locker, main there is no dead line for completion. cabin with galley, table, It will get to the water when it s ice box and 2 settees. done; maybe next summer. If I The aft section would could get my head to work as fast have the double bunk, as my hands (takes me 3 hours to Wood insert removed before deck lowered. cupboards and another plan a 15 minute job) this would be hanging locker. an easy target. We'll see. they weigh 750 lbs. My new kit The outboard (up to 15 hp) goes in Oh yeah the name. After setting had had some work done inside that a well inside the transom. It moves around since 1976 I think its About was poor to awful at best. There up and down so it is clear of the Time she went sailing. were the instruction sheets in- water cluded. when under Once in the yard at home, I re- sail. moved all the stuff that was inside There are and tried to decide what I wanted in 2 big this boat. After close examination storage of the work that had been done, I areas on decided to remove everything and each side start from scratch. This did not take of the too long. In 1980 Luger took their well for 26-foot boat and by raising the deck fuel, 15 inches came up with their 27- dock foot model with standing headroom lines, and a bunk under the cockpit. What anchor I had dragged home had started life Late picture with deck lowered and plywood deckhouse in etc. A as a kit for a 26. The hull deck place.

Clipper Snips Page 13 Winter 2003

From City Island (NY) to Rhode Island Guy Hubbard

For some reason on this cruise I that the rig trailed easily behind my not sure whether that was a good was repeatedly asked about how I Jeep. Moreover, because of being decision or not. We experienced got to Long Island Sound and Nar- able to trail the boat I regularly two extreme heat waves during our ragansett Bay from Bloomington, sailed the Chesapeake Bay, the month long cruise while also enjoy- Indiana. I've sailed in numbers of Great Lakes, and the Florida coast. ing some very pleasant sailing other parts of the country but that I was pleased to see that this infor- weather. Some locals told us of question rarely arises. Perhaps its mation impressed my questioners. I hurricanes that sweep up that coast because sailors in Southern New should say that everyone we talked during the fall and perhaps that af- England are much more focused on to was very friendly; they were just fected their advice. But then, I've the sea than elsewhere, and it's cer- curious. sailed the Chesapeake Bay, a few

Long Island, NY to East Greenwich, RI tainly true that good ramps for hundred miles further south, during Long Island and the coast of Rhode fairly large trailerable boats like the fall without mishap. Island had long interested me as a mine (Seaward 25) are not plentiful. cruising area but I'd never been In any event, July became our It was also evident that most of the there. So this was the year. I'd se- month and City Island in the Bronx, boats we saw--especially sailboats-- riously considered going in Septem- New York City, became our start- were not trailerable. When people ber but on the advice of friends who ing point. Based on information came by and asked the question, sailed the area, the cruise dates however, I smiled and explained (Continued on page 15) were set for July. In retrospect, I'm

Clipper Snips Page 14 Winter 2003

...From City Island (NY) to Rhode Island...

(Continued from page 14) mast to ensure that it wouldn't fall pressure system drifted away and about the prevailing winds being down. Even then, things were not we began to enjoy good sailing southwesterly, it seemed a better right and I had to climb on to the weather. Only at the very end of idea to go with the wind than boat and sit on the transom to try the cruise did we experience an- against it. The fact is that the winds and keep the mast free from the other heat wave but by then we'd boxed the compass regularly so it travel lift. My weight was not suffi- had enough good experiences be- wouldn't have mattered where we cient, however, so my crew, George hind us for it not to matter much. started. City Island is at the eastern Iemmolo, had to jump across to the The north shore of Long Island has fringes of New York City and caters boat while it was suspended over numbers of well-protected anchor- to day-trippers and people who the water to join me on the transom. ages near communities, such as have summer homes. The single That, in itself, was pretty scary! Oyster Bay, Northport, Port Jeffer- dead end streets quickly becomes While our combined weights son, and Greenport. If anything I snarled with stop and go traffic dur- helped, we had a very anxious de- ing the summer which made us scent. To say the quite tense on the hot summer day least, I was re- we arrived. The 9-foot tide drop lieved that no also caused us some concern, espe- damage was done, cially when we discovered that the mast didn't none of the boat ramps in the area fall, and my trusty were suitable for launching a boat Yanmar started on like mine. the first try. I de- cided there and In the absence of a suitable ramp, then that I would my boat had to be launched by never use a travel travel lift, but not until we'd waited lift again to launch several hours for the tide to rise. this boat. What followed was not a good ex- perience. To begin with the travel The days that fol- lift was meant for much larger boats lowed happened to than mine was. And when the lift correspond with an Greenport, NY began to raise the boat the forestay extreme heat started to drag on the steel yoke wave, with radio stations advising preferred those near the eastern tip supporting the bow strap of the everyone to seek the shelter of air of Long Island such as Three-Mile travel lift. We then had to lower the conditioning. All we could do was Harbor. Coecles Harbor and West boat back on to the trailer and re- periodically immerse ourselves in Neck Harbor on Shelter Island are move the forestay while lashing the the sea to cool down. Luckily, also good. They were all less nighttime tem- crowded. Throughout the cruise, peratures were however, we discovered that most comparatively of the best anchorages were occu- cool. During the pied with closely anchored buoys heat wave we had that belonged to individuals or ma- flat calms so we rinas. This often made finding a chose to motor suitable anchorage at the end of a rather than broil, day of sailing a lengthy, irritating because at least process. moving through We liked Greenport very much even still air at 5 mph though it's a tourist destination. results in a gentle The town is located on the northern 5-mph breeze. arm at the tip of Long Island. It is Eventually, the (Continued on page 16) Shelter Island, NY stalled high-

Clipper Snips Page 15 Winter 2003

From City Island (NY) to Rhode Island ...

(Continued from page 15) At Groton, CT my crew for the first ing the Second World War. well protected and has a city dock two weeks went home and while Museum visits in this part of the to tie up for the night. The dock is waiting for Jim Faber (my next world should also include a stop at close to a grocery and the town has crew) to join me I took a slip at the the Herreshoff Maritime Museum several good restaurants. An old Shennecossett Yacht Club, at the in Bristol, RI. The Herreshoff established seafood restaurant, eastern tip of the Thames River. brothers built many excellent racing Claudio's, is right on the dock and The members and staff that I met sailboats during the late 19th and boaters are welcome to tie up while were friendly and helpful and made early 20th centuries, several of they have a meal. We also discov- my stay very pleasant. Although which retained the Americas Cup ered several interesting art galleries. I'm a member of a yacht club that is for the USA. The museum includes The owner of one of them, a Mr. small and landlocked (so there is very well presented information Fiedler, came from a long line of little likelihood that their members about the company and the two swordfish fishermen. He'd foreseen would visit us), I was always made brothers, together with a large in- the decline of swordfishing and had welcome at every yacht club I vis- door and outdoor collection of the enrolled in an art school. His work ited. In one instance, at the Bar- boats they built. I realize that there was extremely realistic and cap- rington yacht club, RI, we were are other maritime museums in the tured the spirit of life on the coast, about to hike to a supermarket for area and I would like to visit them-- largely, I'm sure, because of his supplies when one of the members, but on another cruise. If there was personal experiences and his family Leeds Mitchell, offered to drive us a problem, it's that the Herreshoff background. there and wait while we shopped. Museum doesn't encourage boaters He then told us about some of the The north shore of the Sound (i.e. to use their docks unless they are better anchorages in Narragansett Connecticut) is lined with pleasant members. The nearest dock space Bay. communities that are also worth we could find was against the outer visiting, with several of them hav- The closeness of the Submarine wall of the City Marina, which is ing seafaring histories dating back Museum north of Groton and (in far too exposed and quite a walking to the 18th century--towns like contrast) Mystic Seaport, just up the distance away--but then we proba- Branford, Guilford, and Stonington. bly needed the exercise. Stonington, in particular, appealed Cruising this whole area required us to us. Once again the harbor was to be more vigilant about tides and too full of mooring buoys. The tidal currents than in other places town, itself, is like somewhere out I've cruised. I'm familiar with hav- of the past with narrow streets and ing to consider tidal ranges of vari- small shops. Obviously, strict zon- ous heights, but this was the first ing has been enacted for it to re- time I'd ever used current tables. main so authentic, but the result is Maximum ebbs and flows were well worth a visit. All the houses most prominent while high and low lining Water Street belong to the tide times were shown as slack wa- 18th and 19th centuries. We ate at Prudence Island lighthouse ter. Having a general idea of the a tiny restaurant-bar called the Wa- tide range was important, of course; ter Street Cafe, and enjoyed getting river from the town of Mystic led but with tides running at full away from Dinty Moore Stew and me to rent a car and visit them both. strength either in or out, very strong other foods common on small cruis- It's just as well I did, because we currents occur especially where ing sailboats. didn't have enough time once Jim narrow channels drain large areas. joined me and we were back on the In sum, the distinguishing features This is very noticeable, for exam- water. And it was fun to play tour- of Long Island are quite high sandy ple, at the eastern end of Long Is- ist. During the Mystic trip I lis- cliffs and long sand bars, while the land, where Shelter Island forms a tened to a man in his late 70s from Connecticut shore becomes pro- plug causing strong channel cur- a Canadian tour group who remi- gressively rockier the farther East rents to the north and south empty- nisced about his experiences as a we went, where running aground ing the large Peconic Bays. On a machine gunner on a bomber dur- would be more hazardous. (Continued on page 17)

Clipper Snips Page 16 Winter 2003

...From City Island (NY) to Rhode Island

denly as it had also for some excellent anchorages begun we were such as Dutch Harbor, west of through and peace- Jamestown; Potter Cove on Pru- fully sailing across dence Island (once all the power Fishers Island boaters had gone home); and Smith Sound. Cove, near Warren. Some famous yachting centers, such as Newport, The cruise wound Wickford, and Warwick were nice down in Narragan- sett Bay, RI. The Bay is very pro- tected and is di- vided by islands into lake-like bod- ies of water that are a pleasure for both racing and cruising. We spent an enjoyable afternoon at an- Naraganset Bay chor close to one of Newport harbor the dinghy racing (Continued from page 16) courses as first a group of fiercely to visit but much too crowded for competitive teenagers raced by in larger scale, each end of Long Is- our tastes and offered little or noth- Lasers, followed later by a fleet of land Sound is noticeably affected as ing in the way of safe or comfort- Optimist Prams skippered by enthu- the Sound fills and empties with able anchorages for transients. siastic youngsters. Jim, my crew, every tide. had never seen dinghy races up Having started out in New York We crossed the famous tidal Race at close before and found it very excit- City and ended in East Greenwich, the eastern end of the Sound, but it ing. We also made a trip to the City RI meant that we had to retrieve the was not nearly as dramatic for us as of Providence, at the upper end of trailering rig. Luckily for us, Jim's the time we approached the eastern the Bay but found it either grimly wife, Marge, had been visiting rela- end of Fishers Island from the industrial or derelict and didn't want tives in New Jersey while we were ocean on our way to Stonington, to stay the night. The potential for cruising. She was kind enough to CT. A strong onshore wind was the development of boating facili- drive to Rhode Island and bring us blowing and the tide was at full ties seemed very good, and yet back to City Island where we ebb. We were unprepared for the nothing had been done. picked up the Jeep and trailer from waves at the pass, which leapt in all the boatyard and returned to East Narragansett Bay is best remem- directions and tossed us around Greenwich. bered not only for the sailing but quite dramatically; and then as sud- The boat was hauled at 5am on the day we were to leave from the East Greenwich Yacht Club. The ramp had very little slope so a high tide was needed to get the boat on the trailer. As it was, Jim had to sit on the transom and bounce several times before we got her snugged down. Later we joined up with Marge in New Jersey and formed a Optimist Prams on Naragansett Bay convoy home to Indiana.

Clipper Snips Page 17 Winter 2003

Our First Cruise in the North Channel Dallas & Jan Thomas

July 21, 2002 with open anchorage as we gazed much to give our thanks to both of in awe at the beauty and peaceful- them for their leadership. It is most Dallas & I arrived at Spanish on ness. We settled in and listened, certainly true; there is "safety in Friday before Sunday, the 21st of with great appreciation, to the numbers" when sailing for the first July. After a long drive and the moose and loon calls as well as the time in the North Channel. Every- "road construction on Hwy. 17", marvelous song of the White one helps one another. we were happy to at last reach the Breasted Canadian Sparrow. After well spoken about Spanish Marina. As first time cruisers, we learned: pulling up anchor in Beardrop and It was everything everyone said it experiencing the "black muck" on Don't over pack! would be. This was our first time the anchors, I am certain that there to be apart of the "Trailer Sailors" Bring extra parts and supplies. must be some therapeutic value to and we are so pleased to now be Spare parts are very necessary. this "stinky, black stuff!" - perhaps one of the group. We put our Com- We realized that after witness- some miracle for bad wrinkles or pac Yacht 23/3 into the water with ing various problems suffered Arthritis. Anything that smells that much ease, even though the ramp by other vessels. bad and sticks forever must have was quite steep. It seemed that im- some value for healing something. mediately we began to meet some Have a DODGER! We not only were serenaded by of the early bird Trailer Sailors who nature, but we also had the honor of Use two bow anchors at all had already arrived. We were so being sung to by Jack & Rosemary times. very impressed by the friendliness Beggs. Their choice of song was and helpfulness that everyone Jan learned more about food the Canadian Anthem. Who needs shared. As new beginners in cruis- packing and cooking on a 23' a radio with music like that? ing, we had no idea what to expect. boat. With all of that behind us, we real- It will never cease to amaze me How to anchor successfully ize that the "weather" is a very big how the "ladies" offered up such with or without a storm being part of cruising in the North Chan- wonderful potluck dishes at our present. nel. Another very vital aspect of shoreline lunches and dinners. cruising is the ability to anchor suc- To follow the "range markers" Since I didn't have a full galley on cessfully without bumping into upon entering Sturgeon Cove. board the Jandal II, I felt some- other neighbors. We are used to Given that we had never been what restricted in my ability to con- mooring balls and staying put. We there before, we did not know tribute an elaborate dish to pass. experienced the graciousness of about these navigational aids. My hat goes off to the gals! Blue Max in the Pool, when our I guess you could say that we Our initiation voyage to Beardrop anchor didn't hold and we became learned a lot from "Cruising 101." was a baptism of sorts. It rained so up close and personal with them. I hard we could barely see. We panicked; Jack and Rosemary were After spending the evening and the found a great appreciation for the calm, as was Dallas. I think that night at Shoepack, with its entire "dodger/bimini" after watching Carpe Diem knows just what panic splendor, we felt that it was a won- John & Irene on Taranui motoring feels like after their experience derful place to say "so-long" for with great ease and comfort, barely with a traveling anchor in Bear- another year. We must confess that getting wet at all, while we were in drop. All in all, everything seems we are now "hooked" on the North our rain gear and drenching wet. to work out okay and really no Channel and the Trailer Sailors. It Realizing that we couldn't keep our need for anxiousness. is with great anticipation that we charts dry in the driving rain, I kept look forward to seeing everyone During the first few days of our asking Dallas, "where is Turtle again next summer. cruising, Jack Beggs ably led us. Rock and Beardrop?" The reward Thereafter, John Clement gently Until then, for being stalwart sailors awaited guided us. We would like very us at Beardrop. It welcomed us Dallas & Jan Thomas

Clipper Snips Page 18 Winter 2003

Ramp Report - Allen Harbor on Narragansett Bay, RI ... John Ulmer

As a fresh water sailor, the possibil- sailed about 30 miles and saw lots wind would be behind me. The ity of sailing the coast of New Eng- in of interesting places. But, be- wind worked even better than ad- land has always excited me. This is cause of lack of time, I had to pass vertised. When I launched about 10 where our sailing heritage began. plenty of places that were worthy of a.m. the wind was not just light, it The names on the charts are the more investigation. was nonexistent. I powered out names that are in into a dead calm. our history books. About noon I Of course, you can saw the first cats visit the historic paws on the wa- harbors by car, but ter, and in less it just isn't the same than an hour it as sailing in your was blowing own boat. right on my nose at over 20-MPH. Of all the wonder- I was told that ful places to sail in most of the time New England, you can sail or Rhode Island's Nar- power into the ragansett Bay has southwest wind always had a spe- and make your cial attraction for port, but some- me. I had often times the winds viewed its blue wa- and waves con- ter as I crossed the tinue to increase bay on its two big to the point that bridges. The water it is very diffi- was dotted with Newport, Rhode Island cult and uncom- sailboats and I fortable to go to windward. If you wanted to join them. As in most of Narragansett Bay is a pretty place are planning to go south, start early. New England, ramps with safe to sail. The shores are hilly and overnight parking are few and far there are gorgeous estates overlook- Sailing Narragansett Bay is very between, and without good ramp ing the water. Because of the cool popular, so transient dockage may information, trying to cruise the bay ocean water, cruising was comfort- be hard to find and expensive. I just is not practical. When I started able even during last summer's heat planned for the expense, brought doing the ramp report, I received wave. Like the Chesapeake, Narra- plenty of money, and was prepared reliable ramp information, and sud- gansett Bay is real watermen coun- to pay what they asked. I was denly a cruise was possible. So, try. I enjoyed watching the com- pleasantly surprised when it wasn't armed with my ramp reports and mercial fishermen with their long much more than I usually pay at the the Embassy Boating Guide, rec- clam rakes harvesting the famous Islands in Lake Erie. If you have ommended in Clipper Snips by Quahog clams. trouble finding a dock, try calling Paul Fox, I hitched up my little 14 the harbormaster on your radio, he I had heard about the bay's strong West Wight Potter and ventured out may know if anything is available. southwest winds and wanted to take to Narragansett Bay. Check your cruising guide for the advantage of them as I planned my proper radio channel for your port. I was impressed! It was a really cruise. The winds are lighter and great place to cruise! Distances are more variable in the morning so I If no docks are available, or you are short, which means you have more planned to sail south, against the short of cash, try finding a mooring time for poking into interesting wind, in the morning, and sail north instead. Most ports in New Eng- coves or exploring ashore. I only later in the day when the stronger (Continued on page 20)

Clipper Snips Page 19 Winter 2003

Ramp Report - Allen Harbor on Narragansett Bay, RI ...

(Continued from page 19) take the ferry out to the island. north of Newport. It much smaller land have floating moorings avail- and less crowded than Newport, Bristol and Newport are the pre- able for an overnight rental. They and it's a lot easier to get ashore. mier ports on the bay. These are are usually more available and There are two marinas near town, the most famous harbors in our cheaper than a dock and most har- but if they are full, try Bristol Ma- maritime history and most cruisers bors have a shuttleboat service to rina, across the harbor from town. want to visit at least one of them. get you ashore. Just call them on It usually has docks available. your marine radio and they will Newport is extremely popular, so it Bristol is a very interesting place. pick you up. This is not as conven- might be difficult or expensive to If you like old houses, a copy of the ient as being tied to a dock, but it get ashore. If you prefer not to Historic and Architectural Re- may be necessary in these crowded dock at Newport, there is bus ser- sources of Bristol, Rhode Island harbors. Of course, you can always vice available from most of the will help you spot the more unique anchor out for free, but with a other harbors. Even if you don't go designs. If you would rather find mooring you don't have to worry ashore, it is worthwhile to sail something of a more nautical na- about dragging your anchor at 2 through the harbor. You will see ture, Bristol is the home of the Her- AM or having your boat drift off all kinds of craft, from small boats reshoff Marine Museum and Amer- while you are ashore sightseeing. to million dollar yachts. You could ica's Cup Hall of Fame. Sailors even expect to see a few 12-meter Looking at the map, you will see will love the museum, and some of boats, and maybe one of the 130 that there are plenty of short cruises the old America's Cup boats are foot long J boats. possible for those with limited afloat in the harbor. You would not time. A loop sail around Prudence If you do get ashore you will find want to visit Bristol on the Fourth Island would make a nice weekend all the action on Thames St., next to of July. They have a big celebra- cruise. You would do some good the harbor. But don't miss the Cliff tion called "The Parade" and the sailing and have time to walk Walk on the ocean side of the town. town and harbor will be jammed. around some of the most interesting This is where the millionaires built I found Bristol to be a poor place to harbors the bay has to offer. It their summer "cottages" to use dur- spend the night if there is any wind would be mostly sheltered water, so ing the America's Cup races. There blowing. The harbor is open to the if you have driven a long way to are dozens of these mansions; many southwest and the waves roll right get there, the weather shouldn't stop now open to the public. The Cliff in. Usually, the wind dies down in you from sailing. Walk lets you stroll along the cliffs, the evening, giving you a quiet between the mansions and the sea. Another good short cruise would be night's sleep, but if the wind contin- It is all very impressive. to sail up Mt. Hope Bay to Fall ues to blow, you ll have a very River. The water is sheltered and Bristol is located twelve miles bouncy night. the cruising guide says it is If Bristol harbor is too worth the trip. You could crowded, or rough, or also sail down the western expensive for you to shore of the Bay toward the stay overnight, Prudence ocean and Point Judith. If Island is near and has you stay close to shore the mooring available at land will offer some shelter Potter Cove. The cove from the wind and waves is on the eastern side of caused by those afternoon the Island near the en- winds. There are towns and trance to Bristol Harbor. harbors to visit along the There is no town at Pot- way and Point Judith offers a ter Cove, but it is much very safe and secure harbor. more sheltered than Point Judith is also the home Bristol if the weather of the Block Island Ferry; you could get a dock and (Continued on page 21) Ramp: Allen Harbor, RI

Clipper Snips Page 20 Winter 2003

Ramp Report - Allen Harbor on Narragansett Bay, RI

(Continued from page 20) Slips are usually kicks up. A ferry connects the is- available at the land to Bristol, so you can see the attached marina. sights in town. There are two For those with more time and ex- 14-foot wide perience, other cruising possibili- concrete ramps ties present themselves. After all, with good docks. you are in New England, with won- The tidal range derful harbors all along the coast. here is fairly Block Island, just 10 miles off high. I measured shore, is a good first step for a the ramps at near longer cruise. It has a fine harbor low tide and and is very interesting. Continuing there was still 24 south from Block Island will put feet of ramp in Allen Harbor, RI you at the Fish Tail of Long Island. the water and the From there a cruise around Long water was 5 feet deep at the end. sign with a gate and guardhouse. Island Sound is possible. This gives almost a 15 percent This is the entrance to Davisville grade or an angle of 8 degrees. At Going east, a sail across Buzzards Piers 1 and 2. You should turn left low water there was over 30 feet of Bay would bring you to Cuttyhunk, just before the gate and the ramp is ramp exposed above the water line which is one of the nicest, most less than a quarter mile. so you should be able to launch isolated harbors on the East Coast. anything at high tide. Use Starting at the Rt. 1 overpass, there From Cuttyhunk it is just a short www.HarborTides.com to for the are blue signs pointing to Allen sail to Martha's Vineyard and then time of high and low tides. For Harbor but they are small and hard on to Nantucket and the entire more information call the Harbor to see. It is better to follow the south shore of Cape Cod. Master at (401) 294-1212. signs to the Davisville Piers 1 and There is no end to the great places 2, as they are large and easy to see. Allen Harbor is on the West Side of to visit along this coast, but remem- By the way, no one in town seems Narragansett Bay and is part of a ber that the southwest winds will be to know where Allen Harbor is. If former Naval Base. The harbor is stronger out in the open ocean, and you need to ask directions, ask for located right next to the old aircraft there will be no protection from the the Davisville Piers - everyone carrier piers, which are still in use waves. Also remember that fog is knows where they are. If you need for commercial ships. Because the frequent along this coast. Make restaurants, fast food, gas, supplies, piers are large and easy to see, it is sure your navigation and your boat or a West Marine store, they are all easy to find the ramp when you is up to the challenge. available on Rt. 1. return. As you leave, look back at When I started to plan a cruise to the Pier and you will see a couple New England offers a lot of good Narragansett Bay, I had ramp re- of large warehouses right by the cruising, and Narragansett Bay has ports on many different harbors, water. They are visible from miles some of the best. The ramps are but it seemed that the ramp at Allen offshore. good, and the wind is blowing. Harbor had the best recommenda- Come cruise where yachts and To get there, Exit I-95 at Rt. 4 tion. It is small, friendly, has a yacht racing in American began. south (Exit 9). Follow Rt. 4 to exit good ramp, and is easy to get to. It 7, which is both Rt. 403 and Rt. Send your ramp reports and ramp is centrally located on the bay, with 402. Take Rt. 403 and follow it information requests to: Bristol just an easy six or eight mile about 2 miles until you go under sail around Prudence Island, and John Ulmer the Rt. 1 overpass and come to a Newport just 15 miles away behind 659 S. Canal St. traffic light. Go straight at the light James Island. There is safe, free, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 onto the Davisville Rd. Follow the overnight parking for the rig, and Phone : 330-854-3796 Davisville road about 2.5 miles, only a six-dollar fee for the ramp. email - [email protected] past the yacht club sign, to a stop

Clipper Snips Page 21 Winter 2003

What s in your boat name? David Craigie

As the guy who collects the mem- no Boat Manufacturer or length skrit terms. Lila is the answer bership data, Dave gets to know us was listed, his response was: Hindus give to the question of and our boats better than anyone. why God created the world and is My boat's name isn't "imaginary", In this feature, he relates a few in- usually translated "play," that is, it is an imaginary boat. Some- teresting members and their boats. for God's enjoyment. The impli- times it is a 47 foot Trintella, cation then is that if we humans Members Rick & Pam Tenan of sometimes a 36" Dufour, etc. The are not also enjoying life, some- Tallmadge OH sail their MacGre- only real boat I have is a canoe, thing is wrong in the way we are gor 26 lovingly named DevOcean. and that doesn't count. I have living it. Their definition of their boat name been a member of the club for is as follows: about 4 or 5 years and I thought I Maya (also a key Buddhist term) might get expelled without some is more difficult to translate, but The meaning of our boat name is kind of name in that column. Ac- the main idea is that Reality--not unique, we think. We wanted tually, this winter I may buy a just reality--is more than what is something out of the ordinary for real boat. If you promise not to immediately apparent. A Zen our boat, so we made up a word kick me out before then, that will for it. The root of the name is, koan (a paradox to be medi- make me an honest man. indeed, devotion. My wife and I tated upon) gets close to the are devoted to each other. We are John must be an honest man now idea: "Nothing is as it appears; also devoted to a retirement plan as this year his renewal form nor is it otherwise." Maya then is that includes a blue water boat noted that he is the proud owner a continual reminder to look and a summer home in Maine. of a Seaward 25 named Quest. deeper into ourselves for the truly We are devout in our belief that Congratulations on a fine boat meaningful . Also, play/fun/ God will show us his mercy on selection John, and No, you do enjoyment seem to be reasonable the high seas. Since our plans not get kicked out just cause you expectations, even results, when involve much to do with the happen to be boatless. sailing. And, the longer we sail ocean, and we are devoted to it, the more we gain experience and Jim & Liz Royster Of Geneva-On- therefore, DevOcean. make discoveries, about our- The-Lake, OH sail their Seaward selves, our crews, our boats, wind An interesting story comes from 25 named LilaMaya. About this and water--and maybe even the member John Schilling of LaCrosse interesting name Jim says, human "game" itself. WI. It was noticed on John s 2002 I'm a retired but still teaching pro- renewal form that the name of his If you have a short comment about fessor of Eastern religion and phi- boat was, Imaginary. Noting that your boat name, zap Dave an email losophy. Lila and maya are San- at [email protected] Planned Cruise: North Channel via Trent-Severn Waterway David & Joyce Craigie

David & Joyce Craigie are plan- from Peterborough is going to be everyone from beginners to old ning a return trip to Peterborough just after Canada Day, July 1st. salts can enjoy. For those of you Ontario to retrace part of their 1999 This will be a very nostalgic and who know me you know that we trip on the Trent-Severn Waterway. historical trip, and casual too. For travel slow and like to smell the The plan is to cruise the canal up to those that have never experienced roses. More information can be Georgian Bay, and from there con- canal travel or going through locks, found at the Trent-Severn Water tinue on up to the North Channel. fear not. This is an easy cruise that Way web site http://www.ftsw.com/ There we will join up with the even beginners can experience in For information about our trip e- Trailer/Sailor cruise on July 19 at complete safety. The trip up Geor- mail [email protected] or phone Spanish. The date of departure gian Bay will also be a trip that 405 741 2555.

Clipper Snips Page 22 Winter 2003

Update on the Trailer/Sailors Web Site Mike Nelson (Webmaster)

The Trailer/Sailors web site con- Issue of Clipper Snips have been As plans for the 2003 North tinues to grow. We recently posted and are available for Channel cruise become avail- added the capability to the site viewing from a link on the Clip- able, they will be posted in the for new members to fill out a per Snips page. A sample article Cruises section of the site, as membership application form from that issue has also been was done for last year s cruise. and to pay their dues by credit posted. If you haven t been to the site in card (via PayPal). We also In the past 9 months, the site had a while, check it out at added a similar capability for more than 36,000 page requests, www.trailersailors.org. current members to renew. representing 1.826 gigabytes of The photos from the Fall 2002 data transferred.

Opening page of the organization web site: www.trailersailor.org

Clipper Snips Page 23 Winter 2003

Upper Lake Huron Cruises Rebecca and Bob Bringle

After sailing our MacGregor New- the power lines that separated us bay or harbor and it also provides port 23 sailboat Papillon on south- from the ramp. As a result of this important information about facili- ern Indiana s Lake Monroe for four and other more minor lapses during ties and services at harbors. years, we decided to expand our this trip, we developed a check list Richardson s Chartbook and Cruis- cruising area. During summer of for launching: ing Guide for Lake Huron is help- 2001 we trailed our boat to Pointe ful for planning a trip and for deter- check for power lines au Baril on the Georgian Bay for a mining which charts to order, but it two-week cruise; during 2002 we put wind vane on mast, was not very useful during the trip drove to Little Current on the North the sequence for raising the because of the poor quality of the Channel for 2 two-week cruises. mast, reproduced charts. Lakeland Boat- We enjoyed the Georgian Bay area, raise the swing keel off the ing- Lake Huron Cruising Guide but found it to be populated with trailer, has virtually the same information cabins and lots of people using get dock lines and fenders as the Ports book. Well-Favored boats to taxi around. We could find ready, Passages by Haughwout and Fol- seclusion in a few anchorages and and attach fuel line to motor. som (www.seafevergear.com) con- there is good sailing on Shawanaga We also developed similar check tains some interesting information Inlet, but the North Channel pro- lists for the preparation of the car on the North Channel. vided the most extraordinary cruis- and trailer (e.g., oil change, tire Most cruising on these waters was ing: clear waters, strong winds, and inflation, jumper cables, repacking accomplished by paying close at- plenty of options for long sails and bearings, check all lights), and tention to what you can see and relaxing stays in bays. items to check before driving (e.g., regularly checking the chart. A Getting There hitch tightened, trailer light harness GPS is useful for setting and check- attached, brake-away chain con- ing a course to a buoy or landmark Both trips were 700+ miles from nected, winch locked, hatches that is too far to be visible or not Indianapolis, formidable treks for locked). If you would like a copy distinct along a coast. We also car, trailer, driver, and passenger. of our lists, email used the GPS to time our arrival at Although we were apprehensive [email protected]. the Little Current bridge that about the long trips, we had no ma- swings open on the hour for 15 jor problems. We were resigned to Moving Around minutes. Binoculars are necessary driving slow (55-60 mph) and we Both trips confirmed that you must to find buoys before they become took it easy on hills. Each trip did have charts and you must con- visible with the unaided eye; this have its minor hassles. We had a stantly check and verify your posi- can be very important to confirm check engine light on the way to tion as you cruise. Even when where you are and to make sure the Georgian Bay that we choose to moving slowly, discriminating be- that you are on the correct side of a ignore after numerous stops failed tween a point and an island can be buoy when approaching it from a to yield a diagnosis and produced confusing from a distance and fea- distance. Red on right when re- no signs of any serious symptoms. tures that look distinct on the map turning applies sometimes, but While on route to the North Chan- do not appear to have the same more often red buoys are kept to nel, the trailer fishtailed until we characteristics on the water. For the right when headed toward Sault moved more weight forward into the North Channel, charts can be Sainte Marie on the small craft the V-berth. ordered from Turners in Little Cur- route. And, of course, buoys that Are you folks putting in or taking rent (705-368-2150) or you can are black on the chart are really out? That was what the guy at purchase them at Turners on arri- green. Occasionally, you encounter Payne Marina in Pointe au Baril val. We also found the photos in navigation aids (e.g., plastic milk asked us after we had gotten the the Ports Cruising Guide book for bottle) that locals have put out to mast up and were getting every- Georgian Bay, the North Channel, mark something (e.g., a rock, dead- thing organized to take the boat to and Lake Huron to be indispensable the ramp. Then we glanced up at when planning an approach to a (Continued on page 25)

Clipper Snips Page 24 Winter 2003

...Upper Lake Huron Cruises...

(Continued from page 24) to nudge the boat to the correct Channel are sand or clay, where a head), but you may not know what side of a buoy while we were Danforth does hold well. We often or why. Giving some clearance is pointing, used our Danforth as a second an- prudent. Fortunately, the water is and to enter bays and harbors. chor, either off the bow at a 90- usually so clear that you can see a reliable motor is a must. degree angle to the Bulwagga, or any danger before you hit it. When off the stern to stop the incessant Staying Put entering a new bay, posting a bow dancing in high winds. However, lookout to detect obstructions and We have long rodes (150 , 100 ) there are mud and weed bottoms in guide the entry is advisable. for our anchors and took additional the North Channel and the Bul- long lines to tie to shore. In the wagga always held. Although it is We sometimes stayed put because Georgian Bay, we regularly had expensive (though no more than a of strong winds, but we could have trouble with our Danforth anchor. CQR), it was worth the peace of moved if it were necessary. The mind. largest waves we encountered (3-4 ) were from large motor We met a couple in the Geor- yachts (although some polite gian Bay who had cruised with skippers slow down when pass- their children from Parry ing close) and one afternoon Sound north to French River in when we went out past the a small sailboat for 20 years. Pointe au Baril lighthouse into They had switched to a motor the open Georgian Bay (on an- boat the past few years, but other afternoon we had a de- were a wealth of information lightful afternoon sail out there). about cruising in small sail- Otherwise, even when there boats. In contrast to anchoring, were high winds, we experi- even close to shore with a line enced no large waves a benefit to shore, they preferred rock of the protected waters along the docks in which a vertical small craft route and in the shoreline rock face has suffi- North Channel. After experi- cient clearance below the water encing the strong winds in Geor- Either it would not set because a to allow a boat to use the rock gian Bay with only one set of reef clump of mud and weeds would fill as a dock. They showed us how use points on the main sail, we added a the gap between the flukes and the the rock-dock: second set before going to the shaft or, after setting the anchor, they attached anchors in the North Channel. Papillon has a cut- the forces from strong winds would rocks for lines, ter rig, which provides versatility eventually form a clump and the for a variety of winds and heading. covered fenders to prevent rub- anchor would let go (once in the bing noises, When running, we sometimes used middle of the night!). This oc- all sails, main only, or only the 2 used covered sections of old curred even when there was gener- tires that would sink to protect jibs. On one memorable leg we ous scope. We added a Bulwagga spent several hours running down the boat bottom below the sur- anchor face of the water, the Landsdowne Channel and (www.bulwaggaanchors.com) for and used wooden blocks to pre- crossing to Heywood Island under the trip to the North Channel. Out vent the rocks from chafing the one jib at 5-6 MPH. Occasionally, of the water, it is a cumbersome, mooring lines. we could sail wing-and-wing-and- heavy monster to handle. In the wing. We sailed much of the time, water, it sets immediately and holds Later, we used rock docks in the but did use our motor: in all conditions, resetting reliably Georgian Bay and North Channel whenever we could identify suit- to travel into the wind, even with large wind shifts (> 90 degrees). Ironically, unlike the able rocks. They were always pref- to follow the small craft route erable to bobbing and dancing when it was a series of quick Georgian Bay, most bottoms in the curves or had a narrow passage, bays we encountered in the North (Continued on page 26)

Clipper Snips Page 25 Winter 2003

...Upper Lake Huron Cruises...

(Continued from page 25) towed the canoe(s) easily on a very cumnavigating the North Chan- when anchored in winds and they short painter and with some weight nel in a Wright Potter, provided easy access to shore for in the stern; a long towrope, espe- retired couples who had sum- hikes and campfires. cially with a following wind, al- mered in the North Channel for lows the canoe to wander, list, and Shoal draft or a swing keel does years, take on water. If there were a make a difference to where you can a couple who had spent 2,500 strong following wind, we tied the anchor. During one rainy two-day hours restoring a 35 yawl, canoe(s) alongside the quarter of period there were 14 boats in Cov- a family on a trimaran that he the sailboat and sailed without inci- ered Portage Cove across from Kil- had designed and built 15 years dent. We also used this arrange- larney, but we were the only boat in earlier and in which they had ment when docking. a smaller cove outside the Cove cruised in the North Channel (located at the 32 foot mark on the There was a severe drought during each summer, chart). There were numerous other the summer of 2001: the blueberry and many of the participants in instances when our shallow draft bushes were dried up, the bears the Trailer/Sailor North Chan- (18 ) allowed us to tuck into the were roaming close to towns, and nel cruise. bottom of a bay, behind a point, or the mosquitoes were seldom a We layed over at the Spider Bay at a rock dock, and avoid the brunt bother. The summer for 2002 had Marina in Little Current when some of the winds while larger boats its normal quota of blueberries, of the T/S boats were there avoid- were more exposed. mosquitoes at dusk and dawn, and ing the high winds that produced a flies in July. The days are long Staying Busy tornado 40 miles to the north. during the summer and retreating Many thanks to John Clements for Almost every cruising boat we saw into the cabin at dusk to read and introducing us to those T/S sailors had a dinghy, with inflatable din- play games became part of our rou- at the docks! Making new ac- ghies being the clear favorite over a tine. Bug proofing a boat requires quaintances, sharing experiences, hard one. We towed a solo stripper some forethought, but they were and seeing each of the different canoe as our dinghy in the Geor- minor nuisances that were easy to boats was delightful. Because they gian Bay. It provided us with a control. were headed east, and we were way to get to shore and to scout About a third of the time, we were headed west, we parted ways and bays and potential rock docks. Our the only boat in our anchorage. joined up with them one week later family has canoed the last 20 years, When we were in a bay with other in Shoepack Bay for the pitch-in so the canoe is also a form of rec- boats, we were introduced to the dinner the last night of the cruise. reation and relaxation. However, paseo , the pre-dinner ritual when having only one solo canoe meant We are swimmers and the waters of boaters visit other boats in their that we had to take turns. For the Lake Huron are inviting. In some dinghies. After a few days in an North Channel trip, we nested a cases in the North Channel, the wa- area, we began to see some boats stripper solo inside a kevlar solo ter was so clear you could see 20- more than once and felt like we had and towed them as one canoe. 25 deep. The water temps were developed a bit of a network. Hav- When we were anchored in a bay, pleasant in Georgian Bay and cool ing printed cards with the boat we unnested the two canoes and put in the North Channel, but not too name, model, and email and home the two thwarts and the seat back in cold and we swam before breakfast address to give to other boaters is a the kevlar canoe, a process that and dinner whenever possible. In convenient means of introduction. took about 15 minutes. Then, we addition, we enjoyed hiking the We met interesting people who en- had two solo canoes that allowed rock cliffs. riched our cruises: both of us to enjoy evening paddles When you are ready for a change of and to go ashore to read during a a couple who had sold their pace there are harbors at towns that layover day. It was possible to use house and were headed to the provide respite. The town at Point the two nested canoes as one if we Caribbean islands, au Baril on the Georgian Bay was needed a canoe before they were a 59-year-old retired school not much and the ramp at Payne unnested (e.g., setting a second an- superintendent who was cir- chor, taking a line to shore). We (Continued on page 27)

Clipper Snips Page 26 Winter 2003

...Upper Lake Huron Cruises...

(Continued from page 26) day, not one of the marinas charged were two feet longer, we find its Maria was rather poor. We found us for the stay. A VHF radio is strengths (e.g., simplicity of all sys- Little Current to be a delightful handy for contacting marinas be- tems, ease of trailering, character, town with a pleasant ambience and fore you arrive so you will know poptop, cutter rig, shallow draft, little pretense. Spider Bay Marina where to head (which dock, which lower initial investment and main- has a very good ramp, a helpful slip). We also used our hand held tenance) difficult to improve on in staff, good facilities (laundry, gas, VHF to obtain weather forecasts a larger boat. We know we can showers, pump out), and fair prices. each day, listen to the chatter be- enjoy 2-week cruises on the boat The English Pantry and the Anchor tween boats, touch base with the Conclusion Inn provide good meals in town. Trailer/Sailors for the Shoepack Twenty miles east, Killarney is Bay rendezvous, and talk to another The small craft route that weaves very small but has services at sev- boat about an anchorage. through the Georgian Bay and eral marinas and a couple of restau- North Channel provides interesting Warning! rants. Twenty miles to the west of and enticing destinations. The lev- Little Current lies Spanish with an We must caution those who have els of population are heavy in the excellent municipal marina with not cruised these areas that there is southern sections of Georgian Bay services and a ramp. The business an infectious disease in the area and fade into wilderness with pock- area of Spanish is a mile inland which is highly contagious. Al- ets of cottages and small towns as from the marina, although Vance s though the severity of the symp- you go north past Pointe au Baril Restaurant provided shuttle service toms varies, the consequences can and turn west at Key Harbour to- for us to eat there and do some be serious and the treatment will be ward the North Channel. The at- shopping. We hit towns every 4-7 expensive. The bug is boat envy tributes of the perfect cruising area days to do laundry, dump the porta- and the disease is two-foot-itis. will differ among boaters, but that potti, get gasoline, shop for fresh Beware, you have been forewarned. special combination probably exists fruit and veggies, and eat a good After several bouts, we now feel in several places along the Lake meal. When we stopped in each of more immune to the disorder. Al- Huron shores. We found ours in these three towns for a part of a though we wish the Newport 23 the North Channel and plan to re-

From the T/SA Web Discussion List ...

This is a synopsis of threads on the Dick Zets: We use a Walker Bay stern and remains dry with little board that are, I think, of interest to 8 with the gaff sailing rig. It sails towing strain. the most members. well, rows well, takes a 2 hp mo- John Coppedge: We have a roll tor, tows well, can take a lot of Dingy Types (there are older up rubber dinghy with a 2hp mo- punishment, has full flotation, and threads on this) tor, both of which live below most is relatively inexpensive (got of the time. We tow it in good John Burrows: I have used a 3- mine from sail net, $399 US de- weather when we expect to use it person Sevylor inflatable dinghy, livered to the door). It boards often. It is the smallest real rub- which can be purchased over the easily, is quite stable, and rides ber dinghy we have ever seen. Internet for about $60, and I find nicely over the waves with two The small size is really only a they last 2-3 years. I also bought aboard. I find that I lose about problem with 2 to 6" waves when some decent aluminum ors for 1/3 of a knot towing it. it gets real wet. It can and has another $30-40. In the North Derek G. Henshaw: I use a ca- held up to 4, but really it suitable Channel you usually don t need to noe. I have also used an inflat- for 2 to 3 people unless it is dead row far when you do, hitch a ride. able and a hard dinghy. My 17 calm. Having a dingy that could It doesn t tow well, so I carry the foot aluminum canoe travels very not be stowed is not an option for 8' dinghy inflated on my foredeck. well with a dagger board near the (Continued on page 28)

Clipper Snips Page 27 Winter 2003

From the T/SA Web Discussion List

us. solid shell 8 ft pram dinghy for the first night on the boat whiles some 10 years, and have never its still on the trailer. Slips are Stowing the Dingy Motor found any issues. It does cost me available $1.25/ft Cdn. It is a Bryan Childs: I have towed a 1/2 to 1 knot. I have a motor very relaxed place. They are very dinghy with the motor mounted mount that fits on the pushpit rail, cooperative. and, on separate occasions, have and carries my 2 hp Honda out- Laurence Wright: We always lost one and drowned another. side the cockpit. The change in C spend the first and last nights at All of this was in heavy weather, of G is not significant. Most Vance's Motor Inn, on the main which comes on very quickly. It times just oars are fine, but for road, right across from where you is best to stow the motor or leave you will like to wander further. turn down to the marina. It's just the motor home. For longer distances by dinghy it an average motel, but it does have is normal to be towed by another John Berlin: Do not store gas or one of the best restaurants I've person in the group with a pow- a gas motor in an enclosed area. encountered anywhere in rural ered dinghy. If you cannot store the motor on North America. Their walleye deck you should leave it at home. Spanish Marina dinner is excellent and they do a great breakfast (with homemade John Clement: I have towed my John Clement: You can spend fries!) Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley... Edited by Debbie Bell

An Economical Anchor Light is that people continually tell me 79 cents). I also bought a 1" dowel. that I left my anchor light on when Jack Beggs Using a 1" spade bit, I drilled a 1/4" I stay in a marina. Finding an economical anchor deep hole in the wooden ball. Then light--which doesn't consume a lot Fishing Rod holder used a little epoxy to glue them to- of battery power--has been a chal- Joe Orinko gether. Some left over walnut lenge for me. For the last two sum- A piece of 1 1/2" diameter white wood stain; dry; a light sanding; a mers I have been using a solar pow- plastic pipe makes an inexpensive coat of epoxy; dry; light sanding; ered light on top of my mast. It is holder for a fishing pole. We used coat of epoxy; dry; light sanding. one of those yard lights which a 12" length, then made an 'L' Then some spray varnish; dry; very you buy at the hardware store. shaped cut (a channel to accept the light sand; spray varnish. Attach They cost $10-15, depending on the reel base). The 'L' is to help 'lock' the ensign, and in our case, slip it brand and design. When I put up the pole into the holder. the mast, the light is mounted along into the PVC fishing pole holder with the antenna and wind indica- A stern pulpit stanchion on which attached to the split backstay. to mount the pipe would be perfect, tor. Once it is up there, you can Vent Screens: forget about it because it goes on but all we have is a split backstay. So we attached the holder to the Harry Clark on Gloria J automatically at dusk and off at Sailing out of Gaylord MI, Harry sunrise. If the sun doesn't shine cable with two stainless hose clamps. shares one way to keep mice off his during the day, it might not burn all Rhodes 22. He uses a small night, but you need an anchor light The 'reel' benefit is everyone thinks stainless steel strainer over his mostly during the first few hours of we know how to catch fish from a small Nicro Air Vents. He says to the night anyway when some other sailboat because on the way out, we cut off the handle and use contact boats might be on the move. When install the fish net in the holder. cement to attach the strainer to the I put the boat in winter storage, I inside of the boat, bottom side of take it off and keep it at home, $2 Flagstaff Joe Orinko the strainer up. The Nicro Vent charging it once in a while on a screens are made out of plastic and A hardware type store was selling 1 sunny day to keep the batteries in the mice eat right through them. good shape. The only disadvantage 3/4" wooden balls (2 to a pack for

Clipper Snips Page 28 Winter 2003

2002 Annual Trailer/Sailor Association Meeting Jack Beggs

The Trailer/Sailors got together on What makes this party so much Jack also took some great snap- November 2, 2002 at the Crescent fun? It s certainly a reunion for shots, but the editorial staff mixed Sail Yacht Club on the shore of many members who have sailed up the captions. Be a T/SA sleuth, Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe together for years in places like the and match up the names to the pic- Farms, Michigan to again celebrate North Channel on northern Lake tures. another year of sailing. Huron or Lake Erie. It s a chance Betty and Gordon Lepley for new members, or even prospec- This was one of the larger cocktail tive members, to check out this un- Dick Travis and Don Walker party/dinners for our organization familiar group and find out what s Gary Schafer and Rose McAfee and it was typical in bringing to- going on. They size up people to Jan Thomas and Paula Murek gether the experienced, the new, the see if they really want to go off on local, the distant and an interna- John and Irene Clement a sailing trip with some of these tional group of sailors for a gala John Byrne and Jack Metzel characters, and, if they are inexperi- event. (Okay, Canada is only an Lunette and Bryan Childs, John enced, to decide whether they can hour away and you just can t keep Travis trust these sailors to teach them the those Canadians home! Some of Susan and Joe Orinko art of cruising and keep them out of them came from Toronto, which is (Continued on page 30) Tom Larimer and Walt Murek four hours away.)

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...2002 Annual Trailer/Sailor Meeting

(Continued from page 29) nel cruise next year, and he trouble. It was certainly a good passed out a tentative itinerary. party for everyone with great hors He and his wife, Colleen, flew d oeuvres and a delicious dinner in for the evening from She- with salmon and chicken entrees. boygan, Wisconsin. Our President, Wayne Bell, con- Wayne announced that he ducted a short business meeting. would be finishing his term as President at the annual meeting He passed out a report from in 2003, and that Joe Orinko Dave Craigie, Treasurer, which will also be ending his job as detailed our problem of declin- Clipper Snips Editor at that ing membership and many time. Who s Who at the 2002 T/SA Dinner positive suggestions for attract- ing new members. Dave also The night s program featured Henk waters. Careful provisioning and a asked for some feedback on the Vanderhulst and Mike Richards, good supply of gasoline are a ne- value of membership cards, who narrated a slideshow of their cessity because the supplies are which were inaugurated last cruise with spouses, Sia and Caro- widely spaced. year. A show of hands of this lyn, on Lake Superior last year. We are indebted to Jack and Wanda group did not indicate a desire Both boats were Precision 23 s. Metzel for hosting our group at to continue with the cards. The scenery shots of these sparsely their yacht club, and to Carolyn populated shores were spectacular Dr. John Travis has volun- Richards and Rosemary Beggs for and these cruisers gave strong sup- teered to lead the North Chan- organizing the dinner. port for sailing these wilderness It was a dark and stormy night...

Sue & I had recently bought our like this: never discussed in sailing texts (or Oday23, which had been tied up at in mixed company either). I dis- a courtesy dock at the state marina. tinctly remember at one point, the We were told we had to move it boat was concurrently in slip 44, about 50 yards to our new perma- 46, and 48, pointed North in all 3 nent slip (pier 2-46) immediately. East-West slips. It was the nautical So my brother and I went out after equivalent of breaking a wild horse; supper to do the move. our Unicorn defied every attempt to move where I wanted it. The wind was whistling through the cables and (by the time we shoved Anyone observing this sitcom, off), there were almost no boaters at would have given us a sobriety test. the docks. Six HP divided into 3700 pounds Eventually we got the boat tied up; times 20 knot winds, adjusted by The state marina used the pier and luckily, nobody had observed our my inexperience factor, restrictions post method, and most boaters had spectacle. of the Oday23 motor transom cut- strung lines from the sunk pipes out, and a centerboard stuck in the Some members of our current boat back to the dock. up position, resulted in a BIG num- club have remarked how easily When we motored to our slip (46), ber on the frustration scale. (slowly) we dock our boat. Little we discovered that the slip on either do they know where we (literally) With boathooks and lines 'aflying', side was un-occupied; there was no learned the ropes. during the next half hour I learned lines strung from the posts back to some nuances of docking that are Joe Orinko the pier. The arrangement looked

Clipper Snips Page 30 Winter 2003

Clipper Snips Classified Ads

FLAGS AND TEE SHIRTS Volunteer Wanted! For those wanting to have the sharpest items for spring, To serve as order your Trailer/Sailor flags and Tee-Shirts now. Both sport the world famous Trailer/Sailor Association logo T/SA President and are perfect for any occasion. For Tee-shirts, contact: Doris Lockie, 67 Springbrook After several years in the post Wayne Bell is look- Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 1L4 ing for an enthusiastic replacement. The Tees cost $13 (U.S.). Please specify the sizesFor As president, one: For Trailer/Sailor flags, contact: Wayne Bell, 344 Creek Drive, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 fields association inquiries Flags are $10.00 ($12 U.S. if you live in Canada) coordinates the operation of board members, Place your orders today and avoid the rush!!!!! and supervises publicity For more info, please contact Wayne .

Planned Cruise: Sioux Narrows to Kenora ON Chuck Johnson

On Sunday, August 17th, we are Sioux Narrows is a small town 90 planning to sail from Sioux Nar- miles north of International Falls. rows to Kenora, Ontario via the It has a public dock with fuel and east track route. The return route is normal services including pump South Track, Sunset Channel, Yel- out, but, no showers. Groceries and low Girl and south on East Track to restaurants are within walking dis- Sioux Narrows. It is 34 miles via tance. Tow vehicle storage is $25 the East Track to Kenora, and we per week. Leaving Sioux Narrows plan to sail approximately 10 miles we have to clear a 34-foot bridge. a day. The return trip is approxi- If this is a problem, we can start in mately 50 miles. We will set sail Kenora. Sunday afternoon and arrive in Kenora is a big city listing nine ma- Kenora on Wednesday or Thurs- The East Track route to Kenora rinas. Four have pump outs, but no day. A day at the town dock leaves looks well protected with plenty of showers. A good sun shower is a us departing Friday or Saturday and places to wait out the weather. The must for this trip, and maybe a arriving at Sioux Narrows Saturday South Track is more open, but still shovel for the seven-day trip back evening at the latest. has many islands. I have a set of to Sioux Narrows. Canadian Tire out of date charts (last year they Lake of the Woods measures 55 mi. and Marina sells charts. Phone changed the numbers on the buoys). east-to-west and 65 mi. from Min- 807-468-3014. Chart numbers I will share via UPS with anyone nesota to Kenora. This is a big 6212-6213. Fees apply to over- interested. There is an article in lake: 14,600 islands and 65,000 night docking. Clipper Snips (Fall 2000 by Davi- miles of shoreline. We start early son) about this trip. This is our first For more information, please con- and stop late, looking for scenic trip to this area and all this informa- tact Chuck Johnson at 815-756- coves and wildlife. An afternoon tion is second-hand at best. It 2487, or [email protected]. swim is pretty normal, as is travel- would be advisable to be self- ing in the rain. sufficient.

Clipper Snips Page 31 Winter 2003

Trailer/Sailors Association

The Trailer/Sailors Association is a non-profit organization formed more than 15 years ago. Its members provide a exchange of ideas and information about all aspects of sailing trailerable sailboats. Our more than 500 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 in a Winter, Spring, and Fall issues, is the official publication of the organization, provid- ing cruising articles, association announcements, how-to articles, and free classified ads.

Association Officers:

President: Wayne Bell, 344 Creek Dr., Slippery Rock, Cruise Recorder: Don Ziliox, 1340 Elmdale NE, Grand PA 16057, (724) 794-4704, E-mail:: Rapids, MI 49505, (616) 361-8230, E- [email protected] mail:[email protected] Treasurer: David Craigie, 101 W. Marshall, Midwest Launch Ramp Advisory: John Ulmer, 659 S. Canal St., City, OK 73110, (405) 741-2555, E-mail: Box 4101, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 (330) 854-3796, [email protected]. E-mail: [email protected] Assistant Treasurer: Jack Beggs, 2586 Cheswick, Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley Column- Debbie Bell Troy, MI, 48084-1012, (248) 646-5082, E-mail: (ed.), 344 Creek Dr., Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 794-4704, E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]. Public Relations: Gary Schafer, 812 Pleasant Street, Trailersailors.org Webmasters: Mike & Diana Nelson, Birmingham, MI 48009, (248) 647 0738, E-Mail: 2717 N. River Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387, (937) [email protected] 767 9487, E-mail: [email protected] Clipper Snips Editor: Joe Orinko, 433 Lincoln Avenue, TRAILSAIL Discussion Board Leader: John Erie, PA 16505-2449, (814) 456-6469, E-mail: Coppedge, 2557 Queenston road, Cleveland, OH 44118 [email protected] (216) 932-9126, E-mail: [email protected]

PRSRT STD Clipper Snips Editor U.S. Postage 433 Lincoln Avenue PAID Erie, PA 16505-2449 Erie, PA Trailer/Sailors Association Permit #554

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Clipper Snips Page 32 Winter 2003