Clipper Snips

Trailer/Sailors Association The magazine of the Fall 2007 Trailer/Sailors Association www.trailersailors.org

Features/Stories 4 The North Channel Cruise: The Trip to Brit and Back Diana Nelson 8 A Tale of Two Two-Strokes Mark Anderson 13 2007 North Channel Cruise Awards Diana Nelson & Bob Rouda 15 From the Log of ‘Go Gently’ Henk Vanderhulst 19 Through Kids Eyes Emma Blackwood

Regular Columns 2 From the Editor Kathy Blackwood 2 President’s Column Mike Nelson 11 Ramp Report—Kentucy & Barkley Lakes John Ulmer 20 From the T/SA Web Discussion Bob Rouda 22 Navigation Challenge Bob Rouda 25 Classified for Sale & Wanted 26 Just for Fun

How To’s 10 Technically Speaking—How Water Ballast Works Rod Brandon 14 Small Boat Dinghy Choices George Kobernus

For T/SA Tee-shirts For T/SA Hats T/SA Wear ($13US), contact: ($13US) or Flags ($10US), Doris Lockie ,67 Springbrook Drive contact: Wayne Bell, 344 Creek Drive for sale Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 1L4 Slippery Rock, PA 16057, [email protected]@ [email protected]@ 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 im- plied, 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.

From the Editor, Kathy Blackwood

Dave has had to resign the position. I crew of ‘Thistle Dew’ had a blast. wish Dave and Joyce and their family We are looking forward to next all the best and hope to see them on year when we can bring our new the water sometime in the future. dinghy—’Just’n Case’ a small Sunflower sailboat along as our So now we have a vacancy on the new hard dinghy. Clipper Snips team. Anyone wishing to step up to the plate, is more than Of course Clipper Snips is not all welcome. For the full job description about Sailing in the North Chan- of Resource Editor, we’ll have to get nel of Georgian Bay, and neither a hold of Dave, but I think the job is the Trailer Sailor Association. largely entailed reviewing the surveys I’d love to have more articles by that were sent out some time ago T/S A members about other sail- about people’s interests, and then con- ing or boating experiences. tacting people to see if they would be There’s a lot of places to sail out willing to write something up for there, and I’d love it if we could Clipper Snips. So if you like talking share our stories from all across with and learning about other mem- the membership. bers of the T/S A the job would be great for you. If you have something to share, I can be reached by email at As you can tell from this edition—this [email protected] or by calling is the North Channel Edition. 705-748-0359. Of course this was not intentional on Alternatively, you can contact First off, I’d like to take this oppor- our part—but those just happen to be George Kobernus, the Assistant tunity to thank Dave Craigie for all the articles that came my way. Of Editor can be reached at 213-933- his help and support as Resource course that would make some sense, 9321 or [email protected] Editor for Clipper Snips. I thank given that the North Channel Cruise Dave for his beating of the bushes happened in July and we had approxi- Wishing everyone fair winds and over the last few editions of Clipper mately 45 boats spread across 3 float calm waters for the end of the Snips for helping to fill Clipper plans. It was a great two weeks and it sailing season. Snips with fun and informative sto- was wonderful seeing old friends and ries. Sadly due to family reasons, making new friends. Of course the

President’s Column, Mike Nelson TOPIC 1--the North Channel Whither the Trailer vide you with an overview of a topic cruise. that has been the subject of discus- Sailors Association-- Over the past several years, this sion among several members over the cruise has grown dramatically in Part 1 past few months. I’d like to solicit size. I am told there was a time As I write this article, the first hints your thoughts on this topic, and I will when 12 boats were considered a of Fall are making their appear- start a discussion thread on the Trail lot. This past summer we had ance, and the weather is signaling Sail list for that purpose. For this about 40 boats, and the previous that another sailing season is draw- edition, I will focus on the North summer, nearly 50. This number ing to a close. On that note, I’d Channel cruise. of boats presents two major chal- like to take this opportunity to pro- lenges to us. The first is that we 2

President’s Column, continued are restricted to the larger anchor- philosophy, historically, has been The current plan is that this cruise ages. The second is that we are see- that we are willing to help one an- will take place one week before the ing an increase in the number of other out if trouble arises, and to main cruise. Participants may then boats and skippers arriving who are offer advice about the best routes elect to join the main cruise or to not really prepared for such a cruise. and anchorages. But there has al- depart for home. In John’s words ways been an understanding that “This cruise will offer a gentle The issue of anchorages has been, each boat is fundamentally respon- pace, with shorter legs, and rela- somewhat self-regulating by the sible for itself and its crew. tively protected anchorages, and cruise breaking into subgroups. This lots of time to talk about living and past summer, for example, saw a The North Channel cruise has not cruising on a small sailboat.” small group break off to go down been pitched as a training course Georgian Bay, and other small for novice sailors. Rather, it has Second, we are going to make a groups break off for various destina- been pitched as a cruise where greater effort to provide each skip- tions. One year we split the group in there is a sharing of experience and per a detailed list of both the equip- half, and sent one group east, one knowledge and camaraderie of ment and the boating skills he or group west, and planned on having those who have been there before she and his or her crew should have the group come together a few times with those who already possess the prior to the cruise. We encourage in Little Current or Killarney or a basic skills and equipment for all who are thinking of joining the large anchorage. The challenge we cruising, but who may not have North Channel cruise next summer face is balancing anchorage selection been to the North Channel before. for the first time to take classes against members’ desires to go back from the Power Squadron or other to old favorites, or to be with their We have been fortunate that no se- sail training groups. The Canadian friends, or to try new and different rious mishaps have occurred on this Power and Sail Squadron offers an anchorages. Next summer may see cruise. The few rock encounters independent self-study program. the offering of a couple of different have not caused significant dam- The US Power and Sail Squadron cruise options (watch for more infor- age. No one has drowned. No one offers courses via its member chap- mation on this in the Winter issue). has been seriously injured. We ters throughout the year. Both I’d like to hear from members about want to keep this record intact in groups may be found on the web. their preferences for this cruise. future years. Third, based on recent legal advice, The issue of lack of preparedness is So, how do we address these con- we may request each participating still a small one. But in recent years cerns? Well, first, John Clement boat to sign a statement attesting to we have seen boats arrive with no has volunteered to lead a one-week their preparedness for this cruise. charts, no functioning electronic in- cruise next summer specifically for That statement would list the strumentation, or with the skipper cruisers new to the North Channel equipment and experience recom- and/or crew lacking in some basic area. He will not teach sailing or mended for this cruise. cruising skills such as chart reading, boat-handling skills, but he will navigating, or anchoring. Although offer advice on anchoring and navi- All these activities are still in the the North Channel is a relatively safe gating as he leads the group to sev- planning and discussion stage, so place to cruise, there are rocks to be eral anchorages. John expects par- we welcome ideas, suggestions, or avoided, poor holding grounds, and ticipating boats to be properly thoughts from you. You can e-mail weather to contend with. equipped, and that skippers will me at [email protected]. have charts and know how to read The challenge this raises for us as an them. More information about this organization is the question of how cruise and the recommended equip- responsible are we for those who ar- ment and skills will be published in rive not adequately prepared? Our the Winter Issue of Clipper Snips. 3

North Channel Cruise: Go Gently Sailing to Sugar John Bay The winds picked up and soon we were all having The Trip to Britt and Back a great sail. As we approached the D-82 buoy there Diana Nelson was a discussion about whether to go into Beaver- stone Bay, or Sugar John Bay. Henk had never This was our seventh year with the group, and as been to Sugar John, so we decided to try it. The much as we love the old favorites, when cruise di- bay opens to the southwest and initially the an- rector Bryan Childs suggested the one-way trip to chorage was a bit bumpy but it quieted down be- Britt, we decided to go. When only 7 boats signed fore we went to bed. The anchorage is in the east- up and most of them wanted to sail back rather ern arm. Leave the 2 large rocks to port. than ride a bus to retrieve trailers, Henk Vander- hulst volunteered to lead the round trip. We would Sugar John Bay is within the Grondin First Nation go east on the outside and come back on the small- reservation and we were anchored fairly close to a craft route on the inside. house. When a man came out in his boat, we were- n’t sure whether he was going to ask us to anchor After a captain’s meeting with Henk at Covered somewhere else. Turned out he had a generator Portage Cove, Eventide, Maija Lisa, Firecracker, that was not working and he was hoping one of us Taranui, Rosa Linda and Pura Vida arranged to could help him. Robert Paquette on Firecracker meet Henk and Go Gently at the eastern entrance volunteered to take a look at it. They didn’t find to Killarney for the sail to Sugar John Bay, our any problems, but they were unable to start it so first destination. Winds were light so Henk gave they loaded it into the owner’s boat for transport to Eventide a head start on the rest of the group. We a repair shop. told Henk that he was going to have to tow an extra dinghy or two so we could keep him in sight. The next morning, Monday, we left Sugar John He used only his gennaker on the beam reach, and Bay at about 9:30 and turned east at D-82. Winds we put up our drifter along with the main but he were light out of the southeast and we ended up still passed us. As someone once said, you don’t motor sailing most of the way to the Bustards. buy a Flicka for speed. Henk’s original plan had us going to Bad River, but Rosa Linda was on a limited schedule and asked if we could go to the Bustards on the out- ward leg. No problem. Pura Vida took a different path than the rest of us, hoping to get a long sailing leg, but it was not to be. We did get a sail towards the end of the day as the winds picked up and the heading improved. Near Grondine Rock there were a few places where the water was very clear and you could see rocks 20 ft. down. It was a little un- nerving. We also had a bat land on the boat, but that’s another story.

The entrance to the Bustards has a string of rocks and islands to starboard with 3 lighthouses in a row. We took lots of pictures. The group anchored in Bustard Harbor, behind Pearl Island. This is a relatively deep anchorage – 18-20 ft. in most

places. Maija Lisa did find a shallower cove to 4

Blueberry Pancakes in the Bustards port (about 6 ft. deep). There is also a narrow passage at the far side of the anchorage where some One of Henk’s favorite rocks is in this corner of powerboats had tied to shore. After an evening of the Bustards. It’s a large, blue green erratic. To- singing with Murray Cleland and his family of tally different from all the red granite and basaltic Rosa Linda we had a quiet night. intrusions that surround it. It feels like clay. John

Clement had the idea that it might be a piece of kryptonite and decided to stay away from it. The patterns of granite, basalt and quartzite in these rocks are very unusual and quite beautiful. Check the photos on the Website.

Three Lighthouses in the Bustards

Tuesday was a lay day. Jason and Tara Cleland on Pura Vida got up early and picked at least 2 quarts of blueberries! After a blueberry pancake brunch Kryptonite? on the rocks, Henk led us on a kayak/dinghy trip to one of his favorite spots. First we went through a On Wednesday everyone but Rosa Linda left the narrow passage that Henk had been through in Go Bustards at about 10:00 for Britt. Wind was from Gently in high-water years. It’s a short cut to an- the south. We had a brief sail past the lighthouses, other large anchorage in the Bustards. We went but when we turned the corner we had to turn on through the anchorage and turned right. A little the iron jenny. Taranui and Go Gently were able to way along another large bay opened up to star- sail later in the day as we approached the Byng board. Henk led us through some shallow spots to Inlet. We all stopped at St. Amant’s marina for a great place for geology and swimming. pump-out, water, trash dump, fuel, groceries, and a shower. Maija Lisa, Firecracker, and Taranui decided to spend the night at St. Amant’s. Something about checking e-mail (i.e. deleting spam). I thought this was a vacation!

After a wonderful dinner at the Little Britt Inn, Eventide, Go Gently, and Pura Vida set out for Black Bay at about 7:45 pm. We were a bit nerv- ous about navigating in the gathering darkness, but the sunset was spectacular and we got wonderful photos of Go Gently and Pura Vida against the sky in flat water. 5

kayak/dinghy trip to a creek with a beaver dam at the end. Although we had motors on the dinghies, we ended up rowing through the weedy patches. We stopped to take photos of the pickerel weed and water lilies. At the end, we beached the dinghies to get a closer look at the beaver dam that bridged a narrow gap in the rocks. Henk said that 5 years ago there had been a really nice meadow be- yond the dam that was now flooded. The difference in water levels above and below the dam was probably 8 ft.

Dinner at the Little Britt Inn

The Cunningham Cut wasn’t as bad as we expected, and using Henk’s waypoints and the chart- plotter we dropped the hook in Black Bay at 9:30, fighting off the bugs. Unfortunately, Pura Vida found an unmarked deadhead and tore up the motor bracket. (There are also at least two uncharted rocks in the anchorage. Henk has the waypoints.)

Henk and Crew at the Beaver Dam

We motored back through the granite passages with their interesting basaltic intrusions and met for hors d’oeuvres on Maija Lisa. After a few liba- tions we took another short trip around Black Bay. In a back cove we saw some cardinal flowers still in bloom and a mink scurrying around the rocks with a fish in his mouth. Henk showed us another huge erratic in the channel we would leave by in the morning; and took us on a tour of an island that he named for his daughter, Linda, because it was Go Gently on the Way to Black Bay her favorite island. At the end of this excursion there was an unfortunate incident involving a The next morning, Taranui, Maija Lisa and Fire- swamped dinghy, but we’ll save that story for the cracker re-joined the group at about 11:00 and Awards column. Pura Vida left to start her journey back west. They were hoping to get to Beaverstone, but made it as The next morning the skies did not look very far as the Bustards. One day they radioed that they promising and rain was forecast. Since we were had done 22 km before 9 am! The rest of us did a going to be motoring the small-craft route, we de- 6 cided to leave anyway with foul weather gear at the tarps, it blew over. The “moon-set” at 3:30 AM was ready. The first problem was getting out of the anchor- beautiful. age. Maija Lisa found one of the uncharted rocks and The next morning Henk led a dinghy trip to the rapids Firecracker came close to joining her. Two inflatables that enter the bay at the northeast corner. He said that from a couple of big Catalinas pulled her off and, as 10 years ago he hauled his kayak up the rock cliffs there was no immediately obvious damage, we headed several times for the pleasure of running those rapids. out. (Bob thinks he deserves the Rock On Award for The water is lower these days. We went down a side this incident, but he’s got stiff competition.) channel and up another set of rapids. We had the motor at almost full throttle trying to get up the rapids The small-craft route is well marked, but has some that Henk was able to negotiate with his kayak. interesting twists and turns. The “obstacle course” near Obstacle Island was particularly exciting. You come around a corner and there is this huge rock right in the middle of the channel. The path around is buoyed, and there is a red arrow pointing the right way around, but it is narrow and you have to pay attention. Henk told us a 36-ft. sailboat got stuck in there once and I can believe it. Shortly after running the obstacle course, we pulled into a shallow bay to starboard and had lunch. It’s a bit weedy, but fine for a short stop.

Henk Running the Rapids in 1995

We weighed anchor shortly after lunch for the run to Beaverstone Bay. Wind was from the north and gusty. Firecracker and the Precision 23s took off at a good pace. Each time I thought about putting up the drifter to get some more speed, the wind would pick up and we would be heeled over at 20 deg moving at 5 knots. Henk said later that he was knocked down twice and Robert said he had to keep a hand on the mainsheet. Rounding the "Obstacle" Eventide rounded up once. Apparently no one wanted We took the dotted-line (alternate) small-craft route to be the first to shorten sail. over the top of the Bustards and then on to Bad River, crossing the path we had taken earlier in the week. The Our original destination was Muskrat Bay, but it be- small-craft route has some lovely scenery and we came clear that with the north wind Muskrat was not a wished that the weather had been a bit better so that good choice. Henk remembered the anchorage behind the colors would stand out more. But it didn’t rain. Noble Island, which was much better. It’s not a large The Bad River is well buoyed; the anchorage is large; anchorage, but we were able to get 5 boats in with no and the water was warm. A storm threatened after din- problem. We were joined by some local fishermen, ner, but after we all set second anchors and took down one of whom caught a good-sized fish. The full moon 7 rise was beautiful, but kept some of us awake. of Beaverstone (the one marked with Low Water buoys), but the lowest depth was 5 ft. 6 in. so no worries. Taranui made a brief stop at a fishing camp for ice. The camp has limited gas and no other services. The marina that used to be in this part of the Collins Inlet is no longer operational.

The sad part was getting to the bottom of Mill Lake and discovering that the area has become so overgrown with plant life it is no longer navigable with a motor. Both Go Gently and Eventide had fouled props and Taranui sailed out of the area to avoid a similar fate. This overgrowth of plant life appears to be related to the zebra mussels. They clean the water so well that more light penetrates to the deeper areas, resulting in more plant growth. Taranui at Noble Island We were able to anchor behind the island five years ago, when John Travis led a group here. We knew the next day was going to be mostly mo- Now you can’t get that far. toring in the Collins Inlet. We left early to get through the eastern part so we could have a long So we continued to Thomas Bay, arriving mid- lunch at the bottom of Mill Lake. Taranui kindly afternoon. There were two larger sailboats in the called out the depths in the narrow channel at the top anchorage and the kids were rock-climbing in the

Lucky for me the incident happened on my CS22 Sail- A Tale of Two Two-Strokes, boat. I was on vacation in Bayfield, but an appoint- By; Mark Anderson ment back in London had meant a decision on my part A resounding crack followed by a thunk, then a fluc- to lower sails and crank up the motor in hopes of mak- tuation in the motor’s sound and a gurgle. I quickly ing good time back to the harbor. Now motor-less, I looked astern to see my 8 horse Johnson disappear remade sail and tacked my way back up to the river’s into about 30 feet of water just north of Bayfield. To mouth against a light offshore breeze. Realizing the those who have never witnessed the loss of a running futility of trying to wend my way up the river, I outboard motor, it is a lesson in propulsion, which al- flagged down a nice young chap who had one of those though interesting from a physics aspect, is a costly 2-seater sea-doos. He easily gave me a tow right to my one, which can easily be avoided. slip and waved farewell as I thanked him profusely. As the motor is freed from its constraints, the propel- As a side note; I now refer to these people as “ Power- ler continues to screw forward. This, added to the lev- craft enthusiasts” as opposed to their previous desig- eraging effect of the motorhead’s weight, causes the nation as “ Twinkies“! shaft to rise to the surface. This, in my case, resulted Driving back to London, I had some time to reflect. in the prop notching a hunk of glass from the transom There were two reasons for the mishap. The first was (the thunk sound)! With still fuel enough for a few maintenance and the second was a safety issue. From seconds more machination, the outboard then spins the maintenance angle, the plywood board to which horizontally on the surface before gravity and inertia the motor was clamped had become actually spongy cause it to spiral away on its side to its resting place and well past due for replacement. Having owned the on the bottom. Really quite beautiful in its own way. boat for only a couple of months and anxious to get Nevertheless, a physics lesson which I would pre- sailing, I had decided that this was a nice job for the ferred to have seen in 3D animation and not in real coming winter. That’s when I would fashion a new life!

mount from a nice piece of hardwood or maybe I would soon with some help. Remember I said it was a nice find out about that Starboard stuff. As it happened, the day? Well there seemed to be a lot of people stroll- board splintered off at the top, the motor taking the ing along the pier and for some reason I became a piece attached to the clamps which were still secured by curiosity for many of them. “ Are you broken the anti-theft lock. down?”, ” What kind of boat is that?”, “ Why don’t The safety issue, had it been addressed, would have you use your motor?”, “ Can you paddle it?”, “ Are saved me some money and embarrassment. As you may you broken down?”, “What’s your favorite colour? have guessed by now, there was no safety chain or lan- “. AARRGHH! yard connecting the motor itself to the vessel. Even An inflatable with 2 people came down the river though I had joined the Boating course at about week 5 toward me. As they got closer I recognized the sailor and this topic had already been covered, I cannot use as one of my classmates from the Boating Course ignorance as an excuse since I had received all of the and the chap at the tiller as one of the Power Squad- course material. For about Ten Dollars or less invested ron instructors. Oh the humility! in chain, this story would have cost me about twenty After many more thanks, I was back in my slip. Ma- bucks instead of about Eight Hundred! rina man Bill was kind enough to lend me a service By the way, if there are any divers out there, I have a manual and I tried to make the repair. Mechanical pretty good idea of the co-ordinates where Mr. Johnson inclination is not one of my attributes so it wasn’t sleeps. long before I gave up and took the motor over the Talk to me nicely and I may share this info with you. bridge to Bayfield Marine. Lucky again, the motor I think I can find the key for the anti-theft lock! man was in the next morning and had it ready to go I drove back to London. My appointment concluded, I in short order. He even took the cover off and called my old friend Otto. He had recently given me an showed me the notches in the flywheel where you anchor he no longer needed and I remembered him can wrap a knotted cord to make an emergency start. speaking of an outboard motor stored in his basement. So that was what Bill was hinting at when he Lucky for me he was at home and soon I was back on showed me that section in the manual. Had I been the road again with a 4.5 Johnson to finish off my holi- more knowledgeable, I would have been able to start day. A temporary mounting board was fashioned to get it up at any time. DOH! the short shaft motor far enough down to draw the cool- My vacation was finally and truly back on. ing water. As per Otto’s request, I then dutifully at- So what did I learn from my Tale of Two Two tached a Safety Chain from the motor to the vessel’s Strokes? Well in no particular order; aluminum toe rail. After playing about with the choke a - Don’t put off maintenance and improvements, i.e. bit and numerous pulls on the starting cord, the wee spongy motor mounts. beast sprang to life and began spitting water back into - Always follow recommendations for security to the lake. Success! the point of redundancy, i.e. safety chains on out- My vacation was officially back on. board motors. It was a beautiful afternoon and I had a nice sail for a - Learn the features and capabilities of your equip- couple of hours before it was time to head back in for ment, i.e. emergency start procedures for outboard some supper. Sails furled and motor lowered, I set about motors. starting the motor to cruise back into Bayfield. The I hope you enjoyed reading this more than I did liv- choke was different from what I was used to, so I tried ing it. After all, the only thing better than learning several settings to no avail. Pull after pull on the starter from your own mistakes is to learn from the mis- cord was getting me nowhere and I was becoming frus- takes of others. trated. Mr. Johnson almost sputtered a couple of times This article is dedicated to the memory of Otto so I gave a good hearty pull…… Biskaborn Have you ever seen those cartoons of hapless looking fishermen with a cord dangling from their white- knuckles? Up with the sails again and back to the harbor. I managed to sail up the river a tad before tying off to the steel wall. Soon another sailor came in and said he’d be back 9

Technically Speaking—How Water Ballast Works By; Ramblin’ Rod Brandon

I remember as a young child, my father posing the question, “What weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of lead?”

Of course the answer is, that they both weigh exactly the same. This is a critical premise to understanding how water ballast works.

Some people believe that because water has neutral buoyancy in water, that water ballast would have to be lifted above the waterline, to have any effect on righting moment. This isn’t true. To understand why, one needs to know how righting moment is generated.

Every vessel has a centre of gravity (CG) and a centre of buoyancy (CB). The centre of gravity is the axis on which the boat will tend to roll when heeled. The centre of buoyancy is the relative volumetric centre of the water displaced by the vessel.

As the boat heels, CG remains stationary, whereas CB shifts laterally. The lateral distance between CG and CB is proportional to the righting moment GZ. The greater this distance, the stiffer the boat will be. Dense ballast such as lead has the benefit of lowering CG which helps extend GZ. Since water ballast must be carried higher in the vessel, raising the CG, more weight in water ballast is required to create the same GZ as lead.

Note how in Illustra- tion 4, the water in the ballast tank is not raised above the waterline outside of the vessel, and yet con- tributes significantly to righting moment. Without the water ballast, the CG would be much higher still, resulting in less GZ. This is why a water ballasted boat is so much more “tipsy” (technical term totally unre- lated to beer or rum ballast), before the water ballast is loaded.

Water ballast must be raised above the water line to be effective? Myth busted!

Next Issue, “Troubleshooting Your Iron Genny!”

10 RAMP REPORT - Kentucky & Barkley Lakes By: John Ulmer

Are you a Mid-west sailor looking for someplace warm the Lakes, or simply L.B.L., it has no development at all: no to extend your sailing season? Someplace where you condos, no marinas, no retirement villages, nothing except could sail even in the winter, provided, of course that forest, meadows, hiking trails, and a shore full of coves and you bundled up a bit and had a good weather forecast? bays to provide quiet anchorages for you to explore and Someplace so close to home that you could go on an enjoy. overnight cruise even if you only had an extended weekend available? That said, it's worth noting that Pisgah Bay at mile 30 on If so, I have the place for you. It's the Kentucky and Kentucky Lake (miles are measured from the mouths of the rivers, not from the dams) is a local party spot, and would be a good place to avoid on weekends and holidays.

These lakes are very popular in the summer, full of people and boats, but summer isn't the best time for a sailor to visit them. Summers here are HOT and the winds in July and August are generally too light and variable to provide good sailing. It's in the spring and fall that these lakes become a real sailor's delight. The crowds are gone, the wind returns, and warm weather lasts until well after the sailing season up North is over.

Ramp at Green Turtle Bay Resort Navigation on the lakes is easy, though there are a few Barkley Lakes area of western Kentucky. Even though things you should keep in mind. The first, and most impor- it's just an easy day's drive from almost anyplace in the tant, is that there is a lot of commercial traffic on the lakes. Midwest, the water here never freezes, and the marinas The towboats and barges cannot get out of your way, so are open all year. make sure you stay out of theirs.

The two lakes, nearly twins of each other, were made Second, water levels on the lakes will vary up to five feet by damming up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. from summer high water to winter low. In summer you'll The Tennessee River made Kentucky Lake and the find deep water from shore to shore with only a few well Cumberland River made Lake Barkley. I know that marked areas of shallows to worry about. In the winter most Mid-west sailors think that dammed up rivers are more shallows appear, mostly on the shores opposite the too long and narrow to make good sailing lakes, and in Land Between the Lakes. The later in the season, the lower most cases they'd be right, but not here. These lakes are the water will be. BIG! Lake Barkley, the smaller of the two, is over 60 miles long and more than a mile wide, and Kentucky Third, winds from any direction tend to funnel up or down Lake is twice as long and even wider. The picture of the lakes. A south wind will be going with the current and the Rt. 68 bridge shows Kentucky Lake at one of its will produce gently rolling waves which allow good sailing. narrowest points, and you can see there is still plenty of room for sailing. Either one of these lakes would make a fine sailing destination all by itself, but the two lakes are joined by a short, lock free canal that allows you to cruise from one to the other, turning the two lakes into one huge cruising ground and one of the finest inland sailing area in the entire South.

To make a good thing even better, the land that sepa- rates the two lakes has been turned into a National Rec- reation Area. Appropriately named The Land Between Bridge of Kentucky Lake

11 A north wind will be against the current and will produce a both the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers just north of the nasty chop that may be uncomfortable to sail against. dams. To get to the resort, exit I-24 at Rt. 453 and go south. This is the ONLY exit on I-24 that is between the two rivers, Fourth, there are very few towns that are accessible from so going either direction on I-24, take the first exit you see the water, but fear not, if you need cruising supplies or a after you cross either of the two rivers. meal ashore, most marinas have a camp store with basic supplies and a restaurant or snack bar where you can eat A mile after you exit the Interstate you will cross Rt. 62. Go food that you didn't prepare yourself. another mile and look for a sign that says Green Turtle Bay Resorts or a sign that says Grand River. When you see the Quimby's Cruising Guide is the best source of information sign, turn left. This will take you down the main street of the for marinas on the lakes, but you can get a lot of good in- tiny village of Grand River, where the road will dead end. formation by calling Kentucky's Western Waterland Asso- At the end of the road you would think there would be a sign ciation and getting their local tourist guide, "Official Vaca- telling you which way to turn to get to the resort, but there tion Guide for Kentucky and Barkley Lakes." It's free and isn't. Lucky for you that I know the way. Turn left at the has a good map of the lakes and advertisements for most dead end and go about a quarter mile north and you will see of the major marinas. To get one, call (800) 448-1069 or the entrance to the resort. see them on the web at www.kentuckylakebarkley.org. Follow the signs to the Condominium Rental office. You Finding good ramps with safe overnight parking is easy will need to stop here to get your parking permit and direc- here. Almost every ma- tions to the ramp and the rina will have one, but the long term parking lot. For one I like the best, and the more information about one I plan to use on my Green Turtle Bay Resorts next river cruise, is Green call them at (800) 498 0428, Turtle Bay Marina Resort. or visit their website at It's easy to find, safe, and www.greenturtlebay.com. puts you on the water The launch ramp is one lane right at the most popular wide, concrete, with a good part of the lakes. It's lo- dock near the ramp. The cated at the northern end dock was not near enough to of Barkley Lake, near the the ramp for me to get an canal, so you'll have quick Shoreline near Green Turtle Bay Resort accurate measurement, but and easy access to either the best I could come up lake. with was 40 ft. long and 9 ft. deep giving an angle of 12 degrees and a slope of 22 percent. This was measured in the This is a very large, full service resort, that can provide summer at high water so the depth would be five feet lower you with all of your vacationing needs. It's not necessarily in the winter. the kind of place you'd think would be interested in the simple needs of a sailor looking for a ramp, but the people So if your time is limited or you simply want to avoid the at Green Turtle Bay surprised me. They couldn't have long drive to the Gulf, give Kentucky and Barkley Lakes a been nicer or more helpful. try. You can enjoy year around freshwater sailing and still be within a day's drive of home. Finally, if you ever do get Because the lakes are on major rivers, it is certainly possi- to this part of Kentucky, make sure you try the catfish and ble to start a very long river cruise from here, but most of the barbecue. They are outstanding! the rivers are too narrow and fast flowing to encourage much sailing. Kentucky Lake is also part of the Tenn- Send requests for ramp information to : Tom waterway that connects the Ohio and Mississippi John Ulmer, River system to the Gulf of Mexico. In the fall you could 659 S. Canal St. , Canal Fulton, OH 44614 launch your boat here and join the snowbirds heading for Phone : 330-854-3796, the sunny South. Again, you wouldn't do much sailing email address - [email protected] until you reached the Gulf, but all the bridges on both the rivers and the waterway either open or are high enough so you would have no need to lower your mast. Getting to Green Turtle Bay is easy. Interstate 24 is the main highway through this part of Kentucky and it crosses 12 to suggest an appropriate name (e.g. the 2007 North Channel “Overboard Award”.) The nominees for 2007 are: Cruise Awards 1. Irene Clement for swamping the dinghy, and By; Diana Nelson and Bob Rouda falling out of it, while trying to pump it out following the thunderstorm at Spider Bay. (Rumor When Mike and I took our first ASA course in has it that John took pictures. And, yes, they are Sandusky, OH, our instructor, Capt. Pete Pfizen- still married.) (DN: Is this my fault for lending meyer, told us there were three rules in sailing. her the pump?) 1) Keep the slimy side down; 2. Robert Paquette for swamping his kayak 2) Don’t hit anything hard; and while trying to move from it to Go Gently in 3) Stay on the damn boat. Covered Portage Cove. Made sense to us, and we try to follow the rules. 3. Margery Whites of Forget Me Knot for falling overboard while rafting up with Day A few years ago, John Clement started present- Dreamer in Fox Harbor. (She’s blaming it on ing the “Rock On” award to sailors who violated Larry since it never would have happened if the Rule 2 and found a rock while on the North anchor lines hadn’t been tangled up, which is Channel cruise. Traditionally, a rock why they were rafting up.) is handed to the skipper at the final 4. President Mike Nelson for swamp- potluck. We were not at the final ing the dinghy and drowning the potluck this year (partially be- outboard while trying to get said cause the fleet was split into 3 outboard back on the mothership in “official” plans – and countless oth- Black Bay. (Technically he was still in ers), and so Cruise Director Bryan is the dinghy when it sank to the gunwales, probably not aware of a couple of the so does this count?) nominees. And who knows, there may be (For that matter, do tenders, kayaks and other nominees on other cruises that dinghies count, or do you have to fall off should be included. Perhaps the An- the big boat to qualify? We’re still nual Meeting is a better venue for this working on the rules.) presentation. 5. And a late entry from new treasurer Howard Staley of Aeolis who also had problems with his The nominees that we are aware of for this kayak on their extended cruise. year’s Rock On Award are: Please note, everyone is safe and sound and we 1. Dave Edgerton for finding a rock in are not encouraging people to “run” for these Oak Bay (been there, done that) awards. We hope to learn from our mistakes. 2. Robert Peterson for putting Hanna on the Or, better yet, from the mistakes of others. sandbar at John Harbor This is probably a good time to remind everyone 3. Bob Rouda for finding a large, uncharted rock to make sure the depth sounder is working in Black Bay, and running Maija Lisa up on (transducers do not last forever); keep a paper it as if it were a trailer – keel, rudder and all chart on deck and know where you are on it (do you get extra points for that?), and (chart plotters and GPSs have been known to 4. Thistle Dew for finding a rock in Baie Finn fail); post a bow watch in unfamiliar places; and (Kathy ‘fessed up) wear the pfd (kudos to Margery who had hers on). Oh, and since hitting the rocks a couple of This year we also seemed to have an unusually years ago, Eventide has a new rule. If you are not large number of violations of Rule 3. We’re sure which is the right way to go, stop the boat! thinking we may need another award. Feel free 13

Small Boat Dingy Choices

By: George Kobernus their hull from their dingy so I screwed/glued Although you can beach my boat or back it up some of that white dock bumper stuff all to some rocks and step ashore, there are times around the gunwale. Also, the plastic oar when you need a dingy. locks suck and I replaced them with brass. I think if you want to use an outboard a Walker I looked at the three main options for a dingy; Bay 10 is better. traditional hard-shell, inflatable and the hard- shell flat bottom. The inflatable is very stable On trips we've found that kayaks are a more but costs as much as a new engine for my practical alternative for travel with a small H260 and is hard to row, the hard-shell flat sailboat. Hard kayaks track and paddle better bottom is easier to row but also is heavy and and are more durable, but they are not as easy costs almost as much as the inflatable. to store and haul as the inflatable. We don't use them at home much, but they were just I have a Walker Bay 8 that is bullet proof. the thing for our 4000 mile round trip to Key West last spring and our recent trip to the North Channel.

The West Marine inflatable kayak is the same as the Sterns 500. Very durable but not inde- structible -- don't leave it on a hot beach all day or drag it over sharp rocks -- it is light, and easy to inflate/deflate. They fit in a small duffel bag and are light and easy to stow on deck. It takes a few tries before you get the hang of stuffing the kayak, paddles and pump into the bag. Shop for discounts, ours cost $180. There is more on the kayaks at this Only 71 lbs, you can bang it, slam it, drop it all link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/kayak/ you want. kayak.html

The Walker Bay is tippy but it is light and easy to row and tows well. With one person aboard you can really cover a lot of ground easily. It's harder with two people but very doable. Two very nice features are the little wheel in the stern that makes it easy to launch and recover and the flotation in the seats. The options for the Walker Bay include a sailing kit and the inflatable ring (Variable Inflatable Tube) - this latter feature eliminates the tippy part of the boat.

I noticed that some people had scratches on

14 radio/ CD-player, involving some wiring changes. It From the log of ‘Go works out well and I can now enjoy some better music, which is nice when you are alone on the boat. Gently.’ I have done this solo-sailing for quite a number of years now, and good music makes good company. In By; Henk Vanderhulst and Go Gently. these weeks I am happy to shun TV and newspapers

with all of their bad news and stuff that I can well do Leaving my home-town Sarnia on the evening of July 5, I without! arrive in Port Elgin after driving about 2 ½ hours. Finding a After about eleven hours I enter Haywood Island and suitable parking area, I bed down for a quiet night aboard when the hook is down and set, I make myself a Go Gently while she is on the trailer. good, well-deserved supper and bed down early. Early the next morning I’m on my way again for another 2 The next morning is overcast with some rain. This is ½ hour drive to Tobermory. After enjoying a coffee, I take a good time to get Go Gently in order and cleaned a look at the ramp and the surroundings. The ramp at “The up. Little Tub” harbor looks OK although a bit steep. One thing For the rest I enjoy an easy morning and a nice long I don’t like is that the floating dock is quite short. This kayak-ride. proves to be a problem when after six weeks I come back to This year I brought along a cell-phone in order to be get my boat on the trailer!! in contact with Sia. Today is our 53rd wedding anni- I plan to send in a complaint about this. versary and I try calling her. However that does not When paying the $10 ramp-fee, the Harbormaster tells me work: no contact! That is a shame. In the next weeks that I can step the mast right next to the ramp. However, if I that proves to be more of a frustration than a success. had known, I would have driven to the opposite side of the In the future: no more cell-phone for me!! harbor where there is more space. Since there are no over- Go Gently and I are also celebrating an anniversary head wires, one can then drive over to the ramp with the this summer; our twentieth!! mast up. Ours has been a very good association and we have Launching went well and there were some willing hands to enjoyed some exciting adventures together. She now help me. has more than 13,000 NM under the keel and is good I had been told about the parking area where you can leave for a lot more. Will I be?? vehicle and trailer for free, quite secure. This is an easy Back to my Log:::: walk back to the harbor. After leaving Haywood, I make the two o’clock Shortly after lunch Go Gently is on her way for the 5 NM to bridge at Little Current and dock in order to fill my Cove Island, where I take my time completing the rigging 16 gallon water-tank. Next I enjoy one of the famous and putting my boat in order. The weather is perfect and ice-creams. It is Sunday and the town is mostly at after a short kayak-ride, I enjoy a quiet night at anchor. rest. I will be single handing Go Gently for most of the five or The weather is cool and not too promising. After an- six weeks that I plan to spend in the North Channel and choring at Louisa Island, the wind turns to NE and Georgian Bay. My dear wife Sia and daughter Linda will be strengthens. After hanging on two anchors for a coming up from Sarnia to spend about a week aboard with while, I decide that this is not the place to be!! It is me in the beginning of August. Linda will be coming all the after seven in the evening when I raise both hooks way from Florida. During those days the rubber dinghy, and head out. Where to go? I decide for Croker Is- which is at other times stored forward in the cabin, will be land. First on the jib and then motoring, it is touch- used, along with its 2 hp Honda. Normally I use the kayak and-go if I will make it before dark, especially be- as my dinghy and often for trips of up to two hours, explor- cause the sky is now heavily overcast! ing around an anchorage. This has worked out very well I anchor just as day turns into night and the mosqui- and gives me the needed exercise which is often lacking toes come out. There are now five boats in at Croker. when living on a sailboat. In the middle of the night we get a blow right into the The next morning is July 7 and I’m up early and before cove and all of us are busy setting second anchors. seven I’m on my way to Haywood Island. This is about fifty The next morning the weather has settled down. I NM. I have the route in the GPS, the weather is good and I spend several hours snoozing and loafing. Then I do am looking forward to a good bit of sailing. The sun is shin- some kayaking and making friends with the folks on ing and it is cool but pleasant. The winds are variable but two of the other larger sailboats. Tom and Bob on sufficient for much good sailing, changing from close- their Catalina 27 invite me over for supper, which I hauled to beam-reach to a run and so on. gladly accept!! During all this, Charley my tiller-pilot allows me time to We enjoy a beautiful evening with a red sunset, prom- remove my old radio/ tape-player and in its place I install a 15 ising a nice day to come. are increasing. And so it is! I do some more boat-scrubbing and clean- I stay put for a day, doing some minor jobs and one major one ing. Due to the fact that I was sick the two weeks prior on Go Gently. The major one is a much-needed drain in the to leaving my home in Sarnia, I did not have much time starboard cockpit-seat corner. This has bugged me all these years and only now did I figure out how to do it. Oops: Friday the thirteenth!! A good thing I don’t believe in that sort of foolishness. By climbing a bad rocky hill I finally succeed in contacting Sia by cell-phone! The weather is superb and I have a pleasant sail to Little De- troit. After making my “Security” call to let others know that I am about to pass through this narrow passage, I am surprised by two calls over VHF. One is from Diana Nelson on Even- tide. They are docked at Spanish Marina. And the other call is from Dave Edgerton on Wave Dancer. He is anchored at Laurier Island, which is where I’m headed. I am never able to disguise my Dutch accent and so three years in a row I have been “discovered” when coming through Little Detroit! Later Dave and I visit back and forth. At Croker Cove The next day is Saturday, July 14. This is an important day for or energy for this while Go Gently was in the driveway, this year’s group sail. And Spanish is the place to be!! so ….. We expect the group to be around forty boats, with most arriv- Making the short 45 min. ride to Benjamin Bay, I find ing, rigging and launching today this popular anchorage almost deserted. But after It is also a time to renew friendships and make new ones. It is lunchtime, more boats come in. too bad that the weather could not be friendlier. We have quite I have often enjoyed kayaking all the way around South a lot of rain in the morning. But the nice building at the Ma- Benjamin, and do so again this time even though at rina offers a good opportunity to warm up and enjoy a cup of times it gets quite rough. Next I go for a long hike hot coffee. across this island to the south side. Dave and I head for town to do some shopping. Before we Rock-walking is what I call this kind of walking, with know it, it is time for the potluck supper, which is a huge suc- quite a bit of clambering over rough places. I get to pick cess as usual. We are allowed to have this as well as our get- and eat a fair number of blueberries. When at the south together meeting upstairs in the building because of the un- end, the view over the Sow, Boar and Pigs is magnifi- pleasant weather. cent. The next morning we enjoy a welcome surprise. Up the road In the evening a heavy thunderstorm with much rain from the breaks over the Benjamins. We are in for a change in Marina the weather; colder and windy. is a neat The next morning I’m up at six and am concerned about restau- my position, since the wind has picked up out of the N rant that W and I have rocks too close to my stern. I manage to has of- set a second anchor; not an easy job using my kayak. fered to It remains cold and blustery until early afternoon. When serve us the wind eases up a little, I decide to leave this bad cor- all a nice ner. break- Going through the narrow passage between North and fast. This South Benjamin gives me a hard time due to heavy is done wave action, but I make it OK and now find myself mo- in two toring into fair size waves until entering Oak Bay. sittings Dropping the hook next to a Catalina 25, I am amazed for the Boats being rigged to find that it is our well-known Sailor’s Choice. low price of only $ 6.- per person. It satisfies me for breakfast Quite a coincidence!! as well as lunch! The evening turns pleasant but cool. At 10 o’clock we have our successful captains meeting. Due As a bonus a bald eagle flies over. We do not get to see to the weather conditions and a strong wind from the west, it many of these beautiful raptors, although their numbers is decided to leave it up to each individual crew when to leave

16 have my DRS up when leaving Cleary Cove, and two other the marina and where to head for. The itinerary calls for boats take up this challenge. We are doing a comfortable 4 to spending the first night in John’s Harbor, but since this is 5 knots. situated to the west of the Whalesback Channel and will At one point some are wondering why Blue Max turns around require some rather heavy tacking. Only about half the and starts to head back to where we came from. It turns out boats of the group are heading that way, with some turn- that they had a “man overboard” situation; they had lost their ing off for anchorages such as Moiles Harbor. Others de- kayak cover. cide for Eagle Bay, which is meant to be our second When entering Eagle Harbor, I experience some trouble pull- night’s anchorage. ing down the DRS sleeve. I decide that there must be an easier And so, fourteen boats brave the trip to John’s Harbor. Go way than having to go on the foredeck. So after anchoring, I Gently is about the last to leave and I have a hard time attach a downhaul line with a pulley, so that in the future I can trying to catch some of the boats ahead of me. It is indeed pull the sleeve down from the cockpit. heavy tacking and quite tiring when single handing!! I believe that by now most of the boats of this year’s group are But I am enjoying the challenge and do manage to pass at anchor in this comfortable harbor. some of the others. The next day we make our short trip into The Benjamins, with Near Parsons Island all of our fourteen boats have turned some of us threading our way in through the narrow passage on their iron horses, due to the passage becoming too nar- between the North and South Islands. I do not count how row for further tacking. I figure that in order to cover many of us are here, but it is a good number. One of the high- those 8 ½ NM, I have gone about 14 NM! We motor lights of this group-sailing is the visiting back and forth that around the west end of John’s Island and while seven of we do when at anchor. the boats anchor near Gowan Isl., I join the others in the And then there is the yearly bingo game. While this is usually neat small and shallow Cleary Cove.

played by means of dinghies herded around one of the boats, We are impressed with the sailing-skills of the crew on and is then called “dinghy-bingo”, this time it turns into “rock- the smallest boat in the group namely Rubber Ducky. bingo” while sitting on the hard rocks ashore. But it is enjoyed But we are sorry to hear that Mucky Duck had to drop out by all participants. all together partly because of a broken rudder, but also For a sort of pot-luck supper, I have nine people on my boat. due to Dave Tarrant falling and apparently breaking a rib. Good food, good company. This is sad, because they are always a favorite couple dur- July 18. Today we head for Little Current. There is very little ing our group sails. wind and the trip turns into mostly motoring. The majority of We have a pleasant, quiet night with some visiting back the boats take a dock at Spider Bay. I head for the new finger- and forth. docks at the town wharf and since the ice-cream parlor is right The next morning we can look forward to a nice easy sail there, I cannot resist the temptation! to Eagle Bay. But first we have to navigate through the We have a get-together at the famous Anchor Inn for supper. narrow passage at Sandy point. One of the boats cuts it But since I have planned to head for Haywood Island and too short and ends up being stranded. want to catch the 7 o’clock bridge opening, and the service is Good help is close at hand, and before long we are all on quite slow, I ask for my meal in a doggy-bag. I drop the hook our way. We are challenged by Bryan, our leader; anyone in Browning Cove just before nine. The weather forecast does who flies a spinnaker will receive a free beer!! I already not sound too good! But I have a nice quiet night.

17 In the morning I discover that the weather-man was right. At nine we get a very heavy blow with much rain. Where I am anchored in Browning Cove is not the best place. I am right in the thick of it!! After this lets up, I am visited by Murray and Jason Cleland, who come by in their kayaks. Murray has a unique way to “sail” his kayak before the wind. He uses a large umbrella! They are anchored in the East end. That is where I’m going, and four of us are soon tucked in, along with Muddy Wench. We are all invited aboard the Muddy Wench, and are soon enjoying a very good supper. High winds from the NE do not bother us in our little corner. We are well protected. In the mean time all the boats at Spider Bay Marina are stuck for another night because due to the Murray Under Sail high winds, the bridge is not opening. July 20. It is still blowing a good 20 knots from NE, Firecracker, Maija Lisa and Go Gently. For the first few but after ten we decide to go, heading for Covered Port- days Rosa Linda will also be joining us. age Cove. It turns into a fast sail into Lansdowne Chan- When coming aboard my boat, Robert decides to have a nel, after which I play with the fickle winds. Day dip to cool off. It is sometimes not easy to get out of your Dreamer and Go Gently also play together, with G G kayak and onto a different boat than your own. His kayak finally outrunning D D. rolls and he ends up in the drink. When entering Covered Portage, I find several of our The meeting goes well. Because Murray and Rosa group already at anchor and more are coming in. Linda will have some passengers and wish to first head Dave Edgerton, Robert Paquette and I are invited to for The Bustards, it is decided to switch the itinerary come aboard Maija Lisa for a spaghetti supper. around in order to accommodate them. I ask Irene to be It turned into a beautiful evening, and a nice quiet night. the weather monitor. I hoped that she would call up some According to plan, I am up very early and kayak out of favorable winds for us, but she failed to do so!! the Cove. When I have gone a little way and can see the At eleven all those who wish to go to Killarney for the Killarney micro-wave tower, I get out my cell-phone famous fish-and-chips crowd aboard just a few boats be- and once again try calling home. But like several times cause docking there is usually at a premium. before, I get no service! How frustrating! And besides; this is more fun! After having my breakfast, I take Go Gently out past Using a public phone, I finally get to contact my family. Sheep Island, much closer to Killarney and try again, Wow!! with the same results. What’s with these things?? While there, a neat, blue Ultra-light lands on the water When I am back in Covered Portage, I hold the Cap- close by; he flew in from London, Ontario. tain’s meeting for Plan # 4 aboard my boat. After returning to Covered Portage Cove, I decide to once Our group is going to be quite small, consisting of the again climb the height above the cove. (How many more following boats: Eventide, Taranui, Pura Vida, times will I be able to do this rather strenuous hike?) This time I go even farther, making it all the way to the second height. The beautiful view again pays for the effort! A very nice spaghetti supper aboard Loon-A-Sea returns my energy. This is also my farewell to my friends the Richards as we go in different directions tomorrow. Sunday July 22. This is the day when plan # 4 goes into effect. This plan came about because a number of folks had indicated a desire to go to Britt even though the original plan for a sail East and then using a bus or so to retrieve vehicles and trailers in order to haul out in Britt, had fallen through. This plan was limited to people who could tack on an extra week. I managed to put a plan together that allowed for plenty of time to enjoy the sights. From left to right: Ilona Rouda, Robert Paquette, Bob You can read all about the success of our adventure in the Rouda, Henk Vanderhulst, Irene and John Clement. excellent story from the pen (?) of Diana Nelson.

small. This is the Chikanishing, a small stream of clear I only wish to add a little more to her story. water coming out of Killarney Park. It is about one mile This has to do with the rather disappointing time we east of Thomas Bay. When I kayaked up this stream last had when we got trapped by weeds at the bottom of year, a beaver was swimming quite peacefully just in Mill Lake. front of my kayak until he turned off at his lodge. Eventide was having the worst of it and unable to Because of the dinghies behind me, I decide to go out- move. When I looked over toward them, I noticed side the several islands. This is at times a bit rough due what at first looked somewhat like a seal bobbing up to wind and waves from several motorboats. and down near the transom. I decided to take a closer It also causes me to loose my way at a crucial point. look, Luckily the Clements have their GPS along and we are and I approached in my kayak. No, it was not a seal. soon cruising up the river. It is quite scenic and before It was fearless Diana with a knife in hand making long we arrive at a landing, used by other kayakers and several dives down to clear the weeds from the prop fishermen. This is the place were you can find the be- and rudder!! She did a good job. By that time we ginning of a well marked, wild trail. We decide to go were all clear of that infernal weed-bed and went on part way until we come to the highest point with a very our way again. nice view of the beginning of Collins Inlet and the The other thing has to do with the last day that the many Islands. Before turning back, we take a group remnants of our Plan # 4 group were together. picture. Since Diana and Mike had left earlier that morning, they missed out on our final adventure. On the way back to Thomas Bay, I decide that the route But first I invite Robert Paquette over for breakfast. behind the islands will work out OK and indeed, it is We have a long chat about various things, including not as rough. many of my innovations on Go Gently. And so, on the morning of July 31 we part company I ask him to come back for a lunch of pancakes, using after a very successful two weeks. the blueberries he picked. Delicious!! I will call this Part 1 of my story, and I plan to be back In the afternoon two dinghies are following my kayak with more in the next issue of Clipper Snips. for a trip to a small river that I have visited last year as well as many years ago, when our children were Through Kids Eyes— by Emma Blackwood Early morning wake up calls on the North Channel

19 ...From the T/SA Web Discussion List... Bob Rouda, TRAILSAIL Discussion List Editor

Technical Questions….. came out of the water outlet. When I ran it at a little Where information is exchanged on everything from boat higher speed, water then came out, ditto when I ran it maintenance to operation, safety, what to buy and use, hard. My question is this: is it normal to get no cooling and just about everything else... water output on idle? I would have guessed that water would be circulated and output no matter what the speed. Is it safe to moor with swing keel in the up position? Stan C: Should get a pee stream ALL the time the motor Georgewash19: Hello all... I'm seeking some sage ad- is running. I would suspect some of the pump vanes are vice. I live in the Puget Sound and have access to a com- broken off. Get a pump kit and change it. munity beach where over the summer all the residents beach their boats for months on end so they are within Eric: I work on outboards for the coast guard, and I walking distance while the weather is nice. This works agree. You definitely should be seeing a discharge while great for motorboats with a relatively flat bottom - I'm the engine is running. You will have to take it apart to see wondering how a sailboat would fair if I tried to leave it if the impeller is bad, and when you get it that far (and at down there. Obviously I'm thinking of a boat with a that age of engine) I would recommend you replace it swing keel or a centerboard - Maybe a Catalina 22. anyway. Getting a kit and doing it yourself is easy I'm wondering though if it would cause a lot of extra enough and the kit usually comes with instructions. Good wear on the boat to leave the boat down there with the luck! keel in the up position. Because of the pretty big tidal fluctuations up here the boat would definitely be floating Chuck: Your 4 hp merc should always pump water; have a large portion of the day, and sitting on the sand the rest a new impeller installed in the water pump. This should of the time. be done every couple of years, not five or never. Would a centerboard perhaps be a better choice then a swing keel? I'd love to take advantage of the free moor- Other cruises and cruising locations age at the beach because I can't afford traditional moor- Containing announcements, requests for information, age, and don't have a truck to constantly be hauling a boat planned or desired trips, events with other organizations, in and out of the water... etc. For example:

Jerry Powlas: The Brits do that sort of thing all the Trent Severn Waterway time. They have designed special boats for the purpose. Check out this site: Chasndi6: I am just looking to see if there is any interest http://www.twin-keeler.org/ for a group trip to the Trent Severn. At this time NOTH- ING has been decided, date, number of days, how much Henk Vanderhulst: I sailed a 17 ft open boat off the of the canal to travel its 280 miles, 40 plus locks and too beach a few times; the big problem was gravel getting in many towns with way to many shops. If you have done it alongside the centerboard and jamming it so it would not and have any suggestions or think you might like to try it. drop. Had a heck of a time getting that gravel out!! So, it would depend on what the beach is like and the configu- Karl & Barbara Schmidt: Hi; Some positive interest on ration of the boat bottom our part. We have a Mac 26C and have done the NC four times. We would be limited to outboard motor power. Outboard Motor Question Also, we are both retired. Also possible, local buddy with a Mac 26X. Scott F: I have a motor question please. I bought my 2002 Catalina Capri 22 last fall, and it came with a de- Bob RWB: Hi, I have often thought of visiting the Trent cent 1976 Mercury 4.5 hp outboard. I was servicing it last with our Sirius 21. I had posted this question a few years weekend, getting it ready for the sailing season. ago and had many positive e-mails from those that have I noticed that when I throttled it down to idle, no water taken their sailboats through the Trent. This is a very

20 busy waterway during the prime time vacation periods cruise for the Catalina. One thought is Penetang. We (July August). If the time is available September is a less first cruised our Sirius there nearly 20 years ago, and busy traffic time, yet most of the points of interest are think that Beausoleil, etc. might again be suitable destina- available as well as the town's waterfront docking would tions. Does anyone know about the current length/depth be much easier to gain for overnight slippage. Very diffi- of the Penetang ramp for a Catalina 25? How about Mid- cult to obtain during the prime season. Some of the better land? Doral (was Wye)? Any other trailer-sailing- overnight sites can be found at some of the more pictur- friendly suggestions for overnight mini-cruises within a esque locks located close to towns with some remote couple of hours of Aurora, Ont.? We need a little more from the maddening crowds. water at the ramp now than we did in the P23. There are As far as sailing, this would be difficult; many several ramps I've used with the Precision I'd prefer to bridges etc. are too low for motoring with mast up, even avoid for this first trial. though there are lakes that could be sailed. A very easy mast stepping system would be needed, as this would be John & Susan Coppedge: We have used the ramp at a constant necessity. Penetang Town dock many times. I really doubt anyone This is a very beautiful waterway, with many very would have a problem with anything short of a semi- interesting stops, as I remember from my early years of trailer. Our boat doesn't require much, but we have seen vacationing there. Nav charts, the cruising guide and quite large boats launched there and it’s a big ramp. tourist pamphlets would be advised. The anchorages within the vicinity of Penetang, in our It would be fun, even though motor power would be experience, tend to be crowded and noisy on summer the norm. weekends with serious parties that can go quite late. De- pending on the weekend and weather, in some anchor- Shawn Blackwood: Actually boat traffic has been down ages, it is nearly impossible and just as undesirable to this summer, more than likely from the higher price of find a place to throw the hook. gas. The town marina here seemed to have empty slips We have also anchored out in Penetang Bay across throughout the summer. Info can be found at the follow- from the dock, but in recent years (although we didn't go ing site: www.peterboroughmarina.ca via the city of there last year) the water has been so low that our previ- Peterborough website. ous anchorages were completely weed choked, so we Would love to see fellow T/SA members in town. have spent the night at the dock. We have never had a problem (arriving late) just grabbing a dock and settling Michael Morris: There are several T/SA members in up the next morning. London [Ontario] who have expressed some interest in Much to our surprise, Britt is only 2 hours further canal cruises. Last year 4 boats from here did part of the from Buffalo (and 2 or 3 hours closer than Spanish) and Rideau Canal and enjoyed that very much. Keep us in that area is really, for our money, the gateway to the mind. really interesting stuff. For us, that means we can leave Cleveland in the am and be at anchor in Black Bay well Kathy Blackwood: Given that we live in Peterborough before dark. and keep our boat in Buckhorn, I have to say, we'd be more than happy to have a contingent for a visit either in Henk Vanderhulst: Sia and I were in that area of Beau- Peterborough at our home, or at the family cottage in soleil several times in "the early days". First with our DS Wood Warf Bay on Buckhorn Lake. 20 "Cygnet", and then with "Go Gently". We enjoyed Let us know if you’re headed our way. that area, would visit BS and walk the trails. We also went on to Parry Sound several times. I still remember a Southern Georgian Bay fair bit about it and also anchorages, but I hesitate to provide you much info. John Clement: We finally have towed "Swallow" home I am quite sure that the ramp at P. is OK for your from Delaware, and have her in the side yard along with Catalina 25. Ron & Shirley Seller used it with no prob- "Taranui". (An ad for "Taranui" has been submitted for lem. Of course the water was then higher, but it should the next Clipper Snips). Both boats have various projects still be OK. In case you want more, let me know and I under way, and there is still some paperwork to complete will scratch my brain; I'm sure something would drop re making "Swallow" and the trailer fully Canadian. out! We're wondering about locations for a 2 - 3 day trial mini-cruise in early/mid June as our first shakedown 21

Navigation Challenge by Bob Rouda

This column is part of a continuing series of problems (and solutions), to sharpen and maintain your navigation skills. My solutions will be published in the next issue of Clipper Snips, along with another problem. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of coastal navigation, or that you have the appropriate reference materials and are a fast learner. These exercises and refreshers are not a substitute for a good training program in navigation.

In problems #1 & #2, we worked with the use of a shipboard navigation compass, and the current set and drift. In problem #3, we will continue - by plotting a new heading towards our desired destination, taking all of the above into account. xSomething to do while stuck ashore. xNo chart necessary. xPlease DO NOT post your answers on the Trailer/Sailors Association’s TRAILSAIL Internet Discussion List, so others can have the fun (?) of figuring this out for themselves. My solutions will be published in the next issue of Clipper Snips, along with another problem (if I’m still afloat). Good luck. “May the course be with you!”

Solution to Navigation Problem #2

This is the solution to the navigation problem which appeared in the previous issue of Clipper Snips, Spring 2007: Information given: You sail by the lighthouse at 1100, and enter the following information into your log: Heading (bulkhead compass reading) = 180 Heading (using your handheld bearing compass) = 175. (Assume that this compass reading is not affected by magnetic or metallic disturbances on the boat.) Variation (from your chart) = 010 degrees West Boat speed (from your knot meter) = 4.0 knots You hold this course and speed. At 1130, you take a bearing back at the lighthouse (using your handheld compass.) xBearing = 020 Actual distance traveled from the lighthouse (from your “electronic log” = GPS) = 1.5 nautical miles Questions: What is your actual direction of travel? What is your actual speed over-the-ground? How far have you actually traveled relative to the ground, not the water? What is the drift (in knots)? What is the current set? What is your angle of leeway?

Solution to Problem #2: This is a little tricky (did you figure it out?): Sighting back with your handheld compass to the lighthouse, the 20 degrees is the actual direction you have come from. Your direction of travel is the opposite, or 200 degrees. These are magnetic directions (still assuming that your handheld compass has no compass error).

Your course has been 175 (magnetic). So the angle of leeway is 200 – 175 = 25 degrees. Since the direction of travel is to the right = starboard of your heading, you have 25 degrees of starboard leeway. How far did you actually travel? This is given by your GPS, 1.5 nautical miles. What was your speed over-the-ground? Speed = Distance / Time = 1.5 nautical miles / 0.5 hours (i.e. from 1100 to 1130) = 3.0 knots. Why is this different from the boat speed (through-the water)? Because of a combination of leeway (drift due to the wind), current (drift due to the moving water), steering error, phase of the moon, alignment of the planets, in- terference by the government, and some other things. The difference is referred to as drift (speed) and set (direction). The determination of set and drift can be determined graphically (or probably with some sophisticated computer program, which I don’t have). This is usually done on either your navigation chart or on a maneuvering board (a special type of graph paper). Here’s my solution: Plotting the vectors for the heading and the actual direction of travel, for the ½ hour between 1100 and 1130, with the lengths of the vectors equal to the distances:

Figure 1: Determination of Set and Drift from DR Plot and Actual Location. From the diagram, the set is 310 (magnetic) = 300 (true). The drift is the speed of the “current” = 0.9 nautical miles / 0.5 hour = 1.8 knots. Note that we seem to be traveling close-hauled on port tack, with quite a bit of leeway to starboard.

Answers: Your actual direction of travel is 200 magnetic (190 true) Your actual speed over-the-ground is 3.0 knots You have actually traveled 1.5 nautical miles relative to the ground (in ½ hour). The drift is 1.8 knots. 23

The current set is 310 magnetic = 300 true Your angle of leeway is 25 degrees, to starboard Navigation Problem # 3

This problem will involve setting a new course to reach your original destination, taking the current set and drift into account. Information given: All of the necessary information is repeated here, so you can continue without having to have solved the previous Navigation Problems. You’re welcome.

Start: At the lighthouse, at 11:00 AM Initial course: Bearing and heading to destination: 180 compass, 175 magnetic, 165 true Boat speed (from knot meter, relative to the water): 4.0 knots Actual travel (from 11:00 to 12:00 noon): Direction traveled from the lighthouse) = 205 compass, 200 magnetic, 190 true Speed over the ground = 3.0 knots Original plan: Travel for 10.0 nautical miles, at 4.0 knots Arrive at your destination at 1:30 pm Current set and drift: Set = 300 true Drift = 1.8 knots Continue sailing at the same heading and speed until 12:00 noon (letting the current take you where it will).

At this time, you make a course change which you will hold until you reach your (original) destination: Because of the current drift, you decide to motor-sail if necessary, to keep your boat speed (relative to the water) at 4.0 knots. Assume the set and drift remain constant, as above, for the rest of the day.

Questions: 1. Where are you, at 12:00 noon? 2. Draw a diagram, showing your expected travel, from the course change to your final destination. At 12:00 noon, what is the bearing to your destination? 3. What heading (direction to steer) should you change to at noon, and maintain, to reach your destination without further course changes? 4. What will your actual speed (over-the-ground) be? 5. What is your expected ETA (estimated time of arrival)? 6. I will keep writing these if people find these useful, enjoyable, or challenging. If you are interested in having these problems continue in future issues of Clipper Snips, please send e-mail to the author: [email protected]

The solution will appear in the next issue of Clipper Snips.

Classified—For Sale and Wanted

CATALINA 25’ (1979) White / Blue Trim $ 4000 or Best Offer, must take immediate delivery General: Traditional Catalina 25’ layout with Galley, berths and separate enclosed head, Swing keel; (new keel cable and rolling ball 2005; keel zincs installed), Draft keel up = 2’8”; keel down = 5’. Sails: Working Jib; reconditioned with LaMauney process (2007), by SailCare, Newer Custom Designed 130% Main, North Sail 2001; reconditioned with LaMauney process (2007), 2 reefing points, Jiffy reefing system, Dutchman Sail Flaking System, spare STD main, Genny 130% reconditioned with LaMauney process (2005), Drifter 180% Tri-colored, 5 oz Nylon, almost new, hardly used, Cabin: Pop-Top with Hydraulic lift Assist; 6’6” headroom, Sleep 6, Carpeting, New AM/FM/Weather Radio with CD w/ 4 speakers and Aux/MP3 inputs, Manual water system; Cur- tains, Manual bilge pump, Vanity sink, Port-O-Potty. Galley: New 2-burner propane stove, New Large Propane Grill, Man- ual water system Electrical: 2 12-volt Marine deep cycle batteries Motor: Evinrude [1984] 9.9 Hp Serviced each year, records maintained, Outboard motor, long shaft, electric start Trailer: Ez-Zee Loader, with self-adjusting rollers, has tandem wheels, For more information contact Troy A. Cain: [email protected] ,412-271-0190 X267 1988 Precision 23. “Taranui” MacGregor 26S, 1991. Includes: Performance trailer, Yamaha 9.9 4-Stroke with electric start and easy-raising modification. VHF with mast- head antenna. Deck-mounted porti-potti pump-out. Navico Sleeps 5, 8 hp Mariner. Improved double axel Bidata speed/depth. North full-battened main with 2 reefs trailer with 'sealskin' brakes makes towing a plus flattening reef. North 150 furling genoa on Schaeffer dream. Much improved storage for cruising. Snapfurl furler. Spare main, 110 jib and 150 genoa. Two Main and furling 135 genoa-2003. Spinnaker anchors (Danforth and Bruce styles) with chain and rode. Genco dodger and bimini which can be used while sailing. and pole barely used. 14 lb. delta with 25 ft of Full mosquito protection, including bug-proof cockpit enclo- chain and 200 ft. of rode, plus 7 lb. Danforth. sure. Tiller extension, Tiller Tamer, Tiller pilot. 2 burner VHF, depthsounder (2006), battery (2007), bow- Origo alcohol stove. Upgraded foam in cabin cushions. Hull roller, traveller, genoa track, BBQ. Portable treated with 3 coats of Interlux 2000 Epoxy base coat, plus VC 17. Custom winter cover and frame. Custom mast rais- head with pumpout plumbing. Cockpit cushions. ing system (boat can be rigged by one person). All lines, Very Good shape. $14,900 Cdn. (incl. reefing) to cockpit allowing safe single-handing. Ad- justable backstay. Lazy-jacks. Motor and trailer have been Please contact Mike and Shirley Hiscock professionally maintained annually. Many other modifica- tions and features increase convenience (email for complete 705 326 7714 listing). Asking Cdn $14,000., John Clement, Aurora, ON,

r Fun North Channel Sailors

fo Challenge—Answers

ust Gaft 19.

J Rathom 18.

North Channel lights Range or markers Range 17.

16. Messenger Messenger 16.

Sailors Challenge—Questions Head 15.

1. What is the name of the line used to pull up the Skeg 14.

sails? White 13. 12. 29, 1975 1975 29, 12.

2. On a yawl or ketch sailboat what is the name of False 11.

the rear most sail? Starboard 10.

3. What country won the America’s Cup? Star North the or Polaris 9.

4. What mechanical instrument was used to deter- Batons 8.

mine the height of an object off the horizon System Positioning Global 7. 6. Red Red 6.

5. What mechanical instrument was developed to Chronometer 5.

determine longitude? Sextant 4.

6. When returning to harbor which colour buoy is Switzerland 3.

on the starboard? Mizzen 2. 7. What does GPS stand for? Halyard 1. 8. What are the plastic or wooden strips that are added to the leach of the sail? 9. In the northern hemisphere all stars revolve around this star. What is the name of this star? 10. When sailboats are racing which sailboats has the right of way? One on a Starboard or Port tack? 11. True or False—The magnetic deviation is constant over North America 12. How many men perished on the Edmund Fitz- gerald and in what year 13. What colour is the steaming light 14. What is the name of the fin that is mounted aft of the keel and has the rudder mounted to the end. 15. What is the name of the bathroom on a boat? 16. On early ships they used a capstan to raise the anchor. The anchor line was not put on this capstan. What was the name of the line put around the capstan. 17. What is the name of the markers/lights that are used to line up your course in the center of a channel or narrow passageway? 18. What is the name of the depth that is equal to 6 feet? 19. What is the stick at the top of a sail 20. What is the type of boat that has two hulls http://www.gibbleguts.com/html/sailing.html 26

Littlest North Channel Cruisers Kira Holderness (Teliki) and Tiller Brandon (Sea Quell)

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Mail this completed form along with your cheque for $16.00 US or $17.00 Canadian to Dick Zets 11420 Country Line Rd. Forestville NY 14062 [email protected]@

27 Trailer/Sailors Association The Trailer/Sailors Association is a non-profit organization formed more than 20 years ago. Its members provide a exchange of ideas and information about all aspects of sailing trailerable sailboats. Our more than 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, providing cruising articles, association announcements, how-to articles, and free classified ads.

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