Bayfield WI to Isle Royale National Park

[PhilipMaestral]

Anyone experienced with how long this crossing takes on a sailboat (37 feet in our case) assuming low to moderate winds and wave height? I already expect a few 'it depends'!!!

[LakeSuperior]

Sailing from upper Portage Entry on the Keweenaw to Cumberland Point which is about 45 nautical miles takes between 7 and 10 hours...depending.

Divide the distance from Bayfield to Cumberland Point by 6 and that will give you an optimistic estimate of the passage time.

[LakeSuperior]

BTW, when are you planning to sail to Isle Royale?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Philip.

[smark]

Isle Royale to Stockton Island took us about 12 hours last year. About 1/3 sailing, 1/3 motor sailing, and 1/3 motoring on a 44' Jeaneau.

[cdcorl]

We have done it many times, and yes, it depends. I would count on 16-20 hours. We like night crossings on Superior, but if you are not in the mood for one, stay out on Cat, Rocky, North Twin, or Sand (depending on the next days weather), and get up a few hours before sunrise. If you don't make it by dark, go all the way into Windigo and anchor (it works for all winds). If you make it before dark, you can slip into John's or one of the other entry islands. We like going direct, but most folks head to Grand Marais, MN (8-12 hours) and then go to Isle Royale the next day. The night crossing is the best, with an assured landing during daylight hours.

[Bill Youmans]

Be prepared to motor up to half or more with sometimes pretty slack winds. Don’t forget your bathing suit as Superior is clear clean and gives you that robust feeling.

[thannever]

I have done this several times and recommend night crossings. If you are planning on sailing and not motoring you have to expect big fluctuations in wind speed durin.g the crossing. In clear weather it's very beautiful ghosting along in the middle of Superior watching the sky. Northern lights are possible. A wet suit makes swimming at the island more enjoyable.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Bill Youmans

Don’t forget your bathing suit as Superior is clear clean and gives you that robust feeling.

I was diving in Superior a few days ago and it was 40 F at the surface. Robust indeed.

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by Jammer

I was diving in Superior a few days ago and it was 40 F at the surface. Robust indeed.

Coincidently, I am sitting here working on photos from a dive on Isle Royale a couple weeks ago. This is a shot of the cabin structure above the engine on the America. The OP will sail right by the wreck coming from Bayfield.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, cdcorl.