Best Route - Norfolk to Great Lakes

[larson2032]

I am planning to bring my Columbia 43, 5.5 draft, from Norfolk, Va to the Great Lakes(Duluth,MN). I had heard once that you could get to the cannal via the Hudson River in New York. something about a company that pulled your mast poll in new york and they installed it back at Erie Cannal. If any one has some good POSITIVE feedback that would be great. If someone has a route that doesn't entail me pulling my mast even better. What say you?

Thanks

[ughmo2000]

The only two east coast routes to the Great Lakes are the St. Lawrence Seaway or the Eire Canal. The Eire Canal route dictates you pull your mast and re step on each end. The SLS involves sailing north to Nova Scotia and the Seaway's entrance, and south west to the Lakes.