Great Lakes Sailors?

[GordMay]

Biting Insects:

While some mosquitoes are daytime biters, most are more active in the evening (dusk to dawn).
Horse flies, deer flies, black flies, and stable flies are usually most active during the day.
Sand flies usually are most active around sunrise and sunset.

Most of the biting flies are also most active at certain times of the year.
Mosquitoes are prevalent from May to September.
Deer flies and black flies are most prevalent in early to late spring.
Stable flies are most abundant in late August through October or November. Sand flies are most abundant during summer months, but may bite at any time during the year.

The most effective mosquito repellents contain the active ingredient diethyl toluamide (DEET). The higher the percentage of DEET in the product, the longer the protection lasts. Low percentage formulations are available for use with young children.

Some Deet-Based (%) Repellent Products:
Cutter (9.5%), Cutter (Family) (6.65%), Muskol (25%), Off (14.25%), Off (Deep Woods) (28.5%), Repel (23%), Repel Lotion (9.0%), Sportsman (29%), Ultrathon (23.75%), Ultrathon (Lotion) (31.0%)

[LakeSuperior]

Gord,
The timing on the stable flys may vary between the UP and the North Shore. That said, they peak on the UP near shore waters mid to end of July. Repellent products are ineffective. In fact, we believe they act like frosting on a cake.

One July trip to Isle Royale they nearly filled the boat. We attracted them out to 30 miles toward the island. We couldn't tell where they were coming from.

The hotter it gets the more ferocious they become. Also, they seem to go on a terror with approaching thunderstorms.

These stable flys are the main reason the UP shores stay desolated in the summer.

[closereach32]

We sail out of Hamilton Harbour. Last year was our first season after ten years on Erie. So far loving all the choices for destinations.

[rjrap]

We sail out of Southport Marina in Kenosha. Came up from Chicago last summer. Have a Cal 25 MK II.

[gettinthere]

We've been eaten alive by biting flies on Lake Erie when becalmed. Not fun at all but doesn't sound as bad as those stable flies!

[perchance]

Sail a Gramp 26 in Georgian Bay. Fab cruising ground but lots of rocks. Can be tricky for the unwary.

[witchcraft]

Currently sailing out of Kingston Ontario... well not at this moment, its a bit chilly, but harbours not frozen yet. Still living aboard... due to unexpected windfall... planning to cruise the lakes all summer, then head south.. or perhaps to nova scotia then south... we shall see how it plays out in the spring.
Let the travelling begin.
Fair winds
SV witchcraft

[Southern Star]

Witchcraft, I sail out of Bath and will also be heading south next fall (ultimately to Isla Margarita). Are you planning on sailing the offshore route, or taking the ICW to Fla?

Brad

[Tingira]

Hi there, Burlington Ontario here, sailing a 1968 Islander 29. Lots of sailors out this way.

[Hal]

I get up to the Green Bay area once in awhile (for the airshow at Oskosh) and would be happy to stop by and say hello. Right now I'm land locked in Oklahoma City sailing on Lake Hefner.

[JerryA]

Hi everyone. I sail my Precision 23 out of Sandusky Bay in Lake Erie. I can't wait for the weather to warm up. The sun is out today, that helps some.

[switepine]

Grand marais MN North Shore Lake SUperior sailing a 1965 Allied Seawind 30 Ketch "Mariah" Also have a 1981 Liberty 28 ft Cutter, Dbl ender I am selling or trying to rent in Port Charlotte FLA.

[switepine]

In regard to Sailing the Canadian islands North of Thunder Bay
1. The Canadians will not let American Sailboats into the country and if you are able to sneak thru here are the consequences

2nd. the bugs are so thick you choke on them from early March till mid December
3rd. Canadians are VERY Dangerous people who carry at least 3 guns per person. They are very unfriendly and will not talk to you or help you out if you are in trouble and only speak french in this part of the world.
4. the water in Lake Superior, especially the North Shore is so dirty you cannot see thru it let alone drink it.
4. the fish are all dead
5. The ice seldom leaves the bays until mid October
6. there are so many sailors up there that you cannot find a place to drop a hook.
7. The moose have rabies and are so starved that they are attacking sailors now. Grizzzly Bears will swim out to all boats and ravage your food stores and women.
8. there is a good chance of getting malaria from the mosquitoes up here.
9. There are no grocery stores anywhere near the harbors or marinas to re provision.
Basically it is much better to sail Lake Peppin on the Mississippi south of Minneapolis, now, THAT is gorgeous cruising ground.

Anyone who wants free charts or info on Sailing Lake Peppin PLEASE contact me!

[switepine]

Oh and dd I mention that only boats with 2 ft draft or less will be runnin aground like they are playing pinball on all the unmarked uncharted reeefs.

[DWT]

Can you sail from the St. Lawrence seaway all the way to Lake Superior in a Cat or Tri, beam approx. 24'?