Sailing Erie in November

[artisthos]

We are bringing a 19’ Starwind from Cincinnati in the early part of November to hopefully sail over to Canada. I know about the protocol arriving in Canada.
It has taken all summer to get her outfitted and hope we can still have a good sail on Lake Erie.
I used to sail Erie quite a bit in the 70’s.
We will be putting in at Port Clinton. Does anyone know a ramp we can use and have a place to store our trailer?
I realize the weather will be a big part of what weekend we come. The cold weather doesn't bother us.
Thanks for all advice.

[capemiker]

Try brands marina

[artisthos]

Thanks, I put the numbers on the boat today. It took six weeks to get the title. Then our engine would not start so we are getting a new 4.5. THis weekend we finally launched her in the Ohio River, stepped the mast and raised the sail before taking it all down and trailering it home. I can almost taste a good sail coming even if it is cold as cold can be

[SURV69]

Brands doesn't have a launching ramp.

In fact, I don't know of any launching ramps in the immediate area, except for East Harbor State Park.

Brands will charge about $50+ dollars to use their hoist.

[meridian28]

There is a large State boat launch area on RT53 on Catawba. Catawba Landings Marina is right next door (I have a dock there). I'm sure you could make arraingments to store there.

Where are you sailing to?

[artisthos]

Wow, this is great news. I am sure this is where we put in the Morgan 22' in 1973! We are looking at October 26.

[CaptainBW]

You can launch at Catawba Island State Park on the West side of Catawba Island. Not sure if you can leave your trailer overnight though. The West Harbor ramp that meridian28 mentioned is a good ramp too. If you use that one you will have to motor through West Harbor and channel to get to the lake (25-30 minutes). The State Park dock has immediate access to the lake.

Most of the marinas close Nov 1, so you may have trouble getting a dock if you need one. Make arrangements before you leave Cincinnati if you need dockage.

Water levels are the lowest I have seen in 12+ years of boating there so you will have to watch the water level.

Have fun!

[artisthos]

Wow, thank you for this update. We bought the new motor and will be in the Ohio this week. After trials we hope to weekend on Brookville Lake, IN but if things look better we will go straight for Erie. So many things have to take place to get a neglected boat back in the water.

I ran out of time to distill all the info here but thank you for a real up to date cruising information.


East Harbor State Park, ramp, overnight trailer storage?

West State boat launch area on RT53 on Catawba, ramp, trailer overnight storage? Catawba Landings Marina next door, can store trailer

West Catawba Island State Park on the West side of Catawba Island

[sailingjazz]

So, this fall on the Lake was a bit rough. Just wondering if you made it up there and how it went.

Cheers
Kevin

[artisthos]

Wow, we never made it but have been sailing every sunny weekend on the Ohio. My owner is crazy to learn and I am more than willing to help him learn. I constantly tell them to make the best of the wind we have. We like to sail the treadmill of Ohio current. What a fun rousing sail with the wind and current high in the right direction making for long reaches and in the end you are right at the marina I know we will cross the length of Erie with 15' fetches and 7' waves soon and then the owner will know the water going down wind with a pooping We did learn not to sail in freezing weather when the water can splash on the deck and freeze instantly.