Sheboygan

[SPCarroll]

I just tried doing a sail from Sheboygan, WI to Pentwater, MI since it's the closest city across the lake that I could find. It was my first cruise and I learned a lot. It pays to have friends along who know how to steer so you can get some sleep. Also, never trust the forecast for Lake Michigan. It was supposed to be building from 6 knots up to 19 and then dropping down to 12 knots over the next two days. We were becalmed so many times out in the middle of the lake that we had to turn back shortly after crossing the middle line just so I could get home in time for work.
Does anyone else have any stories about trips that didn't go as planned, or maybe I was just not giving myself enough time to relax and enjoy it no matter what happened.

[FSMike]

SPC -
Never have a schedule if you're cruising.
Great to have friends that can steer though.

[sailstoo]

I'm also a Great Lakes sailor, Lk. Superior, and no y'can't trust the forecasts...especially the wind speed. I've learned to always have a plan B, especially when in an anchorage. When wind direction changes I have seen (buoyed with a fender) anchors dropped as people go off to the alternative anchorage. As storms blow in fast I would suggest that if you have a diesel engine, make sure the fuel is clean (polishing helps) and that you have a good fuel filter system, If you are motoring, Great Lakes waves are square and irregular and can really stir up fuel tank sediment which translates to a shut down engine when you least need it. Also, look at what happened during last months Chicago-Mac to see how even the most experienced lakes sailors can get surprised.