Tobermory to Killarney Anchorages

[ADMPRTR]

We are starting on our first significant cruise of Georgian Bay in a few days and thought of a route around the Bay*with the following*rough itinerary:*
1. Midland with stops west to Tobermory
2. North to Killarney and if time permits, dipping into Baie Fine
3.*Returning along the north shore via French River, Britt, Parry Sound, etc.
We have three weeks less prep time and hope to limit day hops to 20-40 miles so that route may be a challenge but I think is doable.

I have yet to buy all my charts but looking at the Tobermory to Killarney leg there do not appear to be may places to stop along the way and I wonder if anyone can recommend anchorages to provide shelter and a rest-bit. As a sailing vessel going against the prevailing nor-westerlies I think the 46 miles might take longer than my crew (and dog) will be willing to endure in one day.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[canucksailor]

ADMPRTR - that's an area I've sailed through many times and with your CS 36 (love the boat, looked for but couldn't find one years ago), you'll easily make Tobermory to Killarney in one jump. The entire trip is a great sail if you get the right winds and, other than a short bit, you're pretty much protected from those NW winds by Gitchee Manitou, the big island. On the other hand, as I note in Waterway Guides, you'll miss the fabulous Club Island anchorage, just under 20 miles from Killarney. Great holding, beautiful sunsets, crystal clear water with a sand bottom. Enter dead center, you should see no less than 8 feet of water and just follow your eyes in. It's one of those places in Lake Huron where you can use the Bahamian tactic of eyeball navigation.
Enjoy, it's an area I won't be making it to this year unfortunately.
p.s. there is lots of room for your pup to run on the island. Aduana, the wonder pup, loved it there.

[Dave the Canuck]

Club is a good choice. Rattlesnake harbour to the east provides better protection but some machinery has been left ashore and the scenery isn't what it was. Another choice is James Bay on the SE corner of Manitoulin.

Make sure that you hit the Bustards and Bad River if time allows.

Try St. Amants marina when in Britt. Nice people w a nice little restaurant/bar.

Have fun!

[ADMPRTR]

Thank you for your quick feedback. If we get westerlies then I agree it would be dream sail but I figured that we would be likely beating against the wind and that the route would end up being an all day affair. Club Island anchorage sounds ideal, although I forgot to mention our 6ft draft. Is that still achievable? 8ft of water does not leave much room for error.

BTW, I am unfamiliar with your Waterway Guides (I currently use the Ports Guides which does not appear to cover this route). Is this the one you are referring to: http://www.waterwayguide.com/shipsto...products_id=93

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Dave the Canuck

Club is a good choice. Rattlesnake harbour to the east provides better protection but some machinery has been left ashore and the scenery isn't what it was. Another choice is James Bay on the SE corner of Manitoulin.

Make sure that you hit the Bustards and Bad River if time allows.

Try St. Amants marina when in Britt. Nice people w a nice little restaurant/bar.

Have fun!

Thanks. There are so many choices to consider. How is the depth in Rattlesnake Harbour and James Bay? I forgot to mention my deep draft.

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

Thanks. There are so many choices to consider. How is the depth in Rattlesnake Harbour and James Bay? I forgot to mention my deep draft.

Rattlesnake has 16-20 ft. James Bay has 12-23 ft.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Dave the Canuck

Rattlesnake has 16-20 ft. James Bay has 12-23 ft.

Excellent. Thanks. Of the two, which is "better" (protected, scenic, accessible)?

[canucksailor]

ADMPTR, for the route you want to do, Club is the most convenient. And your six foot draft will get in easily, there's up to 15 feet inside. (Another CS36 just did the ICW with six feet, and depths there can range to under 8 feet at times, it's what you're used to).
James is wide open to the east and gets a nasty swell in anything out of the south. Rattlesnake is open to the west, plus puts you in the lee of Manitoulin so that sailing is nearly impossible.
Rattlesnake from Tobermory and then up to Club is 38 miles. Club from Tobermory is 18, so it's by far the shorter route. Leaving Rattlesnake, you'll still have 11 to go to Club, plus that day's run to Killarney.

[ADMPRTR]

Thank you very much. When I get my charts I will Look up the routes.

[scottb]

Sorry missed this originally. Killarney is an easy 2-3 days from Midland, done it twice now. 2 years ago did a 2 week trip and spent 5 nights in Baie Fine. Let us know how the trip was.

[ADMPRTR]

We just got back from a great trip to the North Channel.

We ended up going directly from Tobermory to Strawberry Island although we passed by Club Island as a contingency. It was a great trip although most of it was motoring as the wind was unwilling to cooperate. Also due to battery problems we spent much more time in marinas than expected but that has it's own benefit aside from the cost. I can see why the North Channel is considered one of the best freshwater sailing areas in the world!

Below are few pictures from our trip consisting of French River (Main) in North Georgian Bay, South Benjamin Island in the North Channel and Sydney Bay near Wiarton Ontario.