Lake Superior

[jeagles]

I am contemplating buying a 32 ft. boat in Chicago area and sailing/motoring to T'under Bay in the summer.
How challenging is the big lake. I have lots experience on Ontario; but none on bigger water.

[Mike OReilly]

Spent 10+ years sailing the Big Lake. It can be challenging waters, but summer months (July/August) are mostly good sailing times. Even June can be fine, but foggy, and September is sometimes amazing. Your biggest differences between Lake Ontario and Superior will be the cold, the larger swells, size of the lake, and the remoteness.

If you can provide more details about your planned journey (time available, planned departure, route, boat specifics, crew numbers, experience levels, etc.) then there are a few of us on here with quite a lot of Superior experience. I’m sure you’ll get some excellent info.

[SV Siren]

The big lakes can certainly be challenging. You have to be flexible in your timing to be able to pick weather windows. If you leave Chicago, I would almost suggest that you go to St. Joseph, and then run up the East side of Lake Michigan. There are many ports along the way to duck into all the way up the coast, about every 20 miles or so. The historic wind patterns usually are from a southerly direction, so it would be a run. It would make for a great trip. Just watch your weather predictions.

Mike O is spot on concerning water temps and the like. Even sailing into October can be very nice, as the water temps are still very comfortable as compared to spring sailing.

[svseachange]

Do it. You will not regret it. Talk to Mike O'Reilly and CF member "Lake Superior". Buy the cruising guide "Superior Way" by Bonnie Dahl.