St. Lawrence Seaway

[Swimmingbird]

Greeting all! I’m considering bringing a large sailing cat 44’-54’ Into the Great Lakes from Florida and I’m curious about resources and pilotage of the St. Lawrence. Also wondering about any potential low bridges along the way to Mackinac. Thanks in advance for any recommendations, websites, pilotage books or YouTube channels!

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by Swimmingbird

Greeting all! I’m considering bringing a large sailing cat 44’-54’ Into the Great Lakes from Florida and I’m curious about resources and pilotage of the St. Lawrence. Also wondering about any potential low bridges along the way to Mackinac. Thanks in advance for any recommendations, websites, pilotage books or YouTube channels!

Should not be a problem. It is slow going up the river because of current but you can use the tide as far as Quebec City to help. On a 35 mono, we once hit 10.3 knots. More likely you will do around three so patience is required. There is a short canal at the SE corner of Cape Breton Island and a couple of locks at the SW corner that will save you having to go around CBI.

Bridges are not an issue as large freighters transit the route. There are eight locks on the St Lawrence River and eight more on the Welland Canal. The latter requires minimum three crew unbound. Don't know if you would need four with a large boat, but at least you don't have a keel. There are a couple of cruising kinds that would be helpful. Check Nautical Mind or other marine bookstore.

Not sure if you are on a tight schedule but if you have time (July-August is best) spend a couple of weeks on the south shore of Newfoundland. We have circumnavigated but this area is the most interesting cruising ground we have visited.

Final thought, if speed is key you could go up the Hudson and through the Erie Canal to Buffalo. Mast down for this, either on deck or trucked.

[Swimmingbird]

Thank you for the great info and speedy reply! I will take my time around Newfoundland if I decide on that route!

[pcmm]

The bigger issue I think you'll have is dockage once you get into the great lakes! Its tough finding a spot for a 45ft mono let alone a cat that big! do your due diligence on places you can stay along the way.

[Invictus69]

Thanks for posting, I actually have been researching second-hand fresh-water sailboats in the Great Lakes and driving them in the opposite direction to the ocean. It appears doable but it may take a long time especially if one adds local experiences along the route which definitely are worth the time.


Are there any cruising guides to recommend?


On the other aspects, any thoughts on buying fresh water boats from the Great lakes (they are probably less worn because of salt but have to deal with icy wintes on the flip side. Some links from existing discussions will help not to change this post.


Thanks!

[sailingharry]

A "Cruising Guide" of sorts is our travel blog -- circe.travelmap.net -- but make sure you select the 2022 trip (upper left corner drop down).


There is a Down East Circle Facebook groups, which is helpful.


It is a LOT shorter, faster, and easier to do the Erie Canal, although it requires the mast out. They are good at this at both Hop O Nose (South of Albany) and Oswego City Marina (Oswego, on Lake Ontario). About $500 up and down.


Canada publishes a graphic current book, both online (free) and in print. The currents are wild. https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/l...8-41051531.pdf


On most of the Saint Lawrence, you'll need to be self-reliant. Especially fighting upstream, you'll find full service marinas to be scarce.


Diesel will be a big problem. We carry 95 gallons, so it wasn't a problem. But, ports (such as you find) are mainly commercial fishing ports. Fuel is obtained by tanker truck (only) and it is illegal for them to sell red-dye (for fishing boats) to pleasure boats (unlike US). Sometimes they will -- often they won't. Especially motoring against a couple knots of current, factor range and fuel stops into your planning.


Water is a non-problem. We carry 150 gallons (more than many, I know), but it was just not an issue. Every two-bit town or wharf still had water available.


Outside the big population centers, English is a bit of problem. They are friendliy, but commuicadtionb is a challenge.


Canadian Sailing Directions are helpful: https://charts.gc.ca/publications/sa...iques-eng.html


There is a guide, basically a "chamber of commerce guide to members" that we found invaluable https://alliancenautique.com/initiatives/nautiguide/


Hope this helps some.

[hpeer]

Down East Circle Route (Cheryl Barr) is a great resource and has tables for figuring the current, down AND up, along the route.

The Wife and I came DOWN in a under powered monohull a few years ago. I found it a bit challenging to find anchorages inside the Seaway.

Florida up is a very long run which I have done. I would consider running from South of Marblehead (or further South) to Shelbourne, NS (or further East) to save time and miles. I went from Delaware to Shelbourne.

I can speak to the martimes a bit.