Cruise from New York to 1000 Islands Saint Lawrence River

[Mike Crothers]

Looking for advice on planning a trip from Oswego to and around the 1000 islands this summer. We have a 40' Hunter Legend Sloop drafting 5'8" and have cruised extensively on the US East Coast.



Some questions:
1) Guides and charts to use?


2) Do you think storing the mast in Catskill and going on Lake Ontario without a mast would be a problem? I would like to skip the hassle of dropping and putting up the mast twice.


3) Is a month a reasonable amount of time for the Ontario/Lawrence River/1000 Islands portion of the trip?


4) Are there any covid restrictions on crossing between the US and Canada?


Thanks for any input.

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by Mike Crothers

Looking for advice on planning a trip from Oswego to and around the 1000 islands this summer. We have a 40' Hunter Legend Sloop drafting 5'8" and have cruised extensively on the US East Coast.



Some questions:
1) Guides and charts to use?
The Lake Ontario Ports guide is useful to have.


2) Do you think storing the mast in Catskill and going on Lake Ontario without a mast would be a problem? I would like to skip the hassle of dropping and putting up the mast twice.
Couple of things come to mind. One is that sailboats without a mast are not as comfortable to ride in waves as a with a mast - note this is about comfort, not safety. The other is that you will miss out on sailing opportunities on Lake Ontario. If you are comfortable doing you own mast, you can do it on the Hudson at Castelton Boat Club. A lot cheaper than at Catskill, although they are good at what they do.


3) Is a month a reasonable amount of time for the Ontario/Lawrence River/1000 Islands portion of the trip?
A month is more than adequate. I think 10 days or so in the islands would be nice. Make sure to stop in Kingston at the marina downtown. Lovely, historic small city. You could make a loop trip by going to LO via the Erie Canal and going back to the Hudson via Lake Champlain. You enter the canal there at Sorel which is downstream from Montreal so a good chance to stop there. If time allows you could go as far down river as Quebec City which is fabulous. There is a marina (with a lock!)in walking distance to the historic part of town. Note that tidal range is 14' at QC so you can use tide going and coming to Sorel.

4) Are there any covid restrictions on crossing between the US and Canada?

No
Thanks for any input.

Enjoy the trip.