Is Lake Michigan Good for sailing?

An uncommon combination of freshwater lake and ocean-style cruising, the Great Lakes offer some of the most interesting sailing anywhere. Among the five lakes, 300-mile long Lake Michigan is perfect for urban gunkholing, small bay anchoring and boisterous big water sailing.

How big of a sailboat do you need for Lake Michigan?

The recommended size sailboat for crossing Lake Michigan is anything over 23 feet long. The recommended size motorboat for crossing Lake Michigan is anything over 28 feet long. Be prepared for cold weather especially if you plan on crossing overnight. Always bring some blankets and a sweatshirt.

Can you sail from Lake Michigan to the ocean?

Yes, you can indeed sail from the Great Lakes to the ocean. In this case, the ocean you’d arrive at is the Atlantic Ocean. All five lakes connect to this ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.

How many nautical miles is Lake Michigan?

By volume, Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes, third largest by surface area. Lying completely within the United States, this long lake extends over 300 mi / 480 km / 259 nm from Gary IN in the south all the way north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Straits of Mackinac.

How big of a sailboat do you need for the Great Lakes?

As a standard sailboat for Lake Michigan, you should ideally look at 27-feet or longer. Something like a Catalina 30 is a great choice for the Great Lakes. Ideally, you’re not looking for anything too big and a boat with a shallow draft to cope with shallower regions on the lakes.

How big of a boat do you need to cross Lake Michigan?

You can safely go out on Lake Michigan in boats that are 15-ft long, but it is recommended to use a boat that is closer to the 20-ft range in the off-season and even larger during the season to avoid being tossed around in the chop. Many people will tell you about their adventures and what has worked for them.

Is it safe to boat on Lake Michigan?

Is Lake Michigan rough water?

Swift Currents Are The Real Danger Not only is this lake massive – spanning 307 miles in either direction – but its shores also run parallel, causing unique wave shapes. Ths shapes of these waves are what contribute to rip tides, which are one of the most dangerous things swimmers can encounter in the water.

Can you sail from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico?

Ships sail a 1,530-mile inland waterway from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via canals and tributaries that connect Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi.

What size boat is recommended for Lake Michigan?

You can safely go out on Lake Michigan in boats that are 15-ft long, but it is recommended to use a boat that is closer to the 20-ft range in the off-season and even larger during the season to avoid being tossed around in the chop.

How long does it take to sail across Lake Michigan?

To sail directly across Lake Michigan, from Chicago to New Buffalo, is a distance of approximately 40 nautical miles straight sailing. The journey can take between 2-5 hours. The exact time will depend on the conditions on the lake and the speed of your sailboat.