Apostle Islands Cruise

[Brent]

Imagination has just returned from a few days in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior. This was a solo trip, just the boat and I, with the mission of seeing a few lighthouses, and exploring the islands both by boat and by foot.

During our time here we experienced everything from wisper winds to steady 20+ knots. The sailing was superb. The water is clear and cold. Swimming was minimal.

The boat went into the water at a place called Red Cliff on the Ojebwe Indian lands of northern Wisconsin. Before getting started a couple of Ojebwe filled me in on the ancient stories of the islands, and warned me about the good spirits and bad spirits that inhabit various places.

After cruising up the channel and into the National Park waters, and cruising around a bit we ended the day at Oak Island which has spectacular sunsets.

[Brent]

Later we visited both the Rasberry Island and Devil's Island lighthouses, which are interesting reminders of days gone by in the history of great lakes shipping.

Devil's Island has some interesting sea caves which produce a moaning sound as the wind and water flow through them.

[Brent]

The trip from Rasberry Island up to Rocky Island was in light wind conditions. I was glad the staysail was on board, as it made the 15 mile trip much more tolerable, and got us into the harbor in plenty of time for a supper.

In light to medium conditions the cat ketch rig is easy to balance out, making it possible to leave the helm to move about the boat.

[Brent]

I enjoyed a long run over to Devil's Island, surfing down the waves on the long open water fetch.

The harbor over on Devil's Island had boats tied up at all the deep water slips. Imagination found a snug berth in 6 inches of water at the front of one of the docks. On just the other side of the dock the waves pounded the rocks all night long, but I slept well to the gentle rocking in this snug corner of the harbor.

[Brent]

The last day we covered 30 miles averaging 7+ knots. My earlier concern about making this long distance in a timely fashion faded into an opportunity to anchor for a swim in a warm cove, explore Hermit Island, and take a leisure lunch, still getting to the dock in plent of time.

[Travis Votaw]

Good report and pics, Brent. Thanks for posting them. Sounds like you had a very good time.

TV

[Frank Hagan]

What a great trip! Your pictures are outstanding, and make me want to take off on an extended sailing trip myself.

[capt jake]

Very nice indeed! I try to reach a 'goal' like an island, but never seem to get there. Great documentary!

[Scott Dunsworth]

Brent Great photos.

I read a article in Latitudes & Attitudes A while back on cruising Apostle Islands. I put it on my to do list.

Maybe there could be a group of mess abouts get together for a group sail to Apostle Islands in the future. Say far enough out there where people can plan for it. Maybe a three or four day sail and campout exploring get together. Next July some time. What do you all say?

Scott

[Brent]

Thanks all for the comments. I enjoyed sharing a small taste of the adventure I found there.

The Apostles has been simmering on my must do list for quite a while, and the islands were even better than I had imagined.

Scott, this area would make a great place to meet up with a few other like minded sailors. July next year sounds like a good target

[Bruce Leonard]

Brent,

Coming from Rhode Island, this is a long ride for me. But I would definitely be interested in joining other Core Sound sailors on lake Superior.

[Dave R1]

Brent, that's a great story. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to sail the Apostles.

A few years ago there was a fellow who had built a Weekender who sailed from Bayfield to La Pointe on the boat's maiden voyage. The CG inisisted on tailing him all the way across to make sure he got there. His trip was uneventful.

Did you meet up with any other small sailboats on your trip?

[Tom Lathrop]

Brent,

Great trip and thanks for the photos. However, you don't get the prize for the first B&B design to sail in Lake Superior. In 1996 Liz and I sailed our Bay River Skiff "Loon" in Whitefish Bay. We were near the end of a trailer sailing loop through Maine, Quebec and Ontario. I had intended to get to the Apostles but our schedule called for us to leave the lake in time to get to the EAA convention in Oshkosh so we missed it. I am still envious though.

Good on ya.