WI to FL via Mississippi River

sex2sea · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2002

My husband and I are contemplating sailing our Columbia 36 from Chicago down to Florida this September. We''re looking for any info someone might have on this adventure. A couple of specific questions we have are: We''ve been told we can raise our mast near St. Louis,correct? Does it pay to raise the mast, will we ever be able to put up a sail? Anyone with advise,or experience doing this we''d love to hear from you! We plan on taking about a month to do this, does that time frame seem sufficient?
Thanks,
Bob and Jen
Unleashed

juslimin · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2002

My wife and son and I brought our Capri 26 (Jus Limin'')down to Peoria, IL (where we live) from Wilmet, IL via the Chicago Sanitary Canal. You have bridge clearances once past Morris,IL. I''m not sure if there are any facilities in that area where you could raise the mast. In Peoria, Wharf Harbor has the capabilities to raise your mast (call Jack (309)688-4141). I would suggest the purchase of charts for the Illinois River which can be obtained from the Army Corp of Engineers (309) 676-4601. Lots of good information.
Best regards,
Steve Shaffer

sex2sea · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-2002

Steve,
Thanks for the info. Did you have a nice trip? How long of a trip is that? (hours and miles) Thanks for the Corp number. I think I''ll call them today.

rgbartist · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2002

I just got this information off of another message board on the same subject. I am in WI looking to go liveaboard here and in FLA. http://www.janandbillhaueisen.com/
this site documents the trip in very detail, marina and radio channel listings, photos. I am in Delafield, if you know of any good liveaboard marinas in WI, let me know.

Dan