Apostle Island Charts

Squidd · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

Getting ready to buy my first chart...

Plan on dry slipping in the Washburn/Bayfield/Red Cliff area, and wondering which NOAA chart will be most useful to me...

Sailing will be "mostly" in the AI/Madeline Is. area,weekends and overnighters so I'm thinking #14973.

Or is that cutting my scope too small and is there enough detail in # 14966 ?
ie: Is it practicle to "round the horn"and sail to Duluth/Superior area on a 3 day weekend..?

flyingwelshman · #2 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

I don't know your sailing area but when it comes to charts I think more is better.

I like to be sure that I have each scale charts for where I plan to go. That way I have the fine detail for anchoring etc. as well as an overview of the area. I also try to anticipate any anchorages or routes that I may have to use due to bad weather etc.

As a result of my chart fanatisicm I now have every chart for Georgian Bay and The North Channel (including for the inland lakes?) as well as some for Northern Lake Huron. Just in case! (I think I need a bigger boat.)

cb32863 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

I have a Lake Superior Chart book that I purchased last season. Though, all of the electronic versions are available for free. I will look up the name of it and where I got it later after I get home. If no one else has posted it I will get it in this thread.

I did a flotilla last year and it took us three days of comfy sailing, not really pushing it, to go from Pike's Bay to Duluth. We had to motor sail the last day in order to get there by evening from Cornucopia. Not sure if you could go there and back in three days.

Squidd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

Excellent, someone else had mentioned a "book" of charts.. that would probably be a bit more user friendly that a 3'x4' single sheet would be.. and probably more detail.. Post the link or ispn if you can find it Thanks

I was thinking along the lines of three days "there" let the boat sit (dang work) and next weekend sail 'er back..

flyingwelshman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

Richardsons' Chartbooks and Cruising Guides have the charts in them.

I have one for my area and use it for planning etc. It clearly states on the charts that they are not suitable for navigation, but I found the charts are pretty accurate.

I still like to have the big roll-up paper ones.

PaulfromNWOnt · #6 (**permalink**) 12-14-2011

Have you thought of printing your own "Booklet Chart"?

NOAA BookletCharts

Squidd · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2011

Yes, someone else mentioned that site, and I printed a copy out...

I think if I laminated a couple of the pertinent pages they would make good "hand helds" for when I'm at the tiller...

But still get the full size chart to get a bigger "overview" and do route planning...at home or in the saloon...

Barquito · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-2011

You should also consider taking a coastal navigation course such as ASA 105. Probably most of your sailing will be line-of-sight navigation, but, it is really good info. I did ASA 103/104 out of Bayfield, and 105 in a classroom closer to home (Madison)

cb32863 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-15-2011

Squidd - I think everyone got you the information I was going to get you. I have Richardson's as well and Bonnie's too. Nice idea on the ASA 105, its pretty straight forward class with lots of good exercises. Saw your post over at SBO and realized that you meant 3 there and 3 back. Though as was said, that last leg from Cornie is a bit of a haul and you may have to motor sail it.