Question: Sailing from lake Huron to the Atlantic?

[PorFin]

Originally Posted by PsySailor

Could a 44 footer with a 6 foot draft really make that journey?

Yes, easily. We did the Canal in 2008 in our Vagabond 39 (LOA 46, draft just shy of 6'), and a cruising couple we know does it every year in their Gulfstar 50.

[hamdental]

As mentioned by ScupperJack, the Welland canal is motorable with mast up, sail to Oswego and have the marina there help take your mast down, then motor to Albany where you join the Hudson. Then down the Hudson to NYC with the current. I don't know where on the Hudson it is safe to get the mast back up. Most of the bridges are very high but I am not sure about the middle Hudson.

[bljones]

Originally Posted by hamdental

As mentioned by ScupperJack, the Welland canal is motorable with mast up, sail to Oswego and have the marina there help take your mast down, then motor to Albany where you join the Hudson. Then down the Hudson to NYC with the current. I don't know where on the Hudson it is safe to get the mast back up. Most of the bridges are very high but I am not sure about the middle Hudson.

Not this year.

Maybe not next year.

[joethecobbler]

Actually- you will be able to traverse the damage section of the erie (essentially the area from Oneida lake to waterford) NY gov. cuomo has state the canal will re-open from nov.24th through dec. 8th to allow vessels stranded by the recent hurricane damage to exit the erie and enter the hudson.
Of course if you would prefer a bit earlier departure (as I would) you can still "do" the lake champlain canal via Lake Ontario and a short pass through canada. It's in full operation.
I was suprised to see it will be somewhat functioanl so quickly , based on the extent of the damage. I'm glad to hear it and am happy as it indicates it will probably be up and running in the spring as well.