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Hello from Milwaukee and Lake Michigan

2K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  sailortjk1 
#1 ·
Hey everyone!

So the sailing season is winding to a close in the great lakes and now it's time to get back to dreaming about sailing rather than actually being out there. I thought this might be an interesting place to meet up with other Lake Michigan sailors, swap stories and whatever else. I've been sailing for about 5 years now, primarily out of the sailing club in Milwaukee. This year I've done quite a bit more "offshore" (if you can call it that in Lake Michigan) sailing and have been introduced to a lot of new experiences. Anyway, look forward to talking with you all. If anyone is interested, check out my site that's local to Lake Michigan sailors. - Milwaukee Sailing Forum
It's okay if you're not from around these parts, but it's a good way to get in touch with the locals.
 
#7 ·
Hey David,
I don't own my own boat, so I sail on anything that I someone will let me board. I am a member of the Milwaukee Sailing Center which is where I do most of my sailing. They have a nice fleet of Pearson Ensigns that are fun to sail with others who aren't sailors, but I most enjoy sailing the J/24's at the center. Occasionally I'll take out one of the Solings as they are fast and fun, but not very comfortable for too long. A friend of mine from work has a Hunter 27 that I did most of my distance sailing on this year. This year I also got to get out and try a Catalina 30 and a Merit 25. Love them all so far :)
That Catalina 30 has been my favorite in terms of comfort and pleasure sailing.

How about you David?
 
#9 ·
FWIW, we finally made a trip to Milwaukee this season. Stayed up at McKinley Marina and loved it. The Marina had a small town feel with big city atmosphere. Of course, we hopped a cab and I took my wife to dinner at Mader's. The Schnitzle was outstanding.
 
#13 ·
Ahh Maders. They have great food there. I was actually just offered a share in a boat at McKinley marina. I have sailed with the guy quite a bit and loved hanging out after a good sail in the slip and relaxing in the marina.

Where's your home port?
Currently Holland Michigan and we were in Monroe Chicago for over 25 years.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Chris,
In my opinion Eldean's Ship Yard in Holland Michigan is one of the finest marinas on the Great Lakes. Beautiful, clean facilities, wonderful maintained gardens, extremely clean showers, club house, pool , hot tubs, laundry, you name it they got it. Along with a very tentative staff, ship's store, and full service yard with haul out, repairs, and mast services. There is nothing that Eldean's is lacking.

From Milwaukee its about 75 miles if I am not mistaken.
That is a nice long sail, (we routinely sail between Holland and Chicago.)

The Michigan Side of Lake Michigan is in complete contrast to the Illinois Wisconsin shore. On the Michigan side you will have more of a wilderness feel to it. Gone are the rocky shorelines and high rocky bluffs, instead you will fine lots of wilderness, forests, dunes, and miles upon miles of white sand beaches. I'm sure you experienced some of that on your trip to Muskegon.

Holland and Eldean's is not a port or stop over of any conveniences to local shopping and eating. There is a very fine restaurant; The Piper, on the marina grounds, but you are approximately 4 miles from town and shopping.

Do your provisioning at South Haven (another fine Port of Call on the Michigan side that I recommend you add to your itinerary) than head on up to Eldean's for a relaxing good time. You will not be disappointed.
 
#17 ·
Chris,
Do your provisioning at South Haven (another fine Port of Call on the Michigan side that I recommend you add to your itinerary) than head on up to Eldean's for a relaxing good time. You will not be disappointed.
Fantastic! Thanks for the info! I had heard good things about South Haven as well. Plus they usually have a few boats of interest for sale there. Eldeans sounds nice. It looks like Holland has a nice inlet waterway to explore... I think we'll check it out. What would you say, 4 - 6 hours from south haven to holland? (this would be on a Catalina 30 with completely blown out sails) :)
 
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