Lake Michigan
From CruisersWiki
Lake Michigan
History and Background
- For History see: Wikipedia
Submit details about the cruising here, etc.
Charts
- NOAA - for free downloads of ENC charts of Lake Michigan
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Weather
Describe seasonal weather conditions, etc.
- Lake Michigan freezes in the winter...
Sources for weather forecasts:
Details?
Search and Rescue
Lake Michigan is the only "Great Lake" that does not share an international border with Canada. As a result Search and Rescue is the responsibility of the United States Coast Guard 9th District. USCG Website
The USCG monitors VHF Channel 16 for distress calls. In addition, they may ask you to switch to VHF Channel 22A (this is the US VHF Channel, not the Canadian or International Channel.) They will also receive notice of EPRIB signals that resolve to Lake Michigan and respond.
Ports and Popular Stops
The East side of Lake Michigan (the Michigan side) is much more friendly to cruisers than the West (Illinois and Wisconsin) side. Both have excellent marina facilities and interesting destinations. The West side however is primarily man made ports. The Michigan side has several rivers that lead into large sheltered inland lakes. The lakes tend to be much warmer than Lake Michigan and are also much more protected from the wind.
- Chicago (the "Windy City"). With all the marinas under the control of the Chicago Port District and a world class international city at your disposal Chicago, located at the Southwest corner of the lake is a must see.
- Milwaukee. Milwaukee hosts a themed festival every weekend of the summer. McKinley Marina is within an easy walk of the festival grounds.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
See each Port/Stop above.
Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Routes/Passages/Circuits To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
See each Port/Stop above.
Marine stores
See each Port/Stop above.
References & Publications
- http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/nsd/cpdownload.htm Coast Pilot] - (Cruising Guide) available for free download.
- Nautical Publications - Extensive Nautical Publications (American Practical Navigator, US Notice to Navigators, Sight Reduction Tables etc. available for free download.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
- There are many bloggers who are based in Lake Michigan and provide local commentary. You might try: Reboot Racing
.