2021 Fleet Cruising
There is a long maritime tradition of small boats venturing forth in fleets. Historically this has been a sound working tactic for sail and oar fishing fleets as there is safety in numbers. These days it is the rare small boat sailor who sets out alone and to this end there are many small craft messabouts and weekend get togethers. Most of these are for a day or a fun weekend of comparing boats, swapping stories and social fun. Far rarer is the opportunity to sail in a group with a real voyage as the objective. The term “Small Boats, Big Adventures” is a spot on description of the experience of preparing and setting out with a group off like minded sailors for adventure and exploration.
We offer the opportunity to sail with the guidance of an experienced sailor with a two fold objective, assistance in learning new skills or honing existing skills and safe exploration while voyaging. Take a look at our newly instituted Cruise Level Rankings. These have been implemented to help you decide which cruise might best suit you and your boat.
Level 1:
L-1A- Lake Charlevoix, Michigan- Charlevoix to Boyne City- June 5th-7th
L-1B- Lake Michigan- Traverse City to North Port- June 12th-15th
Level 2:
L-2A- Little Traverse Bay/Lake Charlevoix, Michigan- Harbor Springs to Boyne City- June 19th-21st
Level 3:
L-3A- Canadian North Channel- Little Current to French River Provincial Park- July 5-13
L-4A Beaver Island Cruise- Saint James through the islands and back to Saint James. August 7-14
Fleet Cruise Rankings:
To ensure a safe and fun experience we have instituted a fleet cruise ranking system to help you decide which Cruise is right for your interest, boat and skill level.
Level 1:
Limited open water distance, light to medium air sailing only, generally sheltered near shore sailing, short sailing legs, point of sight navigation, known routes and anchorages/camp sites. Level 1 Cruises may venture out from a single base camp each day with a return to the same site each night. Land camping, sleep aboard anchored boats and some on shore lodging possible. Each boat must be fully self sufficient and capable of sailing, rowing or motoring solo and without assistance. Excellent choice for beginner to intermediate sailors with their own boats and for beginner to intermediate crew. Open and cabin boats capable of light to medium air, shallow water, near shore cruising.
Level 2:
Short distance open water crossings possible, light to upper medium air sailing possible, known anchorage and camp site destinations, base camp or new daily anchorages possible, navigation skills required using GPS, chart plotters and charts. Land camping, sleep aboard anchored boats and some on shore lodging possible. Tidal effects may be present. Each boat must be fully self sufficient and capable of sailing, rowing or motoring solo and without assistance. Excellent choice for intermediate skill level to advanced skill level sailors and crew. Open and cabin style boats capable of self righting and unassisted self rescue.
Level 3:
Short to longer distance open water crossings possible, light to strong wind sailing possible, known and not known anchorage and camp site destinations, navigation skills required utilizing GPS, chart plotters and charts. Tidal effects may e present. Anchored out and land camping possible. Challenging island cruising and anchorage scenarios possible. Excellent choice for upper intermediate skill level to advanced skill level sailors and crew. Open and cabin style boats capable of self righting and unassisted self rescue.
Level 4:
True expedition style voyaging for experienced advanced skill sailors only. All conditions from light air to heavy air can be expected. Open water passages out of sight of land likely. Fully found, properly equipped open and cabin style boats capable of self righting and unassisted self rescue required. Application with sailing skills resume required.