Entry 44:
Thursday, May 23rd & Friday, May 24th: One of the most pleasant morning sails on this trip to date. Winds coming from the southwest at 10 knots with 1 – 2 foot seas. Lake Ontario sailing can be very pleasant. The deep blue Lake Ontario waves were more forgiving and not as steep as Lake Eries’ green waves. Lake Ontarios’ water is deep with fewer shoals along the coastline to be concerned over. And if you need to seek safe harbor, Lake Ontario is populated with more safe harbors than the northern Lake Erie coastline.
But alas the weather conditions did not continue into the afternoon. Again, I found myself cutting the sailing day short and set for Sodus Point before the weather hit. I made it into Kathrynns’ Marina just as the weather broke into sunshine and blue skies.
Sodus Point Bay is quite large and beautiful lined with summer homes and cottages. Unfortunately, many of the properties were below the water level and had up to 2 foot high sand bags. Kathrynns’ Marina slips were also a foot under water and the marina was in the process of building docks over the old docks.
That night a severe storm with high winds passed through and the following day the high winds continued. I remained an extra night, washed clothing and had a submarine sandwich for dinner as I read my book.
Saturday, May 25th: I spent the last night in Sodus Point checking up on the weather forecasts and contemplating whether to cross Lake Ontario (71 nm) and head for Kingston, Ontario or continue heading west to Oswego, NY. If I followed the coastline, I would be adding 25 nm to Kingston.
The weather forecast was mixed. Winds were to start off 5- 10 knots coming from the west then around 1 pm build to 20 plus knots with 2-4 foot seas and possible storms.
I projected it to take me 14 hours of sailing to make Kingston. With the inaccurate forecasts experienced to date, I decided to hedge my bet head for Kingston with a drop dead decision point. The winds started below forecast with storm clouds looming north and to the west along the Ontario coastline. I reached my decision point with storm clouds looming and decided to head for Oswego.
I set my new heading for Oswego and adjusted my sails when my masthead main sail shackle failed! I took care of my mainsail and limped into Kathrynns’ Marina in Sodus Point in cold rain and winds gusting to 33 knots. The combination of cold, gusting winds over 30 knots has been a challenge. I’m looking forward for some warmer weather and stability in winds and waves.
I arrived in Oswego, NY in mid-afternoon seeking Oswego International Marina. (I’ll post a picture of the OIM office!). There was no response to my hails so I docked in front of the Oswego Yacht Club. I was greeted by Chuck. Apparently, I was their first visitor of the season. Again, the people at the OYC were so friendly and accommodating. Thank you Chuck and to all the members. I put on a new mainsail halyard, spent the night and left early the next morning for Kingston.
Never Too Late For 