Reflection

Entry #51:

Monday, June 3rd:  Its 45 degrees and blowing 25+ knots out of the NE – true to forecast.  Yesterday, I special ordered starboard and port bow light bulbs (needed for overnight sailing and mine burnt out) and a hook for reefing my mainsail.  So I’m staying in port today.  I have power and thus am able to turn on my heater.   I made two cups of coffee in my boat, ate a banana and a delicious raison tart.  I’m good to go.

Great Lakes Circumnavigation Distance (approximate distances in miles):

Shorelines (excluding islands) _

• Lake Erie………………………………………………………………………        800
• Lake Ontario………………………………………………………………..        630
• Lake Huron (incl. Georgian Bay & North Channel) ………….     1,850
• Lake Michigan……………………………………………………………..      1,400
• Lake Superior………………………………………………………………      1,750

Total Lake Shoreline Distance…………………………………………….      6,430 miles

Plus connecting waters including:  Welland Canal, Detroit River, St. Mary’s River, St. Claire River and Lake Saint Clair………………………………………..          400

Given I am traveling on the inside circle of the lakes and will not be following each bay or inlet, I have previously estimated my total circumnavigation distance should end up around 4,500 + miles.

Since May 8th and 27 days I am approaching 1,000 miles.  It would appear my estimates were about right as I backtracked nearly 100 miles in Lake Erie.

According to my Garmin GPS Chart Plotter and as previously reported, on this trip thus far, I am averaging 3.0 mph including stops (anchoring and docking).  At this rate, it could take me 150 days to complete my circumnavigation!  I had estimated 95 to 120 days.   Weather (high winds and cold) comprise 90% of the factors for my slower than expected progress.  As an example, here it is June 3rd mid-day and the temperature may be 45 degrees.  The other contributing factors (10%) include:  personal fatigue, equipment failures, and navigation routes chosen.

I’m not overly concerned as I am expecting improvements to the weather condition, improved sailing efficiencies as I learn the boat and navigation alternatives that would result in shortening distances.  We shall see.

Upon Reflection:

• Better judgement could have prevailed when I made the decision to attack head-on into the 35+ knot East winds and 8-9 foot waves on Lake Erie for 4 days.  Kretschmers’ novel entitled “At The Mercy Of The Sea” comes to mind.  On the plus side, I have grown to feel good and very confident in the seaworthiness of Never Too Late (Pacific Seacraft Flicka).
• I am learning about sailing NTL the boat – her tendencies and my abilities.  Examples include:  Where best to place her jib sheet track under different points of sail; and, designing an effective mainsail reefing system, among others.
• I am also experiencing sailing at different times of the day – in the morning, day, evening and at night.   Each has its uniqueness in feel and atmosphere.  I am currently fascinated by the peacefulness and serenity sailing under a full moon.
• After banging my head on numerous times, I am learning to trust my instincts and prepare for the unexpected and adjust despite the forecast or goal.

Take care everyone.