Entry #46:

Monday, May 27th:  Surprise, contrary to the forecast I woke up to zero wind, water like glass AND a zillion bugs.   I will post a picture of my blackened sails.  I prepared my breakfast – cold oatmeal, apple sauce and water – yummy.  As I took up my anchor, I found Poseidon’s lance in need of repair.  I set my auto-pilot and sails in zero wind and proceeded to Kingston.  I reserved a slip at Confederation Basin Marina, took a long hot shower and had a warm cooked meal for dinner.

Tuesday, May 28th:  When I was a child growing up in Ontario, I had always wanted to visit Kingston.  In many ways for me, Kingston represents Canada’s “on guard” – think Annapolis, Maryland.

As I walked to Starbucks to update my blog, I found the city very clean and people friendly.  The city is known for its limestone buildings and fortress.  I appreciated seeing the older buildings being renovated rather then demolished.  Lots of history and the sight of tourists.  Lots to do and sight see.  Dozens and dozens of restaurants and pubs reminding me of a combination of Birmingham/Traverse City but with a deep routed history.  Great place to re-visit.

Entry # 45:  (Whitby Marina with WiFi access)

Sunday, May 26th:   The forecast called for good weather in the morning and inclement weather in the mid-afternoon predicted coming from the WNW.  That’s if you believe in the accuracy of the forecast.  And at this point my confidence was more hopeful and wary rather than one of high confidence.  Never the less, I left my slip around 6 am under clear skies and light winds from the ESE with temperatures around the mid-40’s.   As I sailed I kept a vigil lookout to the west.

About two hours out, I periodically had been looking towards the disappearing coastline to the east when I chanced saw to my surprise a monarch butterfly flying north alongside me.   Beautiful and amazing – all the way from its winter home in Mexico, now flying across Lake Ontario.  Such stamina.  How could I complain about the conditions.

By mid morning fog came in and with it the (now) light winds shifted coming from the west.  The waves continued to come from the west but seemed to slowly be picking up.  I became wary from previous sailing experiences and furled my jib 25% and reefed my main sail one level.  My instincts and patience paid off.  After about two hours later simultaneously as the fog began to clear a brisk 18-20 knot wind hit healing NTL about 20 degrees to starboard before settling comfortably.  I shifted to the leeward side in my cockpit under the protection of my dodger – away from the cold wind.

Though the skies were now blue and the warm sun felt good, I continued to keep a vigil lookout on the western skies.  So far good and I was making good time as well.  I hope the monarch butterfly was OK.

It was early afternoon and I was about halfway to Kingston.  As I began thinking it would be close, when inexplicably the winds began to die down to under 4 knots and the seas became flat.  Good for the monarch, not good for making Kingston.  I was in the middle of nowhere with no marinas close by.  These conditions prevailed well into the early evening.  With storms and strong windows forecast for the late evening and night I began to seek a safe place to anchor.   Around 8 pm I anchored on the leeward side of Grenadier Island about 4 hours shy of Kingston.  I had a yummy can of tuna, a swig of Canadian Club (thanks George) and turned in.  Not surprising, the storm forecasted never came through the night.

 

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.

Entry 43:

Tuesday, May 21st:  Before I left BYC, I took advantage of charging up my I-Phone and took a needed hot shower.  Thank you again BYC.  My home will always be open to its members.

OK, Rochester should only take a half day so lets see if I can make Oswego, NY today.   Weather forecast?

Again with the Coast Guards small craft warnings for the afternoon!  OK, I need to move on if only 15 miles to Rochester Marine Harbor.  The morning proved uneventful – thank goodness – and I made Rochester around noon with rain clouds looming.  I took another shower and walked to an Italian restaurant for a great spaghetti dinner.   I gave the bartender my favorite recipe and he made me an ‘Old Fashioned’.  Got back to NTL, took an Aleve for my muscles and hit the sack.

Wednesday, May 22nd:  The next morning I decided Poseidon wasn’t helping so I placed then secured his forked spear in his hand in the hope it would improve future weather  forecasts.  Aching and tired, I decided to take a break and spent the day vegetating and reading.  The owner of a beautiful Freedom 40 came by asking about my Pacific Seacraft Flicka.  To date, there hasn’t been a marina where at least one or more people would come by and I have yet to find anyone who either could not recognize the Flicka by sight or by name and seaworthy reputation.

That evening I had a can of tuna and read before retiring.

 

 

Entry 42:  One Storm after Another _

Sunday, May 19th:  Left my slip around 8 am with a favorable forecast for the morning and early afternoon of 5 – 10 knot winds from the southwest, 1-2 foot seas and temperatures in the low 50’s.   I wanted to beat the severe thunderstorms and lightning forecast to arrive around  5 pm.  Run little one run.

It started pleasant enough as I set-up my auto-pilot and enjoyed a comfortable sail in the following winds in the morning.  The winds and seas began to pick-up in the mid-day and I could see menacing clouds to the west and north.  I checked the forecast and found to my surprise that the severe weather moved forward from the original 5 pm forecast to 2 pm!  No way am I going to make Rochester.  I started to look for a safe harbor.  I decided upon Wilson, NY.  I reset my waypoint for Wilson with a projected 1:30 pm arrival.

I arrived just in time at Wilson with winds at 20 knots gusting to near 30.  I safe harbored at the TYC.  I only made about 25 miles but at least NTL or its skipper were safe.   I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with tea and a Symphony chocolate bar – the whole thing.  Winds howled that evening and into the night with rain, thunder and lighting.

Monday, May 20th:  Left my ‘Wilson’ safe harbor around 7 am.  Forecast for today was sunshine, a high of 68 degrees with winds coming from the SW at 10-12 knots.  Yes….but not to be.  As I set course for Rochester, it became overcast, winds initially at 10 knots climbed eventually to 20 knots and temperatures may have hit 50 degrees while I was out in the lake! (Again with the exclamation point.)  By the way water temperature was 45 degrees.

Inexplicably both my auto-pilots went out forcing me to take hold of the tiller in the early afternoon.  (Each has two different power sockets but are on the same circuit.  With both not working, I’m hoping its a fuse.)

Additionally, I had been running at a solid 6 1/2 mph but found water climbing up my cockpit from the drain holes.  When I slowed down below 6 knots, the water began to drain.  Yet another challenge and problem solving opportunity to put on my to do list.

I was getting tired, cold and found myself ever focused on the looming grey clouds building behind me.   Around mid-day, the Coast Guard announced marine warnings for all of Lake Ontario.  I reefed in my main and furled my jib to 50%.  Time to find safe harbor again.  Run little one, run.

Looking, still looking as cold rain began and winds steadily rose to above 25 knots.   I took down my main and continued to find a safe harbor.   I finally found a tiny inlet and with the assistance of two hearty souls tied up at Brockport Yacht Club.  All I can say is I never met more friendly and accommodating people in my life.  I can’t express the degree of my gratitude and appreciation to my hosts.  After sharing a beer, the commodore gave me open access to their clubhouse and left his home number to call should I need anything while I stayed overnight.

The BYC has been around since 1904.  The marina probably would not be able to accommodate boats longer than 30′ or with drafts much deeper than 5′.  Like many marinas along the shores of Lake Ontario, the unprecedented high water levels are creating havoc for both lake home owners and marinas.  For example, BYCs docks where under water by several inches.  NTL was slipped on the leeward side of the clubhouse – protected from the howling winds and storms that passed through the night.

Entry 41

Saturday, May 18th:  At 1:30 pm the bridge rose to allow our five recreational boats begin to passage through the locks.  Gary and I had been sitting at a coffee shop overlooking the canal when we saw activity on the other recreational boats.  We ran to Never Too Late, started the engine and followed the other boats to the now opened bridge.  Finally!

As we approached the first lock I received a text from a sailor I had met the previous day.  It had taken him 5 1/2 hours going through the locks yesterday in his just purchased Cape Dory 28 sailboat.  Good to know, we should be through before 7 pm…

At each of the 8 locks the protocol is to raft boats together.  While rafted, we would patiently wait for the water level to lower until it would be at the proper level for the forward lock gate to open.  Each boat in our group would then dis-engage and move on to the next lock.  ‘Never Too Late’ was the smallest and slowest of the group.  When the ‘green’ light went on to proceed, the four other boats would take off for the next lock only to inevitably wait for ‘Never Too Late’ to arrive and tie up.  At one point, I responded to a lock officials request over the VHF Channel 14, “Little sailboat, the other boats are waiting at the lock.  Can you speed up?”  I responded, “I’m giving her all she’s got!”  The posted speed limit between locks is 8 mph.  ‘Never Too Lates’ max speed with her 8 hp Yanmar diesel is 5 1/2 mph!

We completed the passage through the locks at midnight!  It was 1 am when we tied up in Port Dalhousie Pier Marina – over 18 hours from the time we arrived at the bridge!  (Boy, a lot of exclamation points.)  I thanked Gary as the taxi arrived, walked back to my boat and crashed.  Another long day.

 

 

Entry 41:

Friday, May 17th – A day of vegetation: I woke up feeling lethargic. I decided to use my leg muscles and walked a mile into town. I found a dollar store and purchased a much needed bowl for my morning oatmeals, a glass coffee mug (I had accidently melted the one I had brought for the journey!) and my long missed ‘Coffee Crisp’ chocolate bars (4 of them). I walked to the Welland Canal and met Ted in front of his Pilot House. I had made reservations for this former Canadian Bank from the 1920s for my sons’ father-in-law who was coming up to crew our passage through the Welland Locks. The Pilot House is two stories and gives a unique ambiance with two bank vaults, 4 bicycle stands on the main floor, one bedroom on the first floor, another on the second floor next to the living and dining areas and kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, a laundry room and office – all in view of the Welland Canal bridge. I found Ted to be very personable and gracious. After giving me a tour of the place, Ted gave me a set of keys and departed wishing me the best.

I went back to the marina to drop-off my purchases and met a couple of sailors. One had his 58 foot power cruiser docked a couple of slips away from Never Too Late. (I was with the big boys). He had just purchased and brought his ‘vessel’ up from Boca Raton, Florida and was going to spend the next two years in dock working on her. The other sailors’ beautiful 26 foot crab styled ketch was in dry dock. I met Marty at his boat and we had a wonderful hour long conversation.

I then walked back into town to a local taxi service and made arrangements for a return ride for my sons’ father-in-law following completion of our Welland Canal passage. That evening after meeting with Gary (sons’ father-in-law) we had dinner at the ‘Don Cherrys’ overlooking the boats in Sugarloaf Port Marina. Responding to our French Canadian waitresses’ inquiry, I informed her our intent to go through the Welland Canal locks on my way to circumnavigate the Great Lakes singlehandedly. Catching me off guard she asked me which sailboat “stick” was mine then proceeded to the bar and announced to everyone my intentions. Before I knew it I was answering questions from a number of patrons.

Saturday, May 18th – Lock Passage: Some twenty years ago I went down the locks (at the time you were required to use bails of straw for and aft to protect your boat). And up the Welland locks on my Freedom 28 sailboat ‘Jonathon Livingston Seagull”. As I don’t recall the frequency, it may have been on the hour or every three hours,, the road bridge would rise and a green light would indicate it was OK to go through to the first lock. I familiarized myself with the latest material I could find on the web and spoke with the Welland officials when I purchased the passage fare on line. I did note on the Welland website that one was to use VHF Channel 16 for “emergencies and communications” In addition, no procedure was outlined in the materials I reviewed and assumed it had remained the same. I was not the only one. Here it comes….

So we got to the bridge at 7 am. I repeatedly called in without response as I circled and circled in front of the bridge. Around 8:30 am frustrated I looked to tie up my boat in front of the Pilot House where a Pilot vessel had just left. An individual came out of another boat walked over to us and was kind enough to tell us we needed to call-in from the phone booth located a couple hundred feet away. OK, but that’s not how I remember it. He said yeah, two years ago they changed the protocol. So I climbed out unto the pier picked up the phone and immediately heard a voice. When I completed answering a littany of questions, I asked the individual when the bridge would be going up. The response and I quote, “I’m not sure, maybe around 12 noon”!

Sorry, I will continue my update when I get access to another computer….

Entry # 40:

OK, first an apology for the belated and infrequent updates. I found out my laptop was one of the victims of Lake Eries’ seas. I’m borrowing the use of Katryn Marina Office Managers’ computer for this update. Chronology since my last update _

Tuesday, May 14th – Leamington Marina: Mondays forecast called for high winds coming from the east again for Tuesday. I was planning on a day of re-couping and embark again Wednesday with a more promising forecast. But when I checked the weather in the morning, the forecast changed to moderate winds from the southwest both Tuesday and Wednesday. Though the temperature forecast called for highs in the upper 40s’ and low 50s’, I left at 9 am before the next change in weather pattern.

I rounded Point Pelee, engaged my auto-pilot and found myself cruising at 5 1/2 mph. 1 to 2 foot waves, the wind on my back, sunshine and blue skies. Now finally a day of uneventful laid back sailing – this is more like it.

It was mid-afternoon, the breeze had picked up from 5 to 10 knots to 10 to 12 knots. White caps were beginning to appear as waves grew to a moderate 2 to 3 feet. By evening, it was steady (and surpassing forecast) at 15 knots with seas 3 to 4 feet. Good sailing weather except for the cold.

Wednesday, May 15th – Overnight: I sailed through the night as the winds and seas calmed. It was serene and beautiful. The moon was nearly full. The light of the moon twinkled like Christmas lights. I wished I hadn’t lost my night sky reference book when I had broached over the weekend.

The next morning (Wednesday) I was surprisingly OK, relaxed and content. The winds had begun to shift coming to the north west at a steady 10 to 12 knots and the seas grew from the night to 2 to 3 feet from the same direction. I could see clouds on the horizon.

By afternoon, rain clouds were passing through with moderate gusts of winds and waves. They continued to build but nothing compared to last weeks. Just in case, I studied my Garmin GPS for possible safe harbors. Since rounding Point Pelee, I had taken a direct line for Port Colborne, as a result Port Stanley (safe harbor) was 2 hours to the north of me. I was not going to add four hours to my destination. So I moved on.

By evening, I was at Long Point. Tired and winds blowing 15 to 18 knots with 3 to 5 foot seas, I hoped to go on the lee side of land in the hope to anchor in calm and protected waters and catch some sleep. It was not to be. When I rounded the point, I found the water to be too shallow to safe harbor. It was after 8 pm in the evening and I was approximately 40+ miles from Port Colborne as the crow flies. At an average of 5 mph, its going to be another all nighter. Fortunately the winds and seas began to subside so I reset my auto-pilot and pressed onward while watching the sun disappear over the horizon. Beautiful. I fell asleep in the cockpit around 11:30 pm.

Thursday, May 16th – Port Colborne: I awoke suddenly around 12:30 am. The coastline lights didn’t look right. I immediately looked at my GPS and found that my auto-pilot had done a 180 and I was heading BACK to Leamington. Are you kidding me! I looked at where I was relative to my destination and found I was still 40 miles from my Port Colborne! Dam, I just lost 2 hours. OK, that’s it, re-focus I shut off the auto-pilot, took over the helm.

There was no air, the water was glass so I relied on my one cylinder, 8 horsepower Yanmar diesel the rest of the way. I arrived at my Sugarloaf Port Marina at 2:30 pm Thursday afternoon – 53 1/2 hours straight. I fueled, docked, showered and crashed.

Entry 39: Lake Erie 1st Leg – Ontario Coastline East to Welland Canal

Sorry for this belated update but…

Where do I begin…. I am writing from Leamington Marina this morning in a warm lounge and a good hot cup of coffee. Very nice marina. Its my second stay at this marina in 4 days – I think.

Its Monday so I’m told and I am supposed to be entering Port Colborne for tomorrows’ planned passage through the Welland Locks. I’m not going to make it tomorrow or the next day or…. hopefully sometime Friday I will be entering the marina in Port Colborne. It all depends on – not me, not the boat and not the temperatures but the dam wind direction and strength. Its forecast to shift in a couple days. And after 4 1/2 days of 20-37+ knot head winds and up to 9 foot seas in 40 degree temperatures I have reluctantly deferred from another effort in futility. Besides I need at least a day to work on the boat, cabin and vegetate. A nice way of saying uncle at least until the winds shift. I hope to head out tomorrow at the earliest but it likely won’t be until Wednesday when the southwesterly winds are predicted to arrive. But the truth of the matter is I’m not heading out until ALL is right – the wind direction, the boat and me.

So now a brief chronology of the journey since I embarked last Wednesday _

Wednesday: Began with beautiful orange red skies in the morning on the way to the boat. A predictor of things to come. I arrived at the boat, loaded and found the formerly fully charged batteries completely dead when I tried to start Never Too Lates’ Yanmar diesel! Before leaving the dock, I ran the motor an hour and found the batteries fully charged. I said goodbye to Mark Herman who made the trip out to see me off. Greatly appreciated.

The winds were on my back at about 12 mph and except for the infamous Lake St. Clair chop the first part of the trip was peaceful and uneventful. Even with a two hour delay I was confident I’d make anchor at Pelee Island in the evening. With the help of the river current and east winds growing to 15 mph I was moving at 5+ mph. After going under the Ambassador Bridge, in addition to increasing, winds began to gust and by the time I was passing Wyandotte, even though the river waters where flat, spray would occasionally hit my face. As the gusts increased in strength and frequency, I decided to rolled my jib a 25% to ease the boat from lurching. I was making good time as I passed Amherstburg, Ontario around noon with winds around 25 knots and continuing to build. When I entered Lake Erie unlike the flat Detroit River waters, I was faced with 6-8 foot swells on top of winds hitting 30 knots! I ended up 2nd reefing my main and and rolled my jib 75%. My boat was taking a beating. I had turned up my 8 hp single piston diesel to 3,000 rpms but was not able to power through the swells. After 45 minutes, I abandoned reaching Pelee Island and decided to go for Colchester. The cockpit remained dry but the inside of my cabin was trashed as Never Too Late was airborne a few times. After 3 hours I made a whole 2 miles! The east winds where now at least 33 knots and swells grew to 8 feet. I decided to turn around (the first of several such decisions) and head back to Amherstburg. I called Canadian Boarder & Custom got my registration number and anchored around 5:30 pm. Tomorrows forecast was not promising calling for equal conditions. I spent the evening cleaning out my cabin and draining out 5 gallons of drinking water that had spilled out from a broken container. I fell asleep planning out my strategy for tomorrow.

Thursday ready to go I started out around 6 am. I wanted to beat the forecast for winds out the east building in the afternoon to 37 knots with 8+ foot swells. I was going for Leamington today. No way I would attempt Pelee Island with the projected strength of these head winds and waves. Going east into the weather Never Too Late and its skipper just didn’t have the power or ability to drive through those conditions. I decided to follow the coastline as close to shore as possible hoping that the swells and winds would be moderated from treeline buffering. Perhaps I would benefit from a shoreline lift as well. Finally, after a dozen tacks inching forward, I finally got a lift allowing me to follow the shoreline for about 4 miles before making another tack out. But it was around noon already and given the conditions, Leamington was very unlikely. The winds and seas where at the forcasted levels and conditions were worsening with rain and temperatures in the 40’s. Colchester was now the ONLY option. She was taking another pounding with her propeller free spinning while we were airborne! I tried to take down my main but she jammed halfway down – everything was flying as I reefed my jib 75%. Following the coastline was a good decision. Leaving port in these conditions was not. Conditions worsened when fog set in and I could barely see the shoreline. I called in to Colchester and literally surfed into port with two awaiting attendants dressed in full storm gear and lifejackets! Wow, I made a whole 15 miles today. And I’m doing this by choice! I spent the evening cleaning and re-organizing my cabin again – I thought I had worked it out last evening. After a nice hot shower, I spend the night with no heat as both electrical outlets didn’t function.
The good, I’m learning Never Too Lates capabilities. She’s very solid and seaworthy. My cockpit remained dry throughout. The bad, I wasn’t able to maintain my logbook as I needed to remain focused. And, I’m now in jeopardy of making Port Colborne to schedule unless the wind and seas become more favorable – it was not to be.

Friday, well I was thinking of sailing all day and through the night in the hopes of making Port Stanley. That would leave me with a long but doable sail to Port Colborne Friday. Was not to be, weather forecast – MORE OF THE SAME but colder! I really didn’t want to go out a third day in a row. I went and had a good breakfast with a few hot coffees contemplating. OK, let’s give it a go. If conditions ease, I’m ready to go, if however the forecast holds true, I’ll make Leamington. OK George, but at least I’m making progress.

Well unfortunately Thursdays’ forecast held true. Conditions were slightly more moderate when compared to the previous day and a half with 30+ knot winds coming from the east and 4-6′ seas. But the air was cool. I’ve been running my diesel under sail to power through the surf the past few days and I needed to check on my fuel – I have no gauge. Colchester had no diesel and Leamington had diesel.

I made Leamington in the early afternoon, fueled up (6 gallons, she holds 11 gallons), docked and hired an electrician. Apparently, the pounding caused the circuitry to break in both of my cabin electrical outlets! And ($$$$) I just passed my budget for the month. At least I now have heat capability.

The Leamington Marina is truly a gem. Beautiful, clean, full service and the staff are very hospitable. OK, time to re-assess my schedule. Never mind, I make it when I make it. Lesson learned.

SATURDAY MORE OF THE SAME!!! Let me share with you something. I had originally hoped for a leisurely sail to the Welland Canal with time to get some things done including learning the sailing heartbeat of Never Too Late (NTL). Wrong. Instead both NTL and I have been tested to survival. To date it has not been a stroll in the park as I originally had hoped it would be. I need weather that will allow me to try things out before Lake Superior. But its not to be I guess. I have been tracking Lake Erie wind patterns and temperatures for weeks and anticipated temps in the 60’s and winds out of the southeast! Oh well, I probably should have pushed back my launch date a couple of weeks.

One good thing with the winds coming from the east is that sailing out of the harbor to the tip of Point Pelee would be smooth until I round it. I left in the early morning prepared for a long day for Port Stanley. The morning weather was the best its been for three days and I was making progress beating with winds starting at 20 knots and 3-5 foot waves. The afternoon however, winds and waves continued to build. Even with improved conditions, I found my auto-pilot was useless and I had to tend to the tiller the entire time. As winds and waves continued to build (again), I began struggling to make progress with no options but to make and round Rondeau Point for Eireau. At 10:30 pm, tired and with no safe harbor or inlet, I anchored along the shoreline short of Rondeau Point. I secured anchoring exposed. I tried to get some sleep as she rocked.

Sunday are you kidding me, forecast calls for 37+ knots with up to 9′ swells building into the afternoon! I got up at 3:30 am and set off in an attempt to beat the weather. At 4:30 am, I made 1 mile and reached Rondeau Point. The northeast winds were probably at 30+ knots already. I had the helm hard to starboard in an attempt to round into the wind. After numerous attempts and different strategies she would not go into the wind and tack to starboard. OK two choices. Go across Lake Erie (45-50 miles) in increasing winds and 9′ waves or make a run back for Leamington. Even though it took me 2 days to get to here from Leamington, I was beating the entire way. If I headed for Leamington, I would be going downwind with waves on my back. It was 6:30 am when I decided for the latter.

I was flying consistently at 6 1/2 and hitting 11+ mph at times. (Everything is relative) I’m under control and the cockpit remained dry as I was looking up behind me at the cresting waves. This is more like it. Though I regretted having to backtrack, for the first time since embarking I was feeling relaxed. No beating and fighting with the tiller going 1 or 2 mph. I was reminded of the fun playing the waves when I was cat racing. NTL doesn’t have the quickness in response or the speed of a cat but she’s solid even though she’s a bit rocky in these 9+ foot crests, I felt very comfortable and confident. It was the right decision.

I was about 5 miles west of Point Pelee when from behind on my port side one of the swells kept rising, crested 3 or 4 feet above my bimini and crashed broaching NTL. In an blink of an eye I was thrown underwater (45 degrees). Instinctively I spread eagled and stiffened, my eyes wide open. I hit and grabbed both rails with either arm before my tether had engaged. NTL immediately righted and I quickly grabbed my damaged bucket and bailed the foot of water from my cockpit. Engine still running, revved her to 3000 rpms. Fortunately I was sailing with my jib furled 75% and my main down. Sails were good. Also, thank goodness my lower hatchback board was in place and except for another broken 5 gallon water container, there was no evidence of Lake water having entered the cabin. (I’m thankful I had glued a rubber seal around the sides and bottom of both the hatch entrance and boards).

I’m freezing now freezing but still going at at 5+ knots. The sun is periodically showing, thank you. The seas were alive and I needed to remain focused and on the tiller. I now NTL limitations and it won’t happen again. Though I will not be able to put on dry clothing. Stupid, I didn’t have my dry suit on. Wet, teeth chattering in the 40 degree weather and the seas at their peak (winds 35+ knots and 9′ seas) I had another 5 hours to go before I reached port. OK need to take a second quick assessment. I can only take my eyes off the seas a moment at a time. Sails? good. GPS OK. Handheld secure, bimini damaged but repairable. Need to take inventory when I reach port. I’ve lost a few items overboard – nothing significant, I hope. The cabin interior had minimum water (appears water jar only) but it looks as though a tornado had gone through. With the exception of the bimini, damage appears minimum. On reflection, NTL broach must have passed 90 degrees as I was underwater while still in the cockpit spread eagled against the hand rail looking up at the light. Boy I was stupid not having my dry suit on, I am freezing.

Once I round the Point, I’m going to follow the western shoreline as close as I can to ensure calm seas and protect from the northeast winds. I ate a protein bar (energy) and a can of coke (sugar). 4 hours left. 3 hours rounding the point. Cold, I can see my breath. I honestly can’t feel my fingers or bottom of my feet. OK I need to move.I engaged my tiller clutch. Navigated into cabin and found my insulated jacket. Tool off my wet tops, through the wet tops into the cabin and put on my jacket. 2 hours left, I can do this. Uncontrollable shaking seems to come every 15-20 minutes. Stomping my feet, remaining focused. 1 hour left.

Hailing Leamington Marina this is Never Too Late, broached with damage, need docking assistance. This is Leamington Marina, we will be waiting at Slip G1. That’s the same slip I left two days ago:)

I honestly could not feel the ground with the bottom of my feet as I was raced to the shower. Best ever long, long, long hot shower. I raised the bottom of each foot so the hot water until I could feel the water hit my skin.

Began shorting through the damage – wow, wow. I could never imagined. Tired, hungry I just needed to clear up enough in the cabin to have room to sleep the night. Just that was a challenge.

I got the weather forecast for the week from the marina. Unbelievable. Oh well, it will take me a couple days to clean-up and make repairs anyway.

I called to update and re-schedule my Welland crew for a Saturday passage. May be a bit optimistic, but what the hell. I then went and had a delicious rib steak, two Old Fashions and went back to the boat to sleep. I woke up in the middle of the night upset and grateful I didn’t bring Isabella (my dog) with me.

On reflection OK, so I only broached once. Though this was not the way I wanted to get to know Never Too Late and her capabilities. Lessons are being learned and we are both undeterred.

Monday a day of recovery and blog update.

Entry #38: To view my blog’s first entry scroll down to ‘Entry # 1’. Sorry for the inconvenience, I will eventually figure out how to reverse entry order.

Well, after some anxiety and North Sails and Karls’ dedication on his birthday, my sails are locked and loaded with a full set of battens. Thank you and Happy Birthday Karl.

And, I completed building my back-up rudder and tiller assembly…..

Still need to register and figure out my Spot X. And, numerous non-critical items like staining and painting will not get done prior to embarking tomorrow at 7 am. I will be organizing the cabin during passage. But come tomorrow morning, ready or not…. Yes, my wife and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary over dinner at Capital Grill in Troy.

This one is for you Cameron.