Wind and waves calmed down so at 10 AM we started off to Frankfort, about 69 Miles south. Winds were about 15 from the north so we had an extra push arriving at Frankfort by 5:30. Bob worked on the AIS receiver (installation manual was wrong on what wires go where) at Northport and was overjoyed that it worked. AIS receives data over a boat radio from commercial ships then it is displayed on the moving map GPS plotter. This helps to make sure you stay out of their way.
We also have had problems with the autopilot keeping course when waves were more than a foot or so. An error said the compass was not connected. Bob rechecked that and it seemed okay, but at the same time, removed the GPS wires to the autopilot that can do some fancy waypoint navigation. Now the autopilot is working even in following seas.
As we passed Manitou Island, we heard an ore boat call the Coast Guard to report they sighted an overturned 14’ fishing boat and nothing else. Wind and waves were still 2-3’ in the early morning; probably too much for a boat of that size. For the next 5 hours, the radio was busy with the CG helicopter and rescue boats looking for potential survivors. They certainly were thorough. When we docked at Frankfort, they were still searching. A later Google search for news came up empty. Hopefully it was just a boat that broke loose from a dock.
Frankfort harbor was filled with fishing boats of all sizes. Many of them did not return until well after dark. We called ahead to the marina as we knew it would be closed when we got in. They were very nice in providing the bathroom combination in return for our credit card number. After docking, we strolled along the beachfront which was a nice way to end the day.
Crossing Lake Michigan to Kewaunee (Surfing USA)
The forecast was for 10-15 with 1-3’ waves so at 6:50AM we departed for the most feared leg of the trip – 68 miles across the lake out of sight of land for about 4 hours. It was still dark when we left but just beautiful. The moon was still full near the western horizon and with the navigational lights and other boat lights, the effect was magical.
We almost immediately started off with 2’ waves as the wind had been blowing all night from the east at about 10 knots. As we continued across waves built to about 4’ with winds at about 15. We were getting a little extra speed from the waves but the real thrill came when the occasional 6’ came and we surfed with it at 11 knots! It felt like the boat was almost out of control but the autopilot did an excellent job of anticipating movement and kept us straight on course the whole way. We averaged about 8 Knots (9.2 mph).
When we pulled in to Kewaunee at 2:15 (1:15 Central) our Log indicated 600 nautical miles or about 684 statute miles for our trip so far.
We also have had problems with the autopilot keeping course when waves were more than a foot or so. An error said the compass was not connected. Bob rechecked that and it seemed okay, but at the same time, removed the GPS wires to the autopilot that can do some fancy waypoint navigation. Now the autopilot is working even in following seas.
As we passed Manitou Island, we heard an ore boat call the Coast Guard to report they sighted an overturned 14’ fishing boat and nothing else. Wind and waves were still 2-3’ in the early morning; probably too much for a boat of that size. For the next 5 hours, the radio was busy with the CG helicopter and rescue boats looking for potential survivors. They certainly were thorough. When we docked at Frankfort, they were still searching. A later Google search for news came up empty. Hopefully it was just a boat that broke loose from a dock.
Frankfort harbor was filled with fishing boats of all sizes. Many of them did not return until well after dark. We called ahead to the marina as we knew it would be closed when we got in. They were very nice in providing the bathroom combination in return for our credit card number. After docking, we strolled along the beachfront which was a nice way to end the day.
Crossing Lake Michigan to Kewaunee (Surfing USA)
The forecast was for 10-15 with 1-3’ waves so at 6:50AM we departed for the most feared leg of the trip – 68 miles across the lake out of sight of land for about 4 hours. It was still dark when we left but just beautiful. The moon was still full near the western horizon and with the navigational lights and other boat lights, the effect was magical.
We almost immediately started off with 2’ waves as the wind had been blowing all night from the east at about 10 knots. As we continued across waves built to about 4’ with winds at about 15. We were getting a little extra speed from the waves but the real thrill came when the occasional 6’ came and we surfed with it at 11 knots! It felt like the boat was almost out of control but the autopilot did an excellent job of anticipating movement and kept us straight on course the whole way. We averaged about 8 Knots (9.2 mph).
When we pulled in to Kewaunee at 2:15 (1:15 Central) our Log indicated 600 nautical miles or about 684 statute miles for our trip so far.
