The great fresh water seas

by Christina Norris on 6 Nov 2015 Great Lake Sailing

Be blown away by the freshwater seas of our headquarters backyard. Holding 20% of the earth's fresh water, the great lakes are a boater's heaven for sailing, boating, and cruising. Even though Lake Michigan is home to several large yacht builders, relatively few large yacht owners have ever cruised these inland seas.

Cruising Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. Its 307 miles in length and 118 miles wide. The eastern shore of Lake Michigan offers a unique cruising experience, with many small towns and ports every ten to fifteen miles along the coast, each having its own individual personality. The northern end of the lake has several small islands.

Mackinac Island, located at the northern end of Lake Michigan is home to the elegant Grand Hotel. The movie 'Somewhere in Time' was inspired by this beautiful and truly grand setting. Mackinac Island also is the finish line for the longest annual freshwater race in the world, the Chicago - Mac Race. Even today, motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island in favor of horse drawn carriages.

Little Traverse Bay, nestled in the northwest corner of lower Michigan, is home to several small towns, all with beautiful marinas. Harbor Springs is known for its upscale lakefront homes, restaurants, and distinguished shops. Petoskey is home of the 'Petoskey Stone', the gemstone known as hematite which is known for its metallic polished lustre and often used for intaglios for jewelry. Bay Harbor is a new upscale residential and resort community with a beautiful yacht club. Through the Little Traverse Bay and past the bridge is Lake Charlevoix. With less than 27 square miles of water, Lake Charlevoix is 122 feet deep which gives the lake it's transparent, midnight blue color.

At the southern tip of Grand Traverse Bay is Traverse City, known for their cherry and grape farms. Yes, there are many small wineries and many opportunities to visit wineries for tours and tastings.

We've only visited the northeastern corner of Lake Michigan. The cruising adventures on these inland seas are limitless.