1957 RENDEZVOUS

Second Annual Cruise and Rendezvous

DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 20

7 J U L Y 1957 to 21 JULY 1957

NORTH CHANNEL HARBOUR ISLAND

DEDICATION

We would like to dedicate this booklet to EDUCATION and to GOOD FELLOWSHIP.

It is our belief that education of the general public as well as education of power squadron members, is the greatest contribution that we as members of the USPS can give to ourselves and the public. In fact, it is our responsibility to see that every boat operator in our area avails himself of the educational opportunities offered by USPS.

Without education this cruise and rendezvous would not be possible. Many of us, had it not been for our courses of studies, would never have dared to venture forth on a cruise so long and thru so much uncharted and wild country. So to ourselves, to our families and guests we have the grave responsibility of safe and pleasurable boating. But alone, all by itself, education is not the whole picture. Good fellowship, that feeling of getting together in a group, with a common interest, that too is a responsibility which we must remember. For sailing alone really is not fun, and it can be dangerous. Cruises, rendezvous, conferences, meetings, all are a form of fellowship. Without each other, this cruise and rendezvous would not have been possible.

So, to EDUCATION and FELLOWSHIP, we dedicate this booklet. May the knowledge of safe boating continue to bring the squadrons of District 10 and District 20 together more often for periods of good fellowship on a common ground.

"FLY YOUR ENSIGN PROUDLY"

WELCOME ABOARD

As chairman of your Cruise and Rendezvous Committee, I want to welcome you aboard this cruise thru the North Channel to Harbour Island. This is a wonderful opportunity to cruise through one of the finest and most picturesque places in the world. The committee has done everything possible to make your trip the best you have ever had. Keep this book handy at all times, it will be a very good guide and also guest register. The "First Aid" sheet at the back of this book is to be posted near your medicine cabinet. It contains a complete "First Aid" course on one sheet. Be sure you do not destroy it.
I also want to tell you that this book has been prepared and its cost donated by the Sturgeon Bay Power Squadron. The Sturgeon Bay Squadron is doing everything possible to promote safe, friendly yachting and takes this opportunity to invite everyone to Sturgeon Bay where there are several docking areas capable of giving all kinds of services to hundreds of boats at one time. On your return from Harbour Island stop at this well protected harbor and enjoy Sturgeon Bay, the "Yachting Capital of the Great Lakes".

In behalf of all members of the Cruise and Rendezvous Committee and the Sturgeon Bay Power Squadron,
I wish you "Bon Voyage" and fly your Ensign proudly.

Stf/Capt. H. D. Grota, JN

OFFICERS

DISTRICT 20

D/C . . . . . . . . . . . .   Art Ogden . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .Kenosha

Stf/Capts . . . . . . . . George Wendt . . . . . . . . . . . .Evanston

                                 Robert Malcom . . . . . . . . . . . Chicago

Treasurer . . . . . . . . Richard Zeh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quad City

Secretary . . . . . . . . Robert D. Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . Evanston

D.E.O. . . . . . . . . .   Warren Hutchings . . . . . . . . . . Evanston

DISTRICT 10

D/C . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Hankwitz . . . . . . . . . . Milwaukee

Stf/Capts . . . . . . . Al Kayser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay

H. D. Grota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sturgeon Bay

Treasurer . . . . . . . Herb Hartig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milwaukee

Secretary . . . . . . . Alfred G. Pellikan . . . . . . . . . . . Duluth

D.E.O. . . . . . . . . . George Dunker . . . . . . . . . . . . Milwaukee

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE

4-5 or 6 July             Leave Chicago for Milwaukee, 81 miles to South
                                 Shore Yacht Club. Refuel.

5-6 or 7 July             Leave Milwaukee for Manitowoc, 74 miles. Refuel.

6-7 or 8 July             Leave Manitowoc for Sturgeon Bay, 57 miles.
                                Here take on all supplies necessary and attend skipper meeting at 2100 hours.

9 July                       Leave Sturgeon Bay for Charlevoix, 113 miles.
                                If your cruising range does not permit this distance we will arrange for a group to
                                go to Frankfort, 58 miles and then to Charlevoix, 75 miles. Be sure to mention
                                this at the skipper's meeting.

10 July                     Leave Charlevoix for Mackinac Island,75 miles.
                                You can buy gasoline at Mackinac Island. However, they are very often out of
                                gas so I would advise as many as possible get gasoline at St. Ignace, which is
                                8 miles from Mackinac Island.

11 July                     Leave Mackinac Island for Detour Passage and
                                Drummond Island Yacht Haven, 40 miles.

11 July                     If time permits and weather favorable, we will
                                continue on to Talsmaville on Cockburn Island, 45 miles.

12 July                    Leave Talsmaville for Harbour Island a distance, 50 miles.

                              •Squadron members from Duluth may join the cruise at Drummond Island Yacht Haven
                              on 11 July or at Talsmaville.

14 July                   Rendezvous closes after noon lunch.

Those who wish to stay at Harbour Island may do so and those who wish to cruise to other places will have their schedule all planned. If you wish to cruise further in a group, leave word with your cruise chairman.

The return trip from Harbor Island will be left to individual yachtsman. May I suggest you cruise in groups of two or more for safety reasons.

SCHEDULE

The schedule on this cruise has purposely been made elastic to take care of many exigencies that will naturally arise. The exact time of departure and destination will be decided at a skipper's meeting every evening at 2100 hours. It will be the duty of each skipper to attend these meetings. While cruising there will be a lead boat with a radio telephone and another with radio telephone will be in the tail end. If you do not have a radio telephone try to have a radio or short wave receiver so you can listen on Channel 40. We hope to arrange for a boat with radar to cruise with us to keep an eye on us in case of fog or rain. If you have no radio transmitter, do not be afraid as signals will be set up with lights and horn in case of trouble. There are many emergency ports on the way, but be sure to let the lead boat or follow-up boat know your intentions if you change your course.

Many yachtsmen will be cruising at this time and will be able to join this cruise any time. There are certain places on the route at which we will stop on certain days listed in the Suggested Schedule. Yachts leaving Chicago will probably leave on 4 July since it is a holiday and leisurely cruise to Sturgeon Bay or Charlevoix. Others will begin their vacations on 6 July. These will have to make shorter stops for gas and get to Sturgeon Bay on 8 July or Charlevoix on 9 July. Others will want to take their boat to Sturgeon Bay some time previously and then have it ready for take-off on 9 July. The cruise will leave Sturgeon Bay the night of 8 July or early morning of 9 July.

Crossing the lake at night might scare some, but I can assure you it is much smoother sailing at night and by early morning you are in protected waters on the east shore. There will be a full moon on 11 July, so on the 9th it should be nearly full the night crossing will be beautiful. I'm sure you will be thrilled and from then on always cross at night.

Leaving Sturgeon Bay we head for Charlevoix, a distance of 113 miles.
Be sure you have gas enough for this distance. Arrive at Charlevoix 9 July and
meet other squadronites.

On 10 July early A.M. we will leave Charlevoix for Mackinac Island, a
distance of 70 miles. We expect to be at Mackinac Island until 11 July so we
can divide into groups getting gas at St. Ignace and then meet at Mackinac Island,
meeting other squadronites and enjoying Grand Hotel or other places of interest
on the island.

On 11 July we will leave Mackinac Island for Detour Passage, a distance
of 40 miles, to a destination at Drummond Island Yacht Harbor or for an anchorage at Harbor Island, Michigan. This is a very beautiful cruising area but a little dangerous unless you keep your eyes open and use the knowledge you gained from your Piloting, Seamanship and Advanced Piloting courses. You can buy gas at Drummond Island Yacht Haven if you wish. If time permits and weather is favorable we can go on to Talsmaville on Cockburn Island, a distance of 30 miles. There are fine docks at Talsmaville but no supplies except groc¬eries. The last leg is from Talsmaville to Harbour Island, a distance of 50 miles. The entrance to Harbour Island, Ontario is rather confusing so be on your toes and follow the path of the lead boat. Do not cut across. This is the center, or heart, of the North Channel cruising area. Using Harbor Island Lodge as your base of operations, I would strongly advise cruising to all places in this area.

REQUIREMENTS OR NECESSARY ITEMS

1. Charts:

American Charts 70, 702, 704, 60 and 61. Order from:

U. S. Lake Survey Office

630 Federal Bldg.

Detroit 26, Michigan.

Canadian Charts 2295, 2287 and 2286. Order from:

Surveyor General & Chief Hydrographic Service

Dept. Mines and Resources

Confederation Building

Ottawa, Canada

2. Port Pilot & Light Lists

When ordering charts, order these also.

3. A Good Log

Every boat must keep a complete log -- a good one can be purchased from
Commander Fred Sorenson, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

4. Deviation Table

I'm sure all squadronites know its application.

5. Parallel Rules and Dividers

A good usable pair must be on every boat.

6. First Aid Equipment

7. Long extra line, 200 feet at least, and a second anchor

8. Unless your boat has all legal requirements you will not be allowed to make the trip.

RENDEZVOUS DISTRICT

10 and 20 HARBOUR ISLAND, ONTARIO

Friday -- 12 July Arrive at Harbour Island, clear customs and register.

1700 Social hour, cocktails

1800 Dinner on private yachts or at Harbour Island Lodge

2000 Informal meeting and program

Saturday - 13 July

0400 Sunrise fishing party for ardent fishermen

0800 Flag raising

0800 General housekeeping of yachts

0900 Children's dinghy races and games

1000 Swimming party

1130 Social hour before lunch

1200 Lunch on board or at Lodge

1300 Siesta

1400 Tour of island or hiking trip on Clapperton Island

1600 Beach party

1700 Cocktails and social hour

1800 Dinner at lodge and program after Dancing until - ????

Sunday - 14 July

0400 Sunrise fishing party - for fishermen

0800 Flag raising

0800 Housekeeping

0900 Church services

1200 Noon lunch

1300 End of Rendezvous

ACCOMMODATIONS AT HARBOUR ISLAND LODGE

Harbour Island Lodge has increased its docking facilities to accommodate 40 yachts and anchorage for 20 more. If you prefer an anchorage rather than a dock, be sure to say so on your reservations. There is good protection at the docks from any wind.

The Lodge has just installed a new Diesel Powered 50 KW generator so 110 volt current is supplied to all boats at the docks. This current can be used for cooking and lighting. The regular docking fee includes this 110 volt current. Another convenience to yachtsmen is the use of shower rooms. Hot and cold water are always ready and a refreshing shower is yours at any time. This service also is included in the dock fees. Regular flushing toilets ashore are provided and everyone is encouraged to use them rather than those on the boat. The lodge has several guest houses which can accommodate 37 people sleeping ashore. For this reason, I hope many of the yacht owners will include one or more members without boats even if some will have to sleep ashore. Anyone wanting to sleep ashore must send reservations to Stf/Capt. H. D. Grota, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin before 1 May 1957. Make your plans now. If you decide the last minute to go on the cruise, phone Dr. Grota, Sturgeon Bay and he will call Harbour Island for your reservations. Other services provided at the lodge are gasoline, oil, groceries, meals, drinks, supplies of all kinds, check cashing service, in fact, any kind of service you can think of to make your stay more enjoyable.

The charges for these services are the regular charges at the Harbour Island Lodge. If you are a member of the Harbour Island Club there is no docking charge. You can pay for services when you receive them or put them on a tab and receive the itemized bill when you get home. This way you have a record of your expense for income tax purposes. The price of meals is usually very low the dinner and program and dancing on Saturday evening will cost $3. 00 per plate. There will be no registration fee for the Rendezvous.

Let's each boat owner bring along a non-boat owner as part of his crew and have everyone enjoy the 1957 Cruise and Rendezvous. Any non-boat owner who does not have a way to go, please write or call

Dr. H. D. Grota,
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

-oOo-

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST IN THIS AREA

To the east of Harbour Island, 18 miles, is Little Current, the center of yachting activities in the Georgian Bay and North Channel area. Current may be expected -- watch for it, and use caution in docking and going through the bridge. Notice the pull on the buoys in approaching, then dock headed into the current. Little Current has everything you need. Many excellent docks, fuel, food, repairs, railroad, highway, inland lakes, fine clothing stores, fish tackle and bait and above all, visit Turner's Store. Meet the Turners -- see the huge display of fine Canadian and English woolens. Mr. Turner will be happy to supply you with government charts and other charts of area. Also excellent words of advice on local cruising and fishing. Little Current is a place to have people meet your boat for some cruising or the trip home.

Through the bridge and into the finest cruising in the world with countless anchorages. An hours run to east and north, then east again to mouth of famous Finn Bay. At the mouth is Okeechobee Lodge with docks, cabins, fishing boats and guides, fine meals, recreation building, water and fuel. Now that you are inside Finn Bay, with the proper chart or guide, slide down one mountainous shore then the other for miles, then through a very narrow gap and two miles farther into the pool --a fine anchorage.

To the west before entering Finn Bay is entrance to McGregor Bay, famous for hundreds of Rocky Islands, anchorage and great fishing. South of Finn Bay mouth and due east of Little Current just a very few miles is entrance to Lansdowne Channel with scenic cruising, but use caution. There you will see a silicon mine, lodges and Snug Harbor, your private lake, once in the gap. The gap will not be seen unless you know its location.

Past the mine, you continue a short distance to Killarney on a narrow channel. Killarney can be reached only by water or seaplane. There are docks, bakery, church and Jackman's general store. Be sure and meet Mr. Jackman and see his store which includes the Post Office, groceries, hardware, clothing, sporting goods, fishing tackle, china, etc. At the fish docks you will see boats come out of Georgian Bay with whitefish, walleye, perch and trout. At the village east edge is the huge Freuhauf private lodge with sea planes, boats and swimming pool. To the west of Killarney a mile, then north, is Killarney Bay with its Johana's Cone.

To the east of Killarney into Georgian Bay is unlimited cruising and just four miles is the well marked west entrance to Collins Inlet and many islands. Then a long, narrow channel through winding Narrows into Mill Lake. Through Mill Lake, more narrow channel and into Beaverstone Bay, which opens again into Georgian Bay. This east entrance is not recommended except by those that know it well. This entire inlet has excellent fishing, walleye, bass, muskie, perch and northern pike.

Onward to the east in Georgian Bay are 60, 000 islands for the real adventurer. South is Tobermoray with its Big Tub and Little Tub, South Bay and Manato waning.

Back to Little Current, on west and north are some large islands with great bass fishing and then east into Bay of the Islands or Whitefish Bay. A most beautiful cruise all the way to Whitefish River and village. Out to the west are Benjamin Islands with fine harbor, Crocker Island, the Sow and Pigs.

To the north is east entrance of McBean Channel. A mile westward on one side is Fox Island anchorage, and on other is McBean Harbor below McBean Mountain. Here is an Indian Village. On west past Many Islands there is Oak Bay, then on to Little Detroit Passage. A very narrow passage but with plenty of deep water. There is sometimes current in the narrow cut. To the westward there are a number of fine anchorages, one especially well protected and beautiful is Moiles Harbor.

On westward through Whalesback Channel with beautiful John's Harbor on the south. Enter the North Channel through the southwest passage for here is a rock which is the nesting place of the North Channel area for the Black Cormorant Jacks.

It is just a short run from Southwest Passage to Blind River. The uranium boom town with its old industry, the lumber mill. It will be uncomfortable laying at the government dock with any southerly winds, so best to go east to the River Dock. This Blind River area should be piloted with caution. Use a lookout for there are dead heads and floating logs, many at times. A customs office is here.

A couple hours to the west is Thessalon with a small but perfectly protected harbor and good dock. A customs office is located here. A beautiful trip is to the west from Thessalon through St. Joseph Channel which takes you into the St. Mary's River a few miles below the Soo. In the St. Joseph Channel are some good anchorages. Use caution to the south and west of Wilson Ranges for the current is often strong and may pull the spar buoys under.

These are just part of the many exciting coves, channels and islands. Many of the navigation aids are different than you may be accustomed to. There are cairns, beacons and targets so use caution. Have a fine cruise.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

1. GASOLINE or FUEL OIL

When purchasing fuel in Wisconsin, be sure to save your paid receipts. They should be mailed to the Wisconsin Department of Taxation, Motor Fuel Division, Madison 2, Wisconsin. A Refund of 6¢ per gallon can be recovered. Purchases in Michigan--no need of receipt because no tax refund is available. In Canada be sure to save your receipts; also ask for a set (2) of tax refund blanks. The refund is ll¢ per gallon and amounts to quite a bit. I hope all yachts will purchase their gasoline needs at Harbour Island. That is one way to show your appreciation for the fine service.

2. CHARTS

Large scale charts are a necessity and may I add the most recent charts issued. Don't be afraid to mark up your charts. Mark your DR position every hour or more often. It will be very valuable in case of fog. Purchase U.S. Charts from U.S. Lake Survey Office, 630 Federal Building, Detroit 26, Michigan. For Canadian Charts, Surveyor General & Chief, Hydrographic Service, Department of Mines and Resources, Confederation Building, Ottawa, Canada. Many areas in the North Channel are not charted by the Canadian Hydrographic Office, but reliable charts can be purchased at Turner's Store at Little Current. By all means, if you intend cruising these uncharted areas, check Turner's for Charts. The Great Lakes Cruising Club Port Pilot also has much very valuable information.

3. DRINKING WATER

It is not a good policy to take on drinking water from the North Channel. Also do not take on drinking water at Little Current or other towns except where you have very good assurances that it is pure. I always fill my tanks at Harbour Island which has very pure water, and in case of emergency I always use "Halazone" tablets to purify the water. Clorax, 10 drops in a gallon of water, may be used but has a definite odor. Water from Georgian Bay (several miles out) is always all right.

4. CRUISING TIME

Many people enjoy sleeping late when on vacation. However, I have found the best time to travel is early in the A. M. The weather is always better and you arrive at destination early enough to get a good place to dock and enjoy yourself.

5. WEATHER

Every yachtsman naturally develops a weather eye. Combine your weather experience with the LAFOT report. Don't rely on either one 100%. Always be on the look out. In the North Channel distances are short so weather isn't too serious.

6. FISHING

Fishing is excellent throughout this area. Black bass, Northern pike and Walleye pike (pickerel) are plentiful. On one occasion I caught 12 small mouth black bass right off the dock at Harbour Island Lodge, all in less than an hour. Be sure to bring your equipment. The license required can be purchased at Harbour Island Lodge during this rendezvous, otherwise from your Canadian Custom Official.

7. CLOTHING

Be sure to take along plenty of warm clothing and also your bathing suits and sun glasses. The days often are very warm and nights cool. A heater on your boat is very enjoyable. Weather gear is absolutely a necessity.

8. NAVIGATION TIPS

While cruising in the North Channel always plot accurately your course and also record bearings on each course the reason for this is var¬iation changes rapidly in this area as much as 10° in a mile, probably due to mineral deposits. Be sure to have extra line aboard your boat, at least 200 feet. A second anchor is an added safety and comes in handy. If you have a sextant use it often for horizontal bearings. Be sure to dispose of garbage in proper containers. Do not mess up the harbor.

9. GUNS, CAMERAS and MOTORS

These must be recorded with the customs department and checked out when leaving Canada. Be sure to take plenty of film as it may be hard to find up there.

10. LIQUOR CONTROL PERMIT

This permit is given free but must be on your boat if you carry or con¬sume any alcoholic refreshments aboard. Get applications from your Staff Captain.

11. CHURCH SERVICE

Arrangements are being made to have special services on Harbour Island on Sunday 14 July. Father J. Donald Roll, Chaplain District 20 is planning to be there. If he cannot be there, other arrangements will be announced.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

CAPTAIN FRED SORENSON JN

Captain Sorenson JN is past commander of Sturgeon Bay Power Squadron and Captain of Yacht Timmy Rasch. He has cruised the North Channel three or four times every year for the past eight years. He is personally familiar with every rock shoal or buoy in this area. We believe his is the best qualified source of information on this subject. He has been a professional yacht captain for twenty years.

STF/CAPT H. D. GROTA JN

Stf/Capt Grota is past commander of Sturgeon Bay Power Squadron and skipper of yacht "Phyllis Ann". He has cruised the North Channel every year for the past five years. He is a member of "Harbour Island Club" with sixteen years yachting experience.

CAPTAIN HAROLD HUTCHINGS

Harbor Master and Manager of Harbour Island Lodge.

COMMANDER FRED HESS JN

Present Commander of Sturgeon Bay Power Squadron and P.R.O. for past three years. Yachtsman for fifteen years.

GUEST REGISTER

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