For those who have sailed these Great Lakes, it is well known how quickly a 1–2-foot chop can build with even a moderate breeze. Making pushing against that sea state rather “bashy” and uncomfortable, even in a boat the size of Pride. It was a smooth ride from Sunday into Monday. Making good time we were able to get ahead of that contrary breeze and pick up a more favorable SE breeze just past the Apostle Islands. The canvas was piled on, main, fore, stay’sl, jib, jib top, main gaff topsail, and foretopsail. With close-hauled speeds in the 4-7 knot range, we sailed across the lake up towards Isle Royale before tacking down to head towards the southern shore. The SE breeze began shifting to a southerly breeze. Tacking around again we made steady easterly progress past the Keweenaw Peninsula.
With a few more tacks thrown in to catch the shifting breeze, as well as a reduction in sail as the breeze freshened, Pride sailed into the night. Another reason for departing Duluth early was the forecast indicating strong thunderstorms moving across the middle of the lake Tuesday night into Wednesday—and come they did! Giving us quite a light show behind us. Thankfully with the miles we were able to gain both motoring and sailing, we were far enough to the southern shore to avoid most of it.
Just before midnight we took in all sail and motored directly south as the lowest portion of that system moved over Pride. A decent amount of wet, some gusty and shifting winds, but very comfortable as we trundled on out of the way of the remainder of that system. Conveniently, directly south of us was one of the most visually stunning spots on Lake Superior’s southern shore. The Painted Rocks!
Under engine power we arrived at Grand Portal Point and dropped the hook for a few hours of down time. With the rising sun we were met with the wonderful sights of cliff faces rising from the water, waterfalls cascading into the lake, and sea caves churning with the sound of a washing machine. After breakfast, we launched the rubber boat and folks went ashore as well as taking a ride around the cliffs to see the sights from the water.
