tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20859568009515285722024-02-22T11:52:08.217-06:00Sail Donnybrook!--Sailing and Cruising Lake Michigan and ChicagoThe purpose of this blog is to share the Sailboat Donnybrook and crew's Lake Michigan sailing, cruising, and racing experience. Donnybrook is a 1990 Catalina 34 that sails out of Belmont Harbor in Chicago.
The highlight of Donnybrook's sailing season is a 2 week Lake Michigan/Great Lakes cruise which begins with the Chicago Mackinac race. Anything sailing, cruising, or Catalina 34 related will be featured.
From the Captain and Crew of Donnybrook, enjoy!Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-4845693762986260792020-10-10T22:16:00.001-05:002020-10-10T22:16:22.971-05:00Perfect Chicago October Sail<p>Summer 2020 was a very good year for Donnybrook. Here's a video I made of the last sail of the season. It shows how beautiful Lake Michigan is and what wonderful sailing is available in the Midwest. Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="421" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjKnNODMmBo" width="507" youtube-src-id="GjKnNODMmBo"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-66426755122930278742014-05-07T23:13:00.001-05:002014-05-14T22:03:01.386-05:00How I Improved Comfort on Donnybrook: Sea Era Electric Head Installation<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-uQyWtrxRzdS5scgwWlKvdR7sRWry8DCjbYXjRzecgXw-Qw0tsbP-WAPGu_1AzewrTHIdw13f4Lt7BqrAtytnQEydovUByy2Si8BG8rk0vuQ0Xic9vAZ0Vq1nJDhyeuwZoAyGkpc33Nl/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-uQyWtrxRzdS5scgwWlKvdR7sRWry8DCjbYXjRzecgXw-Qw0tsbP-WAPGu_1AzewrTHIdw13f4Lt7BqrAtytnQEydovUByy2Si8BG8rk0vuQ0Xic9vAZ0Vq1nJDhyeuwZoAyGkpc33Nl/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Jabsco Head</td></tr>
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A marine head (toilet) really does affect a boat's comfort and enjoyment. At home you rarely have to think about a toilet because it just works. If it doesn't, the only tool needed most of the time is a plunger.<br />
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On a boat, few of us have a backup, excluding going over the side or using a bucket, and a bucket isn't suitable for many. It's also much harder to unplug a clogged marine head. You don't see plungers on boats as they don't work on a marine head. Usually dis-assembly is required to undo a clog. Then there's the fact that the parts of a marine head have a finite life span before rebuild is required. <br />
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In 2010 the original Jabsco head on Donnybrook, my 1990 Catalina 34, was nearing the end of it's useful life. A rebuild kit was nearly the cost of a new toilet so we started looking at new heads. At the time our oldest son was newly potty trained, but wasn't strong enough to use the hand pump to flush. In his defense, some of our guests had problems with the head, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New SeaEra Head installed</td></tr>
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After some discussion, we decided to invest in an electric flush head. A friend's positive experience on another boat made the decision easier. It wasn't inexpensive (the head alone was $400+ in 2011, new hose was $100+), but over the past 3 seasons it truly has made the boat much more comfortable and enjoyable. <br />
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Installation was easier than expected. Operation has been trouble free. The only problem in 3+ seasons was when a guest deposited a wet wipe. I was able to clear it in about a minute.<br />
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I went with the Raritan Sea Era Toilet with the compact bowl and pressurized fresh water flush. Based on reviews and message board postings it seemed to be one of the best electric heads available. There are a couple of options to consider:<br />
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<li>Bowl Size: I thought a "household" size bowl would be a nice feature. I measured available space and pondered dimensions, but settled on the compact bowl because that is what I already had. In the end the household bowl probably would have fit, however it would have made the space more crowded and cleaning behind it would have been more difficult.</li>
<li>Fresh Water or Sea Water: Most articles I read regarding the SeaEra stated the fresh water model was quieter and used less water to flush. Low water use is important because it doesn't fill the holding tank as fast. Noise was an important consideration so I went with the fresh water model. I'm happy with the decision.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water "T" and Vacuum Breaker with<br />
Solenoid Valve assembled</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.raritaneng.com/pdf_files/sea_era/L318seaerav0103.pdf">installation instructions from Raritan</a> (link will prompt you to download a PDF file) were straight forward. I completed the head install with a friend in under 4 hours, including a trip to a hardware store. The pump-out and vent hose replacement, including thru-hull install, was another 3-4 hours. <br />
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Some notes specific to my install on a Catalina 34:<br />
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<li>Installation included an atmospheric vacuum breaker and a solenoid valve. I connected the two with a short threaded pipe so I only had to worry about mounting one piece. I mounted this directly behind the head accessible through the cabinet door.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water T. Note silicone exhaust<br />
hump hose ready for install</td></tr>
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<li>I inserted the water "T" in the cold water line under the head sink and added a ball valve in case I ever need to shut of water to the head.</li>
<li>I borrowed power from the shower sump pump under the sink. The wire is the proper gauge for the length of run and current draw and the existing breaker was already the correct size. </li>
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I replaced all the hoses in two phases, starting with the hose from the head to tank. I used Trident Sani Shield hose. Removal was easiest by cutting it, using a hack saw as it's wire reinforced. It wasn't as messy or smelly as I feared. I think it helped that I did this project it on a cool spring day.</div>
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This spring (three years later) I replaced the pump-out hose with Sani Shield hose. To remove the old I cut it about a foot from the tank inlet and used an old indoor/outdoor vacuum to finish emptying the tank. There was only a gallon or two of liquid left in the tank, including RV anti-freeze from winterizing the head and tank, but this step kept me from spilling anything in the bilge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of new thru-hull, just<br />
aft of the original </td></tr>
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I replaced the vent hose using Trident XHD 1" hose. I added a new through-hull just aft of the existing vent outlet (through the stanchion) using a Forespar Marelon 1" mushroom thru-hull fitting with 90 degree elbow. Pulling the new hose was easy by taping it to the old hose and pulling it through.<br />
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The addition of the electric head has made Donnybrook a more comfortable boat for my family and guests. It reduced the complexity of something that should not be complex, reduced noise, has been very reliable, and is an upgrade I have no regrets about doing.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-11553280179317411482013-07-12T17:28:00.001-05:002013-07-12T17:28:58.289-05:00Something Different for the 2013 Mac Race<p dir="ltr">This year I'm trying something different and sailing the Mac on a friend's boat, Talisman, a Tartan T-10 (pictured).  You can track me <a href="http://gae.yb.tl/chicagomack2013">here</a>.  Look for the T-10 group (section) and the boat Talisman.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sailing the race on Talisman will be a lot different than Donnybrook.  Donnybrook was built for comfort. Talisman for competitive buoy racing.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">Buoy racing by nature doesn't have an overnight component so accommodations are sparse to say the least.  The Mac will be 50-60 hours.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Living on a boat like Talisman during the race has been compared to primitive camping--there's barely a camping stove compared to Donnybrook's stove and oven.  Where Donnybrook's race menu emphasizes enjoyment, Talisman's is about subsistence and limiting bathroom usage.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The real difference, however, is in the racing.  The T-10 fleet is a one design fleet meaning all boats have the same specifications.  Some off the best sailors on Lake Michigan are in the fleet.  There's no handicapping.  20+ other boats will start with us and we expect to sail neck and neck with some of them for 333 miles.  The boat that finished first wins.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The return trip will be different, too.  Karen and the boys are still meeting me on the island, however I'm driving back with them.  My goal is to show them some of the fantastic places I visit via Donnybrook and get them excited about an extended cruise next year.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm really looking forward to the change. Look for more articles describing differences here, and follow me on Facebook and Twitter.<br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdE3cXSeu7omA7eZkKRerlOJlok6tw4rCswfK98xIvpIwDp2XITuLbp0yxjZnM9YEDCv1ezhZnKTaxSKq3G7dEpGodE1CIdhutSPJObhGCGlOFayzni6x01WuUYGWBRwx8dvRTMjp4ijd/s1600/DSC00258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdE3cXSeu7omA7eZkKRerlOJlok6tw4rCswfK98xIvpIwDp2XITuLbp0yxjZnM9YEDCv1ezhZnKTaxSKq3G7dEpGodE1CIdhutSPJObhGCGlOFayzni6x01WuUYGWBRwx8dvRTMjp4ijd/s400/DSC00258.JPG"> </a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-29759079100801481142013-05-27T18:46:00.001-05:002013-05-27T18:46:57.199-05:0010 Years of Donnybrook <div dir="ltr">
I was reminded that this is my tenth season with Donnybrook Sunday morning while getting dressed. The t-shirt I was putting on was made for my first season with Donnybrook.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd-QvXJPn__rc_GAZQj4ZlCBGzch_x0Pl0TBjAzr9E6hylHiycWlVX1FhNC58-BDIVDIVTbPZ-pQ_7A9lVrRHPuJfbZgAVZkynwjBkBkCMc_p_G3AcflxdTaDHP0VxwuE2fyyvM10YTZ3/s400/DSC00042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd-QvXJPn__rc_GAZQj4ZlCBGzch_x0Pl0TBjAzr9E6hylHiycWlVX1FhNC58-BDIVDIVTbPZ-pQ_7A9lVrRHPuJfbZgAVZkynwjBkBkCMc_p_G3AcflxdTaDHP0VxwuE2fyyvM10YTZ3/s400/DSC00042.JPG" /></a></div>
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The shirt idea came at a bar. I was sitting at my then favorite bar, Joe's on Broadway, with two good friends when we decided to have shirts made. We had nicknames printed on the back of each. My friend, Todd, still wears his whenever he visits even though the name on the back of his shirt is "puke"--because he gets seasick in a bathtub but still sails with me.</div>
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I remember the October day Karen and I looked at Donnybrook for the first time. We'd looked at several other boats but none felt right. Karen a I climbed aboard her and we knew immediately she would be ours. A few weeks later we owned her and the next spring we were sailing her on Lake Michigan. </div>
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After 10 years I still enjoy her as much as the first year. I still look forward to seeing her after work. I can't wait to spend the weekend with her and I feel sad to leave her after spending all weekend together. Time away is sometimes nice, but eventually I want to go back to her. She's a stable part of our family. </div>
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It seems like a lot would change in ten years, and it has. Surprisingly a lot has remained the same. </div>
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<li>We live at the same address. Many of our neighbors are still the same.</li>
<li>We work for the same companies. Our jobs may have changed or our offices might be on on different floors, but our paychecks come from the same place.</li>
<li>We still have many of the same friends we did in 2003.</li>
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The biggest change? Our immediate family of 2 (with a cat) is now a family of 4 (without a cat).</div>
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Other changes:</div>
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<li>The trees are taller, appliances newer, and paint fresher at hour home.</li>
<li>We've moved farther apart from some friends and closer to others.</li>
<li>We drive a newer car.</li>
<li>I don't mind as much getting up early and enjoy going to bed early.</li>
<li>I'm 10 years wiser.</li>
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In the end, ten years of owning Donnybrook doesn't really feel like a milestone, rather another point on the boat ownership journey.<br />
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The area around Crowley's, where Donnybrook is kept in the off season, is fascinating if you like ships, bridges, trains, and the like! In 2011 Chicago was <a href="http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/2011/html/table_01_57.html">ranked 36th</a> in the United States in total trade with over 19 million tons of freight passing through. This surpasses ocean ports such as Jacksonville, Florida and Oakland, California. A lot more ships than most realize visit Chicago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michipicoten about to pass under rail lift bridge</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/michipicoten.htm">Michipicoten</a> is a 695 foot Canadian flagged bulk carrier. She was being helped by a tug up the river. It took several minutes to pass under the 95th street bridge, where this picture was taken. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G.L. Ostrander/Integrity heading toward Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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A few hours after the Michipicoten passed, we saw this tug/barge combo heading to Lake Michigan. The 95th Street bridge is up allowing her to pass. </div>
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The barge is the Integrity. The tug, pushing her, is a separate vessel called the G.L. Ostrander. The <a href="http://www.fleetmon.com/en/">FleetMon</a> app installed on my smartphone showed her destination to be Green Bay with an ETA in just 16 hours. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7PYU8bwNNPdW4583rl7313LFOxGJEqOEVauROr7XmjA7_rQ4Orz5qnXZRGRdxXKaGVvEt6aUCtSbMrE6hSBO5RcpVGhtCwJCA_nI59b5XGItTXQf8aSlCjjf5GCz6Wwdv6aD8Z_OvrjB/s1600/IMG_20130421_171604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7PYU8bwNNPdW4583rl7313LFOxGJEqOEVauROr7XmjA7_rQ4Orz5qnXZRGRdxXKaGVvEt6aUCtSbMrE6hSBO5RcpVGhtCwJCA_nI59b5XGItTXQf8aSlCjjf5GCz6Wwdv6aD8Z_OvrjB/s1600/IMG_20130421_171604.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuldaborg in the distance</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago Carlos and I spied the <a href="http://www.fleetmon.com/en/vessels/Fuldaborg_3326536">Fuldaborg</a>, a Dutch freighter, at <a href="http://www.qsl.com/en/ports/chicago.html">Iroquois Landing</a> near where Lake Michigan and the Calumet River meet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Steel Railroad Lift Bridge</td></tr>
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The tracks lead to this lift bridge and serves the former <a href="http://forgottenchicago.com/articles/south-works/">US Steel South Works</a> site. The bridge is up most of the time, however Donnybrook had to wait for this bridge as recently as 2 or 3 years ago while a switching train engine passed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tug and barge heading up river</td></tr>
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There is plenty of barge traffic on the Calumet river. This tug is pushing a handful of barges up river. The Chicago Skyway bridge is in the background with part of a railroad lift bridge to the left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commercial and pleasure craft coexist</td></tr>
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This shows how low the lift bridge is. The tug had to stop in a hurry as it appeared to be expecting the lift bridge to be up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weights on 95th Street Bridge</td></tr>
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Mike noticed these odd looking weights chained to the bridge They were on booth leafs on both sides of the bridge. We theorized they are there to balance the bridge and necessary as part of recent bridge work.</div>
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The final picture shows the relationship between the bridges. The raised drawbridge is the Ewing Avenue bridge, currently up for repairs. To the left, out of the camera's view, is the US Steel lift bridge. To the right (not visible, before the rail lift bridge) is the 95th Street bridge. Behind the lift bridge is the Chicago Skyway bridge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridges Everywhere!</td></tr>
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You can read more about the bridges in the <a href="http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/300042.html">Encyclopedia of Chicago: Calumet River Bridges</a> and Great Lakes Shipping at the <a href="http://www.boatnerd.com/">Boatnerd</a> site.</div>
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<p dir="ltr">A few hours scrubbing the topsides and hull and a few more hours waxing made a world of difference. Thanks to Kevin and Mike for their help last weekend and Carlos two weekends ago. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Donnybrook is in the water with a clean and waxed hull. The topsides are mostly clean and need some more wax (Mike did a lot Saturday).  Down below needs the most work and is the target of today's work. </p>
<p dir="ltr">By the end of this weekend I'll be enjoying clean boat joy back in Belmont! </p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRFGYmhqlMoBIZunkBhLC5AyAU5YsF3a-VYCB9hAl2X82GhGbiwgUsaWyuy-8nNHNP1sbx57wb2eMqIZgBTxfGBU8GVtgB8FF5POzpl7m7_kYkz72FXWTZoWluuiik4b60d6ITgeHuRJ/s1600/IMG_20130427_162230.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRFGYmhqlMoBIZunkBhLC5AyAU5YsF3a-VYCB9hAl2X82GhGbiwgUsaWyuy-8nNHNP1sbx57wb2eMqIZgBTxfGBU8GVtgB8FF5POzpl7m7_kYkz72FXWTZoWluuiik4b60d6ITgeHuRJ/s400/IMG_20130427_162230.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg9SQpUKZPvvlMruWT7EO3W4c051i_0miIoBLcBYfjf5E8hq26OtoPbjmqIhH87x4e1ws0LNq4VLKDjXpLmLkwSnJSXWUFRlYlob-sOQg1vio1h5-fUb1esDzPmY3oqqcUr8BH2iq5SRb/s1600/IMG_20130427_161614.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg9SQpUKZPvvlMruWT7EO3W4c051i_0miIoBLcBYfjf5E8hq26OtoPbjmqIhH87x4e1ws0LNq4VLKDjXpLmLkwSnJSXWUFRlYlob-sOQg1vio1h5-fUb1esDzPmY3oqqcUr8BH2iq5SRb/s400/IMG_20130427_161614.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-61611887341796186692013-04-26T18:12:00.001-05:002013-04-26T18:29:58.070-05:00Great Lakes From Space<p dir="ltr">I've recently discovered pictures from space on the internet. Here's a picture of the Great Lakes taken on a cloudless September day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This puts sailing the length of Lake Michigan, from Chicago to Mackinac Island non-stop into perspective. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Our piece of the world is amazing, isn't it? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Source is <a href="http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view.php?id=68562">NASA</a>.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34xu4kHF-rNWUS1e9D-jl6TIebivaRpJOu1JxVA8ZtcHr6oUAFF4OTh1ljIqjOGPdEZDwO1zs9ZPkOdTQ9A6MehdN5L9KQatCkfcaeltezj2N5Br67BSpLDdn8-IDwGV5IFs7pSe6h0ta/s1600/IMG_20130426_175511.JPG' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34xu4kHF-rNWUS1e9D-jl6TIebivaRpJOu1JxVA8ZtcHr6oUAFF4OTh1ljIqjOGPdEZDwO1zs9ZPkOdTQ9A6MehdN5L9KQatCkfcaeltezj2N5Br67BSpLDdn8-IDwGV5IFs7pSe6h0ta/s400/IMG_20130426_175511.JPG' /> </a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-33640663826953345532013-04-13T14:35:00.001-05:002013-04-13T14:35:09.471-05:00Filthy Boat<p dir="ltr">The emotion is similar every spring, alternating between "I wish I could launch today! The lake is flat and I'd love to be back at Belmont Harbor" and " The boat is so filthy. It'll never clean up. It'll be in the yard until June before she's ready." </p>
<p dir="ltr">The reality is somewhere in between. I don't have any critical projects this spring. A coat of wax on the hull and bottom paint touch-up are all that's required. The more cleaning and other projects I do at Crowley's, the fewer I do at Belmont. </p>
<p dir="ltr">April and May weekends are mostly full with family commitments so I'll really need to prioritize my work.  A filthy boat at the harbor is better than a clean boat in the yard, after all! </p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcecMc04zsGGH9FN2eusVZTsKegZpB9Vz8KcatX9gaM9F2_81u9U6_33uWU8BFw0WE3unJ2jFExjbYE85toOTX-i3xJAsoMbytHSz3cgPg3ZBjaWyJcWbvbRVTohQHZsDiH-HmM2ebDnW/s1600/PANO_20130413_141752.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcecMc04zsGGH9FN2eusVZTsKegZpB9Vz8KcatX9gaM9F2_81u9U6_33uWU8BFw0WE3unJ2jFExjbYE85toOTX-i3xJAsoMbytHSz3cgPg3ZBjaWyJcWbvbRVTohQHZsDiH-HmM2ebDnW/s400/PANO_20130413_141752.jpg' /> </a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com0Chicago, Chicago41.878113 -87.6298tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-20320190620186116242013-03-30T17:44:00.001-05:002013-03-31T22:26:05.978-05:00Back In The Harbor Again<div dir="ltr">
I took my bike to run some errands today. Riding south on the Lake Front Trail the warmer spring air, mooring balls in the harbor, and nice breeze brought my thoughts to boating season.</div>
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It doesn't feel like boats will start appearing on the harbors in 2 weeks--the unofficial opening is April 15. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, but here it is the day before Easter and the boats to support Chicago Yacht Club's spring frostbite sailing are in the water. They've been sailing frostbite races several weeks already.</div>
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I'm sitting at my empty slip thinking about what a comfortable and happy space it really is. I can't think of any bad times here. Sure, there have been a aggravations and things that have upset me at the time (mostly boat related), but nothing specific that I can remember now. All of my memories are of happy times with good friends and family.</div>
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Conor and Emmet will be 8 and 6 this summer. They're reaching the age where they'll be able to really appreciate how special this place and owning a boat like Donnybrook really are. They'll develop closer friendships with the other kids on the dock, I'm sure.</div>
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For Karen and me, some of our dock mates are earning the status of old friends as we've known some of them for as long as we've been boating, almost 15 years! We have enough experience where our time on the water is less about the act of sailing and more about the pure enjoyment of it. What required thought or was a challenge is for the most part routine. The enjoyment now stems from being with family and friends and doing something that strengthens a common bond.</div>
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I'm starting to lose the warmth from my bike ride so reality is returning. It's only March. I'm not sitting on Donnybrook, but am on the dock. The location is the same. The buildings I'm looking at are the same. The sounds are the same (gulls, wind, flags snapping, traffic on Lake Shore Drive, halyards slapping). The warm air and company of friends and family are missing for the immediate moment. </div>
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Immediate family I'll see in less than an hour after I ride home. Extended family I'll see tomorrow at Easter dinner. The rest of my family I'll see in a few days when we visit my parents and brother during spring break. Friends I'll see as I'm able to see them. I'll see Donnybrook in a couple of weekend when I start spring work.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-56374409380325409332013-03-19T17:33:00.001-05:002013-03-19T19:46:20.669-05:00Spring at Belmont Harbor and First Post of the Season<div dir="ltr">
It's been awhile since I've posted. The off season really flies when your kids are growing, work is challenging, and you lead an active lifestyle.</div>
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The sun rising higher in the sky and the sun feeling warmer on my face is what's getting me in the mood for sailing. I decided to leave work early today to enjoy the bright sun and check out the harbor. The picture is where Donnybrook will be in only six weeks! </div>
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I had a big smile on my face as I was thinking about leaving a few minutes early (on time, actually) when a colleague remarked that I must be thinking about sailing because of my smile. It surprised me because he was right, and that he could really tell!</div>
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I purchased a Google Nexus 4 phone recently. I love the features. Android is a huge step up from from the Blackberry I used to use. Everything about it should improve my blogging enjoyment and help make this blog more enjoyable to read.</div>
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Note the mini-iceberg in the foreground. There was a subzero wind chill and gales on Lake Michigan this morning.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Blog Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04516659618553936360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-80031878417249255222012-08-01T23:28:00.000-05:002012-08-01T23:37:02.963-05:00Location of Donnybrook's Swimmin' Hole<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4lcu65l4ZFTG1yIIWqULOwctXJn0qHzXFHD8MAYO3AeScCGQ5gd3xl8xWUVbT9d85DlUWwyex6hBU0KlTgZt-ZTVG7vt0vLWUdmmZ79IvKbRAofp-K8pdt5ZcsGsqDcBIKu9JR5Ev8/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjcuanBn%253F%253D-722964"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY4lcu65l4ZFTG1yIIWqULOwctXJn0qHzXFHD8MAYO3AeScCGQ5gd3xl8xWUVbT9d85DlUWwyex6hBU0KlTgZt-ZTVG7vt0vLWUdmmZ79IvKbRAofp-K8pdt5ZcsGsqDcBIKu9JR5Ev8/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjcuanBn%253F%253D-722964" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771930199115135010" /></a></p>Location of our mid-lake swim, in 500 feet of water. No land, not even another boat, in sight!<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-69887484621167512532012-08-01T23:24:00.000-05:002012-08-01T23:28:11.426-05:00The Middle of Lake Michigan<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR3LJoYLEQlJwANlMB2Bm9bzP2QBE9hhRuNxrh2oi87R95g943Po_KRfkH5x6xvcQ9DzCTx5F5qU_DLzYjnDRhJJqAZkO6hQHJSAH6pE-pMaJd6c_UHI33BiMWhccWvkwx_Mfc8bwboY/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjYuanBn%253F%253D-791427"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR3LJoYLEQlJwANlMB2Bm9bzP2QBE9hhRuNxrh2oi87R95g943Po_KRfkH5x6xvcQ9DzCTx5F5qU_DLzYjnDRhJJqAZkO6hQHJSAH6pE-pMaJd6c_UHI33BiMWhccWvkwx_Mfc8bwboY/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjYuanBn%253F%253D-791427" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771927914210257906" /></a></p>01Aug@1442 Central: Storms, big seas, and adventure gets a lot of attention, but often Lake Michigan is calm and docile. We've been motor sailing for over 6 hours and it's been uneventful. In this picture you can see Donnybrook's wake extending to the horizon. We're 40 miles from Grand Haven and 50 miles from Belmont Harbor, Chicago in 520 feet of water. There's been no wildlife to speak of, except for the occasional fly. We passed one tug with barge and a handful of pleasure craft crossing the lake to Michigan.
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<br>The mood has been relaxing. We're taking turns picking music, catching up on reading, sunning, and talking. Life in the middle of the Lake is similar to that on dock, except there are no other people and generally nothing man made in sight, except for Donnybrook and the stuff we brought along. Some people might be bored, but it's really awe inspiring.
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<br>We're looking forward to the traditional mid-lake swim and lunch. We'll probably take turns napping after that so we'll be alert for the night watch.
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<br>No one has had cell coverage for hours. Even the VHF radio has been quiet. I expect the chatter to pick up as we start to get into radio range of Chicago.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-21755499575724544452012-07-31T16:13:00.000-05:002012-07-31T16:22:16.249-05:00B-Team Becomes A-Team<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjza6KPFR4FbjGIHqzE4zvYvZrNnKVMl_I4_XTpnhbJ05s4icqd9lR6DQak3sAWERw5FEYcPBVUzH2EOyev7_ttcCnYmhShxlLX6Til0Ioow3dd-Ej8KfH3YEKZPln3g90mQM85LPxwg/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjQuanBn%253F%253D-736250"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjza6KPFR4FbjGIHqzE4zvYvZrNnKVMl_I4_XTpnhbJ05s4icqd9lR6DQak3sAWERw5FEYcPBVUzH2EOyev7_ttcCnYmhShxlLX6Til0Ioow3dd-Ej8KfH3YEKZPln3g90mQM85LPxwg/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjQuanBn%253F%253D-736250" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771447071084651154" /></a></p>Ellie has not been on a sailboat before sailing on Donnybrook. She'll be sailing from San Juan to Massachusetts when she becomes a junior at University of Maine. Her uncle and close friend of mine, Bob, asked her sail with us to give her a feel for life on the water.
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<br>Damn! Does this girl get sailing! With 5 minutes of instruction she's keeping Donnybrook on her way to Grand Haven in challenging conditions. She's getting a great upper body workout. For those not familiar with sailing big boats in these conditions (20 knot winds, 4-6' waves), it looks easy with a good helms person (as Ellie is) but can get messy pretty quick with a few mistakes.
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<br>Thank you, Ellie, for making my trip back to Chicago a little easier!<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-40943931760808699932012-07-31T14:31:00.000-05:002012-07-31T14:38:55.188-05:00Working on Donnybrook<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb10znKNZw-oBu_p6g0JhXlAM51Y3lPVSsjpr7C1eWb_Wj0gyrXMKApwT5HqJangNuBDUn8T93AaJu3pFrzl8vaVBZ7QPes6gST8XHE2aAy4nVy6lIJwrr5z2NNQBg_t8PufR4ZTY4Dw/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjIuanBn%253F%253D-735188"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb10znKNZw-oBu_p6g0JhXlAM51Y3lPVSsjpr7C1eWb_Wj0gyrXMKApwT5HqJangNuBDUn8T93AaJu3pFrzl8vaVBZ7QPes6gST8XHE2aAy4nVy6lIJwrr5z2NNQBg_t8PufR4ZTY4Dw/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjIuanBn%253F%253D-735188" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771420438673625858" /></a></p>Here Dan is keeping the boat moving. Donnybrook sails herself for the most part, but requires constant monitoring. Dan and I see each other only once or twice a year so we spend this time catching up.
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<br>A significant aspect of sailing is you spend so much time together with your crew. I strive to pick crew I want to be with and, I think, form a stronger friendship with the people I sail with.
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<br>You form a bond with the people you sail with. The bond is something that is hard to replicate off the water.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-32668974537934390152012-07-31T14:24:00.000-05:002012-07-31T14:32:12.494-05:00Second Watch on Donnybrook<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXv6WPZpOdt0eAs-D9ogQFO_WGcXcbAuAaBj82FWkwy3CgOqSzdHUmhjmV3yCUUkNqQhqyGTVGqPSQLRw4efd24nLiq3CvOSNsgX8ZSV6NrerWhJS6Dw7En0shyphenhyphensdBFANDxBo4zOLb8w/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjEuanBn%253F%253D-732494"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXv6WPZpOdt0eAs-D9ogQFO_WGcXcbAuAaBj82FWkwy3CgOqSzdHUmhjmV3yCUUkNqQhqyGTVGqPSQLRw4efd24nLiq3CvOSNsgX8ZSV6NrerWhJS6Dw7En0shyphenhyphensdBFANDxBo4zOLb8w/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MjEuanBn%253F%253D-732494" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771418709076101746" /></a></p>The off-watch crew of Ellie and Bob are relaxing belowdecks on Donnybrook. Today is the first day since the race we've been able to make any significant headway under sail only. We've been riding northwest winds toward Grand Haven and making good time.
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<br>Last night was fair sleeping. Thunderstorms are neat on the boat while at dock, unfortunately it gets stuffy with the hatches closed. Bob and Ellie are catching up on their sleep.
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<br>One of the best things about sailing is you can function on the boat under way just as if you're at dock. We can cook, shower, and do anything else while sailing. It's like sleeping in a giant baby cradle.
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<br>We're doing 7 knots, which is fast on a cruising sailboat. The waves are 3-5 feet. The experience is a little piece of heaven! We can do this for as long as we have wind and water. This is the type of sailing that takes people across oceans!
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<br>In our case our next port of call is Grand Haven and the promise of fun and excitement on the Coast Guard Days midway.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-31357482178918083812012-07-30T20:21:00.000-05:002012-07-30T20:38:15.341-05:00Badger Leaving Ludington<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwet8GiKzZ1st1Icjetk8ej-11PbicDeH7kAj_FgsEtny7IYserXsXCyipiKhUv4qPDUQZnR0ccsppCNDm8V5L_i6GxjJ2oeXUb0eijTnyQa-LT3R4TWLRl0DuUnQQgpfhdlYARVXr5Kc/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTguanBn%253F%253D-795342"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwet8GiKzZ1st1Icjetk8ej-11PbicDeH7kAj_FgsEtny7IYserXsXCyipiKhUv4qPDUQZnR0ccsppCNDm8V5L_i6GxjJ2oeXUb0eijTnyQa-LT3R4TWLRl0DuUnQQgpfhdlYARVXr5Kc/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTguanBn%253F%253D-795342" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771141958755961474" /></a></p>Here, the Badger car ferry is sailing into the sunset for Manitowoc. We had a nice dinner at Jamestown Brewery then found ice cream before walking to the beach for the sunset. The incoming storms blocked the actual sunset, but it was still a nice night.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-67087794019569416152012-07-29T09:38:00.000-05:002012-07-29T21:14:08.223-05:00Foggy Sunrise and Hike on South Manitou Island<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfC9BMPhTpR3ohGFH5zv0v-ydBspLuRSfrAu3jFgAjVA1lEqE7b8UqhhTVMbqbK9R0UM6qp9TAdCy1hTlpfCe5QzfEqGCI1xe6OlWlY0Cq0U4vEITTKqM5yC8KFzzPwZUWyl23EcFy7M/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTUuanBn%253F%253D-748223"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfC9BMPhTpR3ohGFH5zv0v-ydBspLuRSfrAu3jFgAjVA1lEqE7b8UqhhTVMbqbK9R0UM6qp9TAdCy1hTlpfCe5QzfEqGCI1xe6OlWlY0Cq0U4vEITTKqM5yC8KFzzPwZUWyl23EcFy7M/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTUuanBn%253F%253D-748223" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770780116116596338" /></a></p>It was fantastic sleeping last night. I needed a blanket for the first time on the trip. The air got cool and the fog rolled in. This is what I saw while making sure the anchor didn't drag this morning. The anchor was fine.
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<br>My inflatable dingy, Samman, was left behind in Bob's garage so shore excursions from anchor require flagging down a ride or swimming. Yesterday we put our shoes, snacks, and other stuff in plastic dry bags, unfortunately one leaked so we returned to Donnybrook to re pack. Dan was spooked because his smokes got wet and decided to stay on Donnybrook rather than risk losing another pack to Lake Michigan.
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<br>Bob, Ellie, and I tried again and made it to shore with dry supplies, but only Bob's shoes were re packed. Rather than return to Donnybrook, we decided to hike barefoot.
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<br>Our feet were fine. The trails are mostly grass or sand. South Manitou Island is a time capsule of what rural Michigan life was like in the 1940s before it became part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We saw old farmhouses, one built in 1860, barns containing a mix of horse and tractor driven farm implements, orchards, and a one room school house.
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<br>The wildlife we saw consisted of birds, a gardner snake, and large toad.
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<br>The most amazing thing about this uninhabited island is how quiet it is on the island. You stop walking and it is perfectly quiet. I've never experienced quiet like on South Manitou Island.
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<br>Thus remains one of my favorite places on Lake Michigan, if not the world.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-27754397097348565332012-07-25T20:30:00.000-05:002012-07-25T20:37:29.610-05:00Beaver Island Sunset<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2v5p5mTT-77KRu3Ty0OSN_3pdRInzW6zdwh1jR8Rc-IhMQUtlm-WaO9Rx7OF-pbuETFoxLalnUzvyXJnBM6GMotIMo7_RiXrUfeaxqqYBhI5Vja74pwCDTcry9LOb0VjA9SVl61jmq8/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTEuanBn%253F%253D-749611"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2v5p5mTT-77KRu3Ty0OSN_3pdRInzW6zdwh1jR8Rc-IhMQUtlm-WaO9Rx7OF-pbuETFoxLalnUzvyXJnBM6GMotIMo7_RiXrUfeaxqqYBhI5Vja74pwCDTcry9LOb0VjA9SVl61jmq8/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA5MTEuanBn%253F%253D-749611" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5769286335609848994" /></a></p>We're at anchor in St. James Harbor on Beaver Island, Michigan. Garlic bread is baking in the oven, water is boiling for pasta, and home made pasta sauce is warming. Good tunes are playing.
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<br>The picture is our view as we wait for the stars to take over the night sky. I have to remind myself that this is work, returning the boat to Chicago after the race.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-29638008759788658732012-07-24T12:58:00.000-05:002012-07-24T12:59:21.627-05:00Moment of Finish and 2012 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Results<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqoO6n8no2sn-xvadKR7wig9U8FQydO1SmBGUxfB-6kFOQJVWyIr0e87R-2NZstQbZOa-fY2PRrILiJiMM6RsYOSlUpNz7RT-VZyJnGFZ2J-QesZ9npMF4KXQB0AmH7jJ6UsJMdTOJ9w/s1600/IMG00898-761628.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqoO6n8no2sn-xvadKR7wig9U8FQydO1SmBGUxfB-6kFOQJVWyIr0e87R-2NZstQbZOa-fY2PRrILiJiMM6RsYOSlUpNz7RT-VZyJnGFZ2J-QesZ9npMF4KXQB0AmH7jJ6UsJMdTOJ9w/s320/IMG00898-761628.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768797186905737042" /></a></p>This is my view of finishing. Donnybrook set a boat record of 69 hours, 51 minutes, 46 seconds which corrected to 54:33:46. Overall we finished 28 of 43 boats in the cruising division. We were 18 of 20 in the competitive Cruising 2 section.
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<br>Official Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac results are at <a href="http://competitor.cycracetomackinac.com/results.cfm">http://competitor.cycracetomackinac.com/results.cfm</a>.
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<br>In the picture Todd and Roxray are holding the sail number board. Mike is standing by in case anything is needed. I'm sitting next to Mary as she steers us to finish.
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<br>It's a tradition on Donnybrook that the new crew steers at the finish. In fact, I don't think I've ever been at the helm while finishing a Mac race.
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<br>More thoughts on the race to come.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-19181055709740510322012-07-23T10:33:00.000-05:002012-07-23T10:34:12.615-05:00Capt. and Crew<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWxl5Y-vyoIaV5ILZIj4hKMUhsmzDjRvZjull5HgBJVBzV_Qz9YposX8ixIxed1lqjohgiP93KZ74TcjazQ1HX3TdB_UhPGJSU3zfxzbCI2zv0H2ijAk-5hhULgcg4SywlaYBeSxnvPw/s1600/IMG00893-752616.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWxl5Y-vyoIaV5ILZIj4hKMUhsmzDjRvZjull5HgBJVBzV_Qz9YposX8ixIxed1lqjohgiP93KZ74TcjazQ1HX3TdB_UhPGJSU3zfxzbCI2zv0H2ijAk-5hhULgcg4SywlaYBeSxnvPw/s320/IMG00893-752616.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768388699954811202" /></a></p>My family complains that I'm not in any pictures, so here I am next to Roxray. Behind is Mike and Todd is at the helm.
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<br>68 hours on the boat so far and we still look pretty good!<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-8709979807333885772012-07-23T10:09:00.000-05:002012-07-23T10:16:15.695-05:00Reaching Down the Straights<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgp5Vq51fwp_oQ0sTRruzaUI5HXu7OKbKzJ21lgmyFFoHUrZDogT9HA-y1uo7mU1eib1xLspBHOFAGa9OvqVRc-FOfEgwimgsxZoSHZ1ZDazp_uX3zv4ddJe-th3j9_nu5Ka1mSlCyjo/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4OTEuanBn%253F%253D-775696"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgp5Vq51fwp_oQ0sTRruzaUI5HXu7OKbKzJ21lgmyFFoHUrZDogT9HA-y1uo7mU1eib1xLspBHOFAGa9OvqVRc-FOfEgwimgsxZoSHZ1ZDazp_uX3zv4ddJe-th3j9_nu5Ka1mSlCyjo/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4OTEuanBn%253F%253D-775696" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768384070738640434" /></a></p>Mary and Roxray are contributing by keeping Donnybrook flat. We're under Genoa and main while the Tartan in the background is nicely flying a spinnaker,<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-6968175558466876232012-07-22T20:58:00.000-05:002012-07-22T21:12:51.398-05:00Sunset Over South Manitou Island<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDQTBrBFPaQGDHzd8RGMLGY4HTByZexDahiiV3-7zbYuQHQUDBM_BSgf_SraxI8C7YthpALvyZQFsWF84uetrywAYtOzv83L8BdGdT34aMSHHb1oXtPXiI-1SZ4t3fa4ueaVw-Znm1uk/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4ODkuanBn%253F%253D-771399"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDQTBrBFPaQGDHzd8RGMLGY4HTByZexDahiiV3-7zbYuQHQUDBM_BSgf_SraxI8C7YthpALvyZQFsWF84uetrywAYtOzv83L8BdGdT34aMSHHb1oXtPXiI-1SZ4t3fa4ueaVw-Znm1uk/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4ODkuanBn%253F%253D-771399" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768182185997271010" /></a></p>South Manitou Island is one of my favorite places on Lake Michigan. We were fortunate enough to sail by at sunset. Here, Mike enjoys the scene. Roxray is below heating beef stew and beer bread for dinner. Todd is navigating and reviewing strategy for the rest of the race, and I'm making sure everything continues to run well.
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<br>This is our last night on the race with an eta of 3:00 Monday afternoon, our target of 72 hours.
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<br>It's been a great journey, with more to come.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-85128785320272644122012-07-22T15:32:00.001-05:002012-07-22T15:32:29.429-05:0048 Hour Update<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXycydNYcKFFQceoRmkbhq6Ji71V19yfbmI6TXm_FfcSAlOHP8C5HH7-vHfamIOiDisrBIC0i7cXsjXZ-OVdSBU_1Jthzw-jWwB7Phf9ZDuic2JTAmOcPe_hRDX4hBZoucfk3VWaF8-gI/s1600/IMG00888-749430.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXycydNYcKFFQceoRmkbhq6Ji71V19yfbmI6TXm_FfcSAlOHP8C5HH7-vHfamIOiDisrBIC0i7cXsjXZ-OVdSBU_1Jthzw-jWwB7Phf9ZDuic2JTAmOcPe_hRDX4hBZoucfk3VWaF8-gI/s320/IMG00888-749430.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768094476780686002" /></a></p>198 total miles sailed and 174 miles from the start! Still sailing nicely. We're in the company of faster boats today.
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<br>Our shore support told us we cut Endeavor's lead by half over night. We also passed at least one of our Cruising 2 competitors. We remain optimistic for a strong finish!<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-88948638168966939492012-07-22T13:47:00.000-05:002012-07-22T13:59:19.728-05:00Sunday Morning Sunrise<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3QR5E0GWDw9fMte0ICr7SOrDHqDAKLShJ-dVkL6kLyV8BFXWvvvz8XOXt8LFcVEZBDTHjBwdFAk0uZG_9HBtBBAnD0guD-5iSiLJlOAbiRnBBLiw-II90hqK_Wbr7hmg9h8WsnxQHas/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4ODQuanBn%253F%253D-759729"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3QR5E0GWDw9fMte0ICr7SOrDHqDAKLShJ-dVkL6kLyV8BFXWvvvz8XOXt8LFcVEZBDTHjBwdFAk0uZG_9HBtBBAnD0guD-5iSiLJlOAbiRnBBLiw-II90hqK_Wbr7hmg9h8WsnxQHas/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDA4ODQuanBn%253F%253D-759729" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768070473158027826" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085956800951528572.post-81354814861033838392012-07-21T19:40:00.000-05:002012-07-21T19:42:15.722-05:0024 Hour UpdateAt 3:00 pm today we sailed 101 total miles and were 86 miles from start. We're sailing strong again after the rigging problems!
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<br>We expect to see some lights on the horizon tonight after losing site of other boats earlier today.<div class="blogger-post-footer">***Read about Lake Michigan Sailing and Cruising at www.saildonnybrook.com***</div>Kyle Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557685970935937099noreply@blogger.com0