Lake Erie Islands

Posted By: Dale
Date: 7/14/08 7:00p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Wonderful Area (link) (Chris Harlan)

Kelley's Island is where I learned to sail in the early 60's on a wooden Sailfish (before the Sunfish). My family has been going there since before I was born (that would be in the 40's)and love the island. There's a state park there and you should probably make reservations. There's a state park on South Bass Island as well. It has far more social opportunities. I towed my 4.6 from Colorado to KI last summer for a couple weeks and had great sailing. I've had it out on the lake in 15' swells and dead calms. You'll want to have an outboard, as well as the ability to reef and furl, if you're trying to travel between the islands very much. Storms can come up quickly, hit hard and include some brutal lightning. Most of the rest of the islands can have good anchorages, but lots of private shoreline and limited camping and no marinas to speak of. We'll be there again next week and for a couple weeks in early September. Going after Labor Day is really the prettiest time of year to be there. The islands quiet down and the weather is gorgeous. I haven't made a decision about towing the boat this year given the cost of gas. . .! Have fun!