CAPT’N SALTY’S LAKE ONTARIO CROSSING RULES

BUDDY BOATS: Boats (preferably of similar cruising speeds) shall pair-up with mutual commitments to sail within visual contact and assist the other if needed (e. g., towing).

DEPARTURE: Skippers shall make strongest effort to enable crew to “weight anchor” at about “first light” ( i. e. , 0620h).

SPEED: For 40 – 60 N.M. treks, boats shall maintain a minimum cruising speed (speed over ground) of about 5.0 kn.

ALTERNATIVE TREK: Cruise organizer(s) shall prepare an alternative “more sheltered” cruise enabling departure in stronger winds/seas and reaching some/most of the reference-cruise ports in safe/relaxed sails.

WEATHER WINDOW: All skippers shall closely monitor relevant daily marine weather forecasts, as updated inter-day, starting the day before the departure date. Long open water treks shall not be attempted in wind forecast above 18 kn ( Capt’n Salty usually adds about 5-7 kns to all forecasts), strong squall forecasts or “strong” head-waves. Furthermore, lake crossing shall only be attempted during a minimum three-day favourable weather window forecast ( i. e., safe sea-state); the day before the crossing, day of the crossing and the day after the crossing.