Well, my part time job at West Marine has finally paid off ( in addition to employee discount on parts !! ).
We are leaving Barrie, Ontario on Monday for the drive down to a 48ft sloop for delivery back to Canada via the Hudson river and Erie canals.
It will be my first time in the salt on a sailboat and although I have faith and confidence in the Captain and other crew members, it certainly wont hurt my psyche to hear from others on this board who are familiar with these waters.
What say you ???
Coming up the Hudson and Erie canals will be a bit of a PITA. You have to unstep the mast to make the passage through the canals, as the canals have some serious height limitations on some of the bridges. :) Other than that, should be a good trip. The Hudson and Erie canal sections will be mostly motoring or motorsailing. :(
Easy enough. Gloves to work the dock lines. Foul weather gear and hand warmers. It can get a little cold and wet.
try to get info on if there is any lock construction and delays. Do not be the first to go through after the canal has been closed due to flooding. Skipper Bob's Guide is as good as any for the Hudson and Erie. Keep a good look out for logs and deadheads.
You will wish you had spent more time in the canal.