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Around the World of Sailing

1 May 2002

Finish Line

This month from the 18th to the 24th is National Safe
Boating Week. To learn more utilize the hyper links
below.

US Power Squadron National Safe Boating Test
http://www.nationalsafeboatingtest.com/
National Safe Boating Campaign
http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/

Water Level Update

Weekly Water Level Update
Available on line at:
http://www.torresen.com/atwos/2001/oc/1024/frw.htm

Below you'll find water level info that pertains
to Lake Michigan and Huron.
For information on other lakes see:
http://huron.lre.usace.army.mil/levels/weekly.html

Reference Point

Difference from Chart Datum +3
Difference from last month +5
Difference from last year +8
Difference from long term average for May -13
Difference from Record High -44
Difference from Record Low +20
Forecast for 26 May 2002 +3

Note: A report from Menominee MI states that the harbor
there shows water 14 inches higher than a year ago.

Rowing Reporter

The Rowing Reporter is a weekly column of commentary and
observations by Ike Stephenson, Marine Informationist. It
concentrates on the home waters of Around the World of
Sailing, Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.
****************

WX Reports
	Now that daylight savings time and boating season
have returned, so have near shore marine forecasts.  These
forecasts include: any gale or storm warnings, expected wind
direction and speed rounded to nearest 5 knots, cloud cover,
possible precipitation, wave heights and low visibility
warnings.  For the Muskegon area find the near shore
forecast at:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/grr/main/weather/marine/index_marine.html
	Moving towards summer what might we expect?  The
National Weather Service expects a normal summer in
temperature, rain and days above 90°.  Number wise an
average temperature of 68° with 3 days above 90° and
nearly 8 inches of rain.  The outlook also states,
"Since we are currently near the peak of the last solar
maximum, it is unlikely we will experience a cold summer."
	Over the weekend Muskegon experienced a bit of
a rager.  Sunday morning I recorded N-NE wind.  The
temperature was 40°.  Most concerning was the barometer
reading of 995 millibars.  Not especially concerning in
itself.  However, when compared to the reading of 24 hours
previous- 1025 MB it was of note.  A 30 MB decline had
occurred when a decline of just 24 MB meets requirement
for a low-pressure bomb.
	By the afternoon things had switched up.  From
1600 to 1800 Sunday Muskegon was winds of 22 knots out
of the north.  The South Lake Michigan weather buoy had
25 knot NNW winds during the same period.  Not a long
storm, but noteworthy.  It also stood in contradiction
to the forecast direction of SW.  However the 15-25 knot
predicted strength was right on.
*************
Big Sable Notes
	Later this summer the Rowing Reporter will venture
to Big Sable Lighthouse as a volunteer keeper.  During this
fortunate period I will give people tours of the lighthouse
including the tower and help in the gift shop.  This is the
first of periodic reports on my experience.
	Technically speaking Big Sable Lt. is light list
# 1852 located at 44 03 north 86 30 west, showing a fixed
white light.  It's 106 feet high with a range of 15 statue
miles.
	In person it's a working lighthouse, which you
can climb and stand on it's top with a dramatic peaceful
view of Lake Michigan.  It's keepers quarters have been
fully restored by the Big Sable Lightkeepers Association.
It's open for tours throughout the summer. It's located
in Michigan's Ludington State park and can be accessed
by a 1.5 mile long road, or via the beach.  I prefer the
in person to technical stuff.
	Big Sable was built in 1867.  Despite this there
is no picture of it earlier than 1900.
	If you check your Lake Michigan chart, you'll
also see a Little Sable Light.  Although the point maybe
the smaller, the light maybe misnamed.  It's actually 2 feet
higher than 'big' sable.
	Word is that Little Sable light will also be open
for tours- perhaps by years end.  Although Little Sable
doesn't have a keepers quarters, it is easier to get to.
	Big Sable was originally over 500 feet from the
lake when built.  Over the years due to erosion and high
lake levels water has reached the tower.  This has caused
many plans to be made.  There are two of note.  One was
to tear down Big Sable and replace it with an antiseptic
modern tower.  Another was to encircle it with a sea wall
and create a Big Sable Island!
	For ships running north or south on Lake Michigan
it is just about the most western point.  New Buffalo is
at 86 45 west.  Once again Big Sable is just edged out by
'Little Sable' as it is 86 32 west.  Clear Little Sable
and you'll clear Big Sable, too.
	Many years after it was built, the light had few
comforts.  Finally in 1948 it received indoor plumbing,
and central heat.  It wasn't until 1954 that the site
received electricity.  As late as 1971-72 there were Coast
Guard personnel stationed at Big Sable.
	These were just some facts I picked up from the
knowledgeable folks who ran the orientation.  I highly
recommend a visit to do some first person light house
learning.
*****************
Readers Write
	Alan Barker wrote, "My question is, has there been
a solo non-stop circumnavigation by an individual who has
built their own sailboat?  In my opinion the construction
of said sailboat would need to be accomplished entirely
by the sailor. (category definition)."
	My reply: "Your question brings to mind the
original solo circumnavigator Joshua Slocum who rebuilt
a rotting oyster sloop and soloed.
See http://www.joshuaslocumsocietyintl.org/single.htm.
        Another example is Frenchman Yves Dupasquier who
won Class II in the 1990-91 Around Alone.  He built his
own boat, in that he and a small team built it.
Dupasquier's Servant VI still holds several records
including Newport to Cape Town in 44 days, and Punta
Del Este to Newport in 30 days.
        I don't know if either meet your criteria exactly.
In fact I wonder how stringent you would be?  Would a
sailor have to build every part?  What if he used a
pre made part?  Would he have to install all the
electronics, hydraulics etc. or just build the hull?
Would he have to paint it etc.?  I'd be interested in
knowing more of what you have in mind."
***************
Rowing Reporter Interactive- Bringing people together,
passing messages and answering questions.  The Rowing
reporter seeks comments, questions and suggestions.
Send email to ike@torresen.com.