Long day - crossing Lake Ontario

At 8 am we took off from Picton after a pump out at the municipal dock and tacked eastward through Adolphus Reach then south side of Amherst Island. The winds had shifted against us.  The sky opened and rained on us until we reached Pryner's Cove  .... The south side of Amherst Island looked baron with a few modest houses.

http://www.cruising.ca/guide/docs/gd-adoloph.html

Rain falling on us at Adolphus Reach

Passed Amherst Island on the south shore.




Wind and waves in Lake Ontario were intense.

Safron was given a course of 110 Magnetic.  Not depending on GPS or ground reference, I did regular position checks on the GPS and she kept us right on course in choppy waters for several hours.  I am impressed.

We passed Pigeon Island@4:20 pm. We had problems keeping our course closed haul under sail to avoide Pigeon Island.  We tried to tack around it but the winds were too strong and the main alone did not head up enough. 

Engine on and motor sailed the rest of the way to Cape Vincent. It was rough and we were bouncing and the engine was overheating.

Lake Ontario heading for Pigeon Island

Upon arrival in Cape Vincent, we tried docking at village docks, but they were full.

Cleared US customs using I-68 in 3 minutes once we were able to establish a cell connection.

We docked at DEC wildlife and fishery dock with lots of external help. Water was low and the docks were haphazard due to low waters and NE winds. I ended up using tires for fenders cos dock was so rough. This ended up with some black marks on rub rail.

We sailed over 30 miles from Picton to Cape Vincent.

11 1/2 hours of great and exhausting sailing and it is going to be a rough nite. Supper was carrots humus and a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.