Anyone for sailing off Sleeping Bear Dunes (NW Michigan) over Labor Day?

[Cevin c Taylor]

I'm planning on camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore over Labor Day, and taking my CP '16 up there.  The Lakshore is part of the Nat'l Parks system, and is located in the northwest part of Michigan.  It's about a 4-5 hour drive from where I live, near Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I really want to sail out to South and North Manitou Island, which are part of the park.  However, that involves at least 8 miles of sailing out into Lake Michigan by the most direct route.  I'm still a pretty new sailor, and I would only try it under the best conditions, with a good forecast, the proper equipment, etc.  There is a big shipwreck off the south coast of South Manitou, a freightor that ran aground there in 1961, the Francisco Maranzan.  I'd love to poke around it a bit.  I was in the area this year from 6/30 to 7/4, but there was virtually no wind - Lake Michigan was like glass for the entire time we were up there.  It was very frustrating, but that's the way it goes.  I did some scouting for the trip - checking out ramps, collecting info, etc.  

I'm hoping to do the trip sometime over the Labor Day weekend.  I would feel much better having some company, and getting to know some other sailors.  Anyone up for it?  Even if the weather does not permit the trip, it's a beautiful area to visit.  I've camped there the last eight Labor Day weekends.  I've also camped/hiked on North Manitou (larger and more primitive than South Manitou) twice.

To give you some info, here is a video of a couple's sail out to North and South Manitou in 2009.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZc3ReSAXPQ

Here is a link to some great pics of South Manitou (you can see the wreck of the Maranzan near the bottom):
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jensenl/visuals/album/2006/manitou/

[ehall686]

Sound like fun,  but I know that I will be working. Take pictures and post them I would love to see the Dunes from the other side.

[Vipersdad]

Can't make any plans now, but when I could swing it I would sail over from Sturgeon Bay.  Dealing with nursing home and health issues, etc., right now for a parent.


Vipersdad

[Cevin c Taylor]

Vipersdad - if you can make it, send me a message.  It would be great to have the company.  I also plan to sail on Crystal Lake and/or Platte Lake if Lake Michigan is too rough.

[jthatcher]

that link leads to some pretty incredible photos..   wish we were closer!   one of these days maybe we will make it to the great lakes..   but it will be a round about route for sure.   have a great time...   jt