Planning a sailing charter from Duncan Bay Marina is wonderful due to the close proximity of exciting destinations! The waters around Cheboygan, Michigan, offer some truly beautiful sailing. Below are three sample itineraries, keeping in mind the varying durations.
3-Day Itinerary: Mackinac Island Focus
Day 1: Duncan Bay to Mackinac Island:
Depart Duncan Bay Marina in the morning. Sail to Mackinac Island (approximately 14 miles). Enjoy the afternoon exploring the island: carriage rides, Fort Mackinac, downtown shops. Overnight in Mackinac Island's harbor.
Day 2: Mackinac Island Exploration:
Spend the day further exploring Mackinac Island. Consider a circumnavigation of the island by sail, weather permitting. Enjoy dinner at one of Mackinac Island's many restaurants. Overnight at Mackinac Island harbor.
Day 3: Return to Duncan Bay:
Morning departure from Mackinac Island. Sail back to Duncan Bay Marina.
Enjoy a final afternoon of sailing on Lake Huron.
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5-Day Itinerary: Mackinac and Les Cheneaux Islands
Day 1: Duncan Bay to Mackinac Island:
Depart Duncan Bay Marina. Sail to Mackinac Island. Explore the island in the afternoon. Overnight at Mackinac Island harbor.
Day 2: Mackinac Island to Les Cheneaux Islands:
Sail from Mackinac Island to the Les Cheneaux Islands (approximately 22 miles). Explore the sheltered bays and channels of the Les Cheneaux Islands. Anchor in a secluded cove or stay at a marina.
Day 3: Les Cheneaux Islands Exploration:
Spend the day exploring the Les Cheneaux Islands. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or hiking on the islands. Visit the charming towns within the islands. Overnight at anchor, or marina within the Les Cheneaux Islands.
Day 4: Les Cheneaux Islands to Cheboygan:
Begin the return trip, sailing from the Les Cheneaux Islands towards Cheboygan. Depending on the time, you could anchor for a night along the way, or make it back to the Cheboygan area.
Day 5: Return to Duncan Bay:
Complete the trip back to Duncan Bay Marina.
2 Week Itinerary: Extended Great Lakes Exploration and The North Channel
Week 1:
Days 1-2: Duncan Bay to Mackinac Island & Little Current:
Depart Duncan Bay Marina and sail to Mackinac Island. Enjoy the island's unique charm. Continue sailing towards Little Current, the "gateway to the North Channel." Little current has great provisioning, and is a good place to prepare for the trip into the North Channel. Overnight in Little Current.
Days 3-5: Benjamin Islands Exploration:
Sail to the Benjamin Islands. These islands are a highlight, with their stunning pink granite and clear waters. Spend several days exploring the various anchorages and enjoying swimming and hiking. This area is perfect for relaxing and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Days 6-7: Killarney and Baie Fine:
Sail to Killarney, a picturesque town with a rich maritime history.
From Killarney, venture into Baie Fine, a fjord-like inlet known for its dramatic scenery. Anchor in Baie Fine for an unforgettable overnight experience.
Week 2:
Days 8-10: Georgian Bay Exploration:
Begin exploring the eastern part of the North Channel, which blends into Georgian Bay. Explore areas around the Whalesback Channel. Consider stops in areas such as; Snug Harbour, and other anchorages within Georgian bay.
Days 11-13: Return Journey:
Begin the return journey, sailing westward along the North Channel.
Consider stops at towns like Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island.
This allows for re-provisioning, and rest.
Day 14: Return to Duncan Bay:
Complete the final leg of the journey, sailing back to Duncan Bay Marina.
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