We departed Frankfort at 0800, headed for Sturgeon Bay. Frankfort to Sturgeon Bay is the narrowest part of Lake Michigan when crossing it. It was drizzly and windy, Passage Weather predicted the wind to drop and change directions. It was probably 2.5′ when we started out and hitting us on the port beam made it a rollin ride. We were crossing Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay, the narrowest part of the lake is Frankfort to Sturgeon. As we suspected the seas laid down after about an hour and once we were 1/2 way across the Lake the sea state changed to completely smooth and it was like a pond. We expected some rain, all the clouds were out but we never felt or saw any the whole way across. It’s really rare to have such a great crossing this early in the year, and with all the crazy weather that has been going on. We got across the bay safely and the Sturgeon Bay cut was very picturesque, and With the Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Station right at the entrance. The two boats I crossed with were Inspiration, and Leap of Faith. Leap of Faith was great to see again, the last time Pura Vida and I saw them was back in February in Hawks Channel off of Duck Key. They saved the day after I hit a crab trap! We stayed at Skipper Buds Marina, formally Harbor Club Marina 920-743-6934. My friend George who I met in New York just finished the loop keeps his boat “Quiet Time IV” at this marina. He drove up from his home and was at the marina when my sister and I arrived. We got settled and George took us to an excellent dinner at Crate here in Sturgeon Bay. It’s so great to have friends that share the same passion as you, it is a common thread that is strong. I am Looking forward to doing tons of boating the next few years. This trip has been inspiring and all the great people and connections you make on the water make this lifestyle so enjoyable.
The Great Loop is an amazing thing for people to be able to do. It will get you into an exploring, life inspiring routine that is more and more addictive the further you go. The great people you meet, the bond you grow with the water and winds. Mother Nature talks to you through the rhythm of your boats motion. The greatest thing any human can do is listen to others and learn as much as you can from the other person and teach them what you know as well. This lifestyle works for me, and I’m so happy to see so many others that have known this secret. I hope you can get out, explore, and see this beautiful world away from the main roads and cities.
M/V Leap of Faith & M/V Inspiration
Picture taken from “Inspiration”
Skipper Buds marina from the air
Pura Vida Loop 
How long did it take to cross from Frankfort to sturgeon bay?
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