EXPLORATION SAILING CHARTERS

Bill's New Zealand Trip 2010

2011-01-21T15:47:00.001-05:00

The New Year - 2011

2011-01-21T15:30:00.004-05:00

Over the next few weeks I will be updating the website and revising information on the upcoming specialty cruises. I hope to bring many of them back and add a few new ones. If you are wishing to sail without participating in a themed week, please contact me as soon as possible so I can keep your preferred times available. Bookings are already happening.

In retrospect, the 2010 season was terrific. A number of new clients were able to experience some of the many wonders of the North Channel and we were blessed with some terrific winds. There were days when most cruisers hunkered down in secure anchorages but Little Wing reveled in the 40+ knots and big seas. Never once did she ever cause concern for safety or security. The new sails worked out very well and added greatly to sailing enjoyment.

The entire battery and wiring system was totally revamped, and with the added capacity, the autopilot and refrigeration can now run far longer and there are no worries about starting the engine. We can now enjoy ice cubes the whole trip!

In the fall I had the opportunity to spend a month in New Zealand visiting my daughter. Two of the great highlights of this adventure were the opportunity to sail an Americas Cup boat (former contender Nippon from Japan) in the Harauki Gulf and to cruise a Lotus9.6 (31 ft.) in the Bay of Islands. Above you will find a link to my New Zealand slide show.

Below, "Another North Channel Slide Show" has been updated with images from 2010.

Cycling/Sailing Adventure

2010-04-05T13:50:00.007-04:00

Join cycling adventurer Rick Goodfellow for a romp around and through the North Channel. Participants will experience some of the best scenery Manitoulin Island and the north shore of L. Huron have to offer while peddling free of tents, sleeping bags, provisions etc. Cyclists will sleep and eat on the boat with a different anchorage or port every night. We will be sailing to some of the most spectacular islands and cycling some great mainland trails.

Rick will be your guide and mentor for the cycling segments of this adventure. He is a former high school and intermediate geography teacher. He owned and operated Salem Cyclery for fifteen years and currently instructs bicycle mechanics at the Winterborne Bicycle Institute. With his wife and children he has cycled across Canada and toured Europe and Israel. Last summer he circumnavigated Iceland - by bike, not boat. The previous year, as part of the Tour D'Afrique flagship expedition, he rode from Cairo to Capetown (the length of an entire continent!) - his own personal "Everest". He has organized and conducted several cycling tours for students and adults. His experiences and commentary on current developments in cycling are chronicled in his monthly articles in the Guelph Mercury newspaper.

Cost: $1 250 per person, $2 300 per couple
Maximum 5 guests.

Nutrition and Diet Cooking Cruise

2010-04-05T13:16:00.007-04:00

Birgit Kroll is the owner/operator of Personal Fit Meal Catering in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. On her wellness journey she has focused on enhancing healing processes through the goodness of real food. She is a passionate advocate for eating locally and sustainably and believes in recognizing the importance of pleasure connected to food. Her cooking celebrates a vast range of recipes and flavours using simplicity as a source for her creativity. She enjoys helping others become food adventurers and encourages them to let their own food consciousness emerge.

Birgit will guide you through the principles of healthy, balanced food planning and preparation while enhancing flavour and presentation. This cruise is fully provisioned and participants will be actively involved in developing and executing the recipes.

For more information on Birgit or her catering service, click on the title above.

Limited to 4 guests.
Cost $1 200 per person or $2 200 per couple

Another North Channel Slideshow

2010-02-02T13:17:00.002-05:00

Click the title.

Photography Excursions - 2010 Schedule

2009-02-22T23:13:00.005-05:00

Nature in the North Channel
with Steve Gettle
Date September 16-21, 2010
$1,375 CDN per person, discount for couples (convert this to US$)

Skipper Bill will be guiding Steve and four participants to some of his favorite places in the North Channel including the Benjamin and Fox Islands. The course will include morning instruction and objectives followed by evening critique of images. Besides learning landscape composition, the crew will learn how to attract and artfully photograph the abundant wildlife of the area. Captain Bill will be preparing most meals so students will have plenty of time to explore this fabulous landscape. This offering is for the intermediate to advanced photographer and is on a first come first serve basis.

Required Equipment: Digital SLR equipment with tripod.

Steve Gettle’s images communicate his love for the wildlife and wild places of our world and have been exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world, including the Museum of Natural History in London and The American Museum of Natural History in New York. In the spring of 2008, Steve was honored to have a one man show at The National Center for Nature Photography in Ohio. His work has been featured in many books, magazines, calendars, and other publications by, The National Geographic Society, Canadian Geographic, Audubon, Sierra Club, The BBC, The World Wildlife Fund, The National Wildlife Federation, Birder’s World, Nature’s Best, Wild Bird, and Natural History. His other honors include being chosen Great Lakes Wildlife Photographer of the Year as well as being a multiple award winner in the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

For a tease - a sampling of Steve's phenominal work from his recent North Channel trip with me and his wonderful family - go to https://www.stevegettle.com/pages/category/photo-tours/.

Watercolor Sailing Excursion 2010

2008-07-14T13:49:00.013-04:00

July 10 - 16, 2010

Watercolor/Sailing Excursion with Betty Bea Washburn.

Exploration Sailing Charters is collaborating with Cycling Salamander Art Gallery to provide "Art/Sailing" excursions again this summer. However, veteran intuitive water colour instructor, Betty Bea Washburn, will be conducting an intensive workshop on beautiful and historic Mackinac Island July 12-14 instead of on the boat.

Betty Bea's workshops are always extremely successful and I don't want sailing buffs to miss out on this opportunity. Little Wing will leave Blind River on July 10 and take two days to sail to Mackinac. During the three day workshop, the crew will be able to stay on the boat at the marina, thus avoiding hotel and most meal costs. Anchorages will include Drummond Island and the wonderful Cheneux Islands of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

Intuitive watercolor teaches seductive and flowing strokes which allow the water and paint to mingle and form trees, grass, waterways, etc. Pouring natural light glazes onto the paper results in a glowing, atmospheric watercolor. Visit the North Channel Art Show.

Mackinac Island was a strategic and pivotal site during the war of 1812. The locals have done a wonderful job of preserving the original fortifications and provide engaging interpretive services. Later, the area became "the" summer vacation destination for the wealthy and infuential. This wonderful bygone era has been preserved in the stunning architecture. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. Transportation is by foot, bicycle or horse; a large part of the island's charm.

More information on the workshop itself can be found at http://www.bettybeawashburn.blogspot.com/.

The workshop cost is $250 US. The sailing adventure is $800 (Cdn) per person or $1400 (Cdn) per couple. This includes docking and most meals.

Participants of the 2008 Watercolor/Sailing Excursion pose aboard "Little Wing" before disembarking in Blind River, Ontario. Participants include skipper Bill Penistan, Rebecca, Barry, Betty Bea Washburn, Kay, and Clark.

Contact Us

2008-04-17T23:33:00.004-04:00

By Phone: (705) 989-7135 (Canada)

By e-mail: explorationsail@gmail.com

By snail mail: 28 Whitman Dam Rd.

PO Box B25

Searchmont, ON

P0S 1J0

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Tough Decision

2008-03-30T15:12:00.002-04:00

Making the decision to end the trip was very difficult and there is a sense of failure. However, this is the wrong time of year to do this trip and our route is known as "the thorny path".

We found a wonderful Hurricane Hole to leave the boat. Really, the mooring place is named Hurricane Hole. The moorings appear to be in good condition, the basin is really well protected and the proprietor, Wendel, aka Little Toot, a wonderful, helpful fellow. He has agreed to keep the boat aired out and the motors exercised regularly. And the price is reasonable.

As Hurricane Hole is on Stocking Island, it is necessary to get a water taxi to the government dock. Elvis, the driver, arranged a taxi to the airport for me. All the cabs are connected via VHF radio and I would hazard that as much business here is done with VHF as with cellphone.

There are several places in Georgetown where one can get wireless internet connection. For $15 a month you can get a signal on your boat. I went to Eddie's, a very Caribbean establishment where I could do all my business for free as long as I made a purchase. And why wouldn't I when the local Sands beer is so good and the fried chicken is just as it should be? $7.50 all in. Not cheap but not too bad, either. And if you like the sound of loud locals having a good time, the ambiance is great.

Bill Penistan's Article in Georgian Bay Today

2008-03-27T12:31:00.007-04:00

Bill's article on the life of a charter boat skipper is included in the Spring issue of Georgian Bay Today.

"The sun creeps past the cabin’s port light curtains as a distant loon cries an eerie wail. There is a chill in the air and I dread crawling out of my warm sleeping bag. I perceive nearby movement then the wafts of fresh coffee fumes entice me to open my eyes. There is indeed a fresh pot brewing on the stove. A friendly smile invites me to the first cup. Promises of hot, rich, black nectar. Life is good.

A few sips, a dry swimsuit and a quick splash into the clear fresh waters of Georgian Bay and the sleeps are chased away. Toweling off and heading below again, I am greeted by happy, relaxed charter guests.

Such are the good times of being a charter boat captain. I never know for sure what to expect when I meet a new crew, but then again, nor do they!.. "

Get a subscription to this great magazine to read the entire article.

Trade Wind Frustrations

2008-03-26T12:19:00.003-04:00

The wind continues to blow from the wrong direction as another cold front goes over. In a few days the real trade winds should settle back in but that means 15 to 20 knots from the southeast - just the direction we need to go to get to the Turks and Caicos for a hop across to the Dominican. This is open ocean with expected 7 to 8 foot seas on top of a north swell.

The owner of Seaquel, Malcolm, needs to get back to St. Lucia by Monday for work. I need to get back to Ontario soon but I am not as committed time wise. The big concern is that we could head off to Rum Cay or some place along the way and get stuck again, with no place to leave the boat and no airport. So it looks as though we should leave the boat here in Georgetown and head for home. A delivery crew will need to be arranged to deliver Seaquel possibly in May when the trades settle down. I would love to finish this trip but I will be pretty busy then getting Little Wing ready for the summer season on Lake Huron.

The Exumas

2008-03-25T12:02:00.007-04:00

The trip from Nassau to Georgetown, Great Exuma Island, was a fantastic tease. One hundred twenty nautical miles of almost smooth, crystal clear water of the most amazing azure variations. Dozens of low sand islands, almost devoid of life forms other than cruisers. The strip of cays, known as the Exumas, separate Exuma Bank from the Atlantic Ocean and effectively break the ever present ocean swells. We charged down most of the chain at 12 to 14 knots with only about 4 feet under the bottom. Terrifying to a sailor trained in the North Channel where the bottom goes straight up and down in less than a heartbeat. The passage certainly invoked a desire to come back for a winter to explore and experience this tropical coastal wilderness - the Bahamian out islands.
is full of boats. I am told however that a couple of weeks ago it was far more crowded. A mass exodus of about 400 a day are leaving for destinations north. On the way south we came across quite a few going the other way. It was almost like driving the Hwy. 400 on a holiday weekend! Other than the boats, there is very little here. A Scotiabank and RBC are central to the town. Being Easter Sunday and Monday, absolutely nothing was open, including the marina washrooms!

Dockage here is relatively cheap - under $50 a day as opposed to Chub Cay at $140! However, the facilities are commensurate with the price.

So now we wait out another cold front with the associated norther. The wind has gone to NW 25 knots so the open ocean will be nasty. As soon as this passes we will be heading lickety split for Rum Cay, Mayaguana and the Turks and Caicos. Because this trip has taken so much longer than expected, we are thinking of leaving the boat in Luperon, Dominican Republic until a delivery skipper can be arranged to finish the trip possibly in May after the trade winds have settled.

Important thoughts on voyaging by trawler - 1. Wave conditions determine the speed of travel and possibility of travel
- 2. The fuel range is everything. It is nice to travel at 14 knots but one must refuel every 150 miles or so. Given perfect conditions, one is still limited by range and NEVER plan landfall in the islands after sunset.

Arrival in Chub Cay, Bahamas

2008-03-22T15:25:00.005-04:00

Hello Everyone. We're making slow progress. Passages so far have been a bit rough. Nice for a sailboat though! Amazing. We just went 53 miles at almost 10 knots in about 7 feet of water. Terrifying!!!!!!!! We’re currently in Chub Cay, Bahamas. Chub Cay lies at the south end of the Berry Island chain. We are close to the "Tongue of the Ocean," an area known for big-game fishing and scuba diving. In 1992, Chub Cay was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew and had to be completely rebuilt.

This morning we’re heading for Nassau located on New Providence Island. Nassau, the Capital of the Bahamas, is known for its old forts, pastel-colored buildings and fabulous hotels. We are so weather dependent but with no weather receiver radio. Frustrating! We still have to get across the big water to Dominican and then Puerto Rico. Hope to be in communication soon!

St. Lucia Delivery

2008-03-19T10:59:00.006-04:00

Captain Bill will be away from March 15 to at least the end of the month. He has been asked to deliver a Mainship 39 trawler from Florida to St. Lucia. Crewing will be the owner, Malcolm and his son, Kyle. This is a challenging voyage of over 1 500 nautical miles against the trade winds and ocean currents. The proposed route will take us through the Bahamas, Abacos, Exumas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Dominica and finally St. Lucia.
At the moment we are sitting at Hollywood Marina, Fort Lauderdale, where we have been wind bound since the 15th. Thursday should give us a break in the weather to charge across the Gulf Stream and onto the Bahama Banks. This leg must be made when the wind is south of east, blowing less than 15 knots and waves under 1 meter. Otherwise, the Gulf Stream is extremely rough and dangerous.

While waiting for the weather window we have purchased charts, cruising guides, a larger anchor and chain, provisioned the boat and plotted the routes. Next post will likely be from Nassau.

Postcards available

2008-02-28T21:52:00.003-05:00

Do you have friends or family who might be interested in taking a week-long sailing excursion on the Great Lakes? Send us their name and address and we'll send them our postcard which includes this year's special charters. We would be happy to send postcards to any bed and breakfast, store, outfitter, etc. located in the Great Lakes region.

Testimonials

2008-01-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

A Writer's Perspective

My work for the past 10 years -- writing books about the Great Lakes, including The Living Great Lakes and another I'm working on now -- have taken me everywhere around the lakes, but it wasn't until last September, when my son Aaron and I joined photographer Ken Scott and Capt. Bill

Penistan for a week-long cruise on "Little Wing," that I learned the truth about the North Channel: it's the most beautiful and pristine place in all the Great Lakes. And Capt. Bill is an amazingly skilled skipper -- right up there with the Malabar's Hajo Knuttel -- plus is fun, lively, and intelligent company to boot. His knowledge of the North Channel and Georgian Bay is encyclopedic and his enthusiasm for this stunning corner of the continent made our trip even more inspiring. I can't recommend it highly enough.

- Jerry Dennis, Traverse City

(Above: author Jerry Dennis preparing a snack in the galley. Above right: photographer Ken Scott, Jerry Dennis, Bill Penistan and Aaron Dennis enjoying the moonlight on the deck of Little Wing. Photographs courtesy of Ken
Scott.)

A Cruiser's Perspective

Recommendation for the skippered charter.
One of my pet peeves is seeing a sailboat mast peeking out above the tree line where there is no mention of an anchorage in my guide book. I'll study the chart and try to figure out how the heck someone got their boat in there.

In the North Channel there must be hundreds of these anchorages that are "off the beaten path". Every time I have taken a trip there I wish I had the local knowledge or an experienced guide to get into these secluded spots.

I would suggest your first visit to this enchanted area be in the company of a knowledgeable skipper like Bill. Your subsequent trips on your own will be made more enjoyable by having the extra confidence to visit some of these unique anchorages which you can now enjoy for as long as you cruise these islands.

Tim Boyko aka. Chicken-of-the-Sea-Man, S/V Myorca. Charlevoix, Michigan

30foot Pieter VanderBrug For Sale

2008-01-17T22:39:00.008-05:00

This unique 30 foot sloop named Holly was designed and built by our friend Pieter VanderBrug in Poland. It has crossed the Atlantic and now is anchored in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. The boat has an expansive crew cockpit which can easily seat 10 people as well as a separate helmsman cockpit. Holly would make a wonderful boat for any charter company offering day sails in the Caribbean or in the waters of the Great Lakes. This is THE party boat! She is further enhanced by all teak decks which makes it easy to walk around in bare feet even on the hottest Caribbean days. The boat provides a double aft cabin as well as head and galley making it perfect for the romantic couple getaway. Holly has a comfortable motion and is incredibly stable. She has been tested in some of the worst weather that the North Atlantic has to offer. She is for sale at $25,000. Email us for more information or to make an offer.

Fossil Walks

2007-12-23T12:42:00.001-05:00

One of the features of the North Channel which has always amazed me is the variety of geological structures. Ancient granite, sparkling white dolomite and more recent limestone formations are frequently visible in the same locale. Effects of glaciation can be most dramatically felt on South Benjamin Island. The accompanying vegetations and micro-ecosystems are equally diverse and fascinating.
I have found several places in the channel with surprisingly well preserved fossil beds dating from the Ordovician and Silurian periods (488 - 416 million years ago). Armed with an on-board library, we will be examining these fascinating relics of the past while visiting several spectacular anchorages.

Sunrise off South Benjamin Island

2007-12-22T01:51:00.008-05:00

Imagine waking up to the sounds of bullfrogs, loons, chickadees, sandhill cranes, gulls and Canadian geese as you watch the sunrise reflected in crystal clear waters of a secluded harbor. Just another average day when cruising in the Canadian North Channel.

Watercolor Excursion - July 2009

2007-12-09T23:45:00.005-05:00

Exploration Sailing Charters is collaborating with the Cycling Salamander Art Gallery in Charlevoix, Michigan in order to offer Art/Sailing Excursions. Betty Bea Washburn, one of the exhibiting artists at Cycling Salamander, will be leading a week-long intuitive painting class on Miigwahs, "Little Wing" July 26 to August 1, 2009. Washburn will lead the class in twice daily instruction. Students will need to bring basic art supplies. (Details provided after registering). Penistan will be guiding the class to his favorite islands and inlets in the North Channel of Canada (only accessible by boat) giving students the opportunity to paint some of the most spectacular sites in the Great Lakes including the Benjamin Islands. Come paint and sail in the country that inspired the famous Group of Seven painters. Participants will sleep and eat on the boat with trips to shore for painting and sightseeing. Free time will be available for hiking, reading, photography, painting and sailing from one pristine venue to another. The class is open to all skill levels but it is limited to just FOUR participants, so hurry and reserve your spot now!

One Week Charter Rates for 2011

2007-11-02T21:29:00.004-04:00

(One week is defined as Sun. after 2:00 p.m. - Sat. noon.)

With skipper $3,500 Canadian (convert this to US$), gratuity not included
- up to 5 guests

Specialty Charters with guest expert and skipper
Prices vary. See specialty charter descriptions.

All charters leave from Blind River, Ontario unless alternative arrangements have been made. Blind River is located on the North Channel approximately 2 hours east of Saulte Saint Marie, Ontario/Michigan. Americans will need to carry a passport. (Options include: Blind River, Kilarney, Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island, and Byng Inlet, Ontario, Canada).

Welcome Aboard "Little Wing"

2007-10-02T21:36:00.009-04:00

Little Wing is a Hunter 37 cutter rigged sailboat designed by John Cherubini. His line of designs in the late 70's and early 80's started the Hunter company's rise to great success and popularity. This boat was chosen by Bill as it is known as a tough, ocean capable boat. Traditionally rigged, she offers the beginning sailor all that is required for basic seamanship and the expert the benefits of a cutter rig (two jibs and a mainsail)without sacrificing performance. Experienced sailors will appreciate the asymmetrical spinnaker. She is powered by a new 30 horsepower Nanni diesel engine. Protection from the weather may be had in the cockpit under the dodger and bimini while relaxing on the deck cushions. The galley is complete with 2 burner non-pressurized alcohol stove and oven, 12 volt refrigeration, and hot and cold pressure water. The private head spans the beam of the boat and provides a shower stall, toilet with holding tank and vanity. The vessel comes equipped with all the dishes and utensils necessary for feeding a crew of six. For traveling to shore there is an inflatable dinghy with 6 hp. engine.Little Wing is equipped with a full complement of adult life jackets, VHF radio, compass, emergency flares, sound horn, high powered spotlight and charts. As well, she has a full set of electronics including depth dounder, GPS/chartplotter, autopilot and 1,000 watt inverter. Access to swimming is via a transom mounted ladder. Below decks, the private forward cabin sleeps two. A double and single berth are in the main salon. The private aft cabin has a sitting area and a berth which could be considered to be almost a double.For entertainment there is a satellite radio and am/fm stereo with cd player. Movies may be played via the onboard laptop. New for 2011 is a 26" HD TV. All linens, blankets and pillows are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-09-02T21:41:00.002-04:00

Is it safe for a non swimmer to take a sailing excursion?

Absolutely! A non swimmer must take precautions just like everyone on the boat. It's a good idea for everyone to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when taking part in a water sport. Although it is not essential to wear a PDF while on a keel boat under normal weather conditions, it is mandatory for non swimmers to wear a PDF when riding in smaller vessels such as inflatable dinghies. PDFs are mandatory for everyone when traveling in rough weather and there are also harnesses and tethers available to keep the crew safe.

What if I get seasick?

If you are susceptible to motion sickness, there are effective medications available such as gravol or a scalpomine patches. Consult your physician for the latest remedies. If you feel signs of nausea beginning, inform Captain Bill so that you may be placed in the driver's seat. Sailors steering the boat rarely get ill as their minds do not dwell on the affliction and they are focusing their eyes on distant objects. Frequently the motion of the boat may be eased by a change of course or route. People generally recover from motion sickness within a half-hour of anchoring in protected water. Your captain understands that motion sickness can be a horrible affliction and will do what he can to ameliorate the situation.

Will I be on the boat the entire time?

No. Whenever we dock near a town, clients are encouraged to disembark, have a meal and go exploring. All the anchorages are accessible by dinghy and many have good hiking trails and climbing paths. On most trips, clients go ashore at least twice a day.

Do we have a designated route or is there room for a flexible itinerary?

Clients often have a list of places that interest them and are determined to visit. We make every effort to fulfill our clients' goals. However, in order to maximize your sailing experience, it is often necessary to plan our routes according to predicted weather conditions. Some people want to sail most of the time, others like sitting at anchor enjoying the peace and quiet, and others look forward to exploring the islands.

Will I be able to shower regularly?

Little Wing is equipped with a shower. However, it does not take many showers to deplete the boat's water tanks. We encourage clients to clean-up in the lake using environmentally friendly soaps. Clients are often able to take showers at marina facilities. The captain is happy to accommodate your needs.

Will I be able to recharge my camera and cell phone batteries?

The boat is equipped with a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet as well as an inverter which converts 12 volt battery power into 120 volt (household) alternating current.

Do cell phones work in the channel? Yes and no. Often a signal from a cell tower can be received while underway. At some anchorages there is no signal on the boat but reception may be had by climbing to the top of the island. American guests beware - you may be charged Canadian roaming fees.

2009 Yoga Retreat with Suzi Blanckaert

2007-05-05T20:05:00.006-04:00

Sail away to the secluded inlets and anchorages in the North Channel and practice yoga under the watchful eye of certified yoga trainer, Suzi Blanckaert. Suzi has been practicing yoga for the past 15 years and has trained under notable yoga instructors, Rodney Yee, Richard Freeman, Lilias Folan, Judith Lasseter, Todd Norian, Erich Schiffman and more. In 1999 she received her teaching certification in yoga and currently teaches yoga at Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain Resorts in Boyne Falls, Michigan. Her background includes Iyengar, Kripalu, and Anusara yoga leading her to a slower more meditative practice that flows at a steady pace with some vinyasas. Her approach to yoga combined with the serenity of the North Channel makes this sailing/yoga excursion a perfect way for the participant to get in-touch with him/herself. This excursion is $1,250 Canadian per person and includes instruction, sailing and provisions. Yoga practice will be conducted on shore and onboard "Little Wing" Free time will be available for sailing, exploring on shore, swimming, fishing, etc.

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