Bethlehem Lutheran Church

STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW

HOW DOES THIS TRIP WORK?

We will be sailing 3, 4 or 5 boats out of Bayfield, WI, all 34-38 feet long. They each sleep six people to 10 people, have bathrooms (the head) and kitchens (the galley). This is sailing in-style on fine boats among some of the most beautiful cruising waters and wilderness islands in the world. Each boat has a charter-certified skipper from Bethlehem or a Bethlehem friend; including Jeff LeMunyon, Carl Craven, Kris Meyer, Jill Olsen, Tim Kunau, Dan Nelson, Joan Nelson, Charlie Stark, Dave Linnes-Bagley and John Haugen. We will teach you about handling sails and lines, navigation, taking the helm, you name it. We will also be sharing chores of cooking, clean up, etc., but we'll keep that simple. Don't worry, this is vacation!

While these boats are very luxurious, they are cozy. You won't have a personal space or room, and sometimes one gets a single berth, other times we share doubles. During the trip there is a lot of great sailing, spending nights at anchor, 19th century lighthouses, mile long beaches, sea caves, wildlife, great company, food and just a great chance to relax away from the routines of life. We also have a light, but very meaningful spiritual component to the trip that will enhance the meaning of the experience for you.
QUESTIONS?

CONTACT: Charlie Stark, 612.822.4129 or 651.632.1303.

TRAVEL DETAILS: We have possession of the boats beginning the Thursday afternoon before each trip. But we can't leave the harbor until Friday morning. We need you to arrive in Bayfield anytime (even late at night) on the Thursday before we set sail. We then sleep aboard the boat (i.e. no hotel costs).

You will be arriving in Bayfield under one of the two scenarios below. I need to know which before we go so that I know when to expect you.

Consider coming up early and help the skippers get the boats ready.

GENERAL ITINERARY

Thursday: For those who are able, arrive in Port Superior (just south of Bayfield, directions below) by about 2 p.m., prepare the boats and board. Others drive up that evening. Meals Thursday at your own expense! We will have an important Ground School about 9 p.m. or so at Port Superior.

Friday: Breakfast aboard as we set sail. Lunch & dinner aboard. Rendezvous with other boats later in afternoon to anchor for the night. Devotion material is done boat-by-boat during day, and as a whole group in evening; same Saturday.

Saturday: Sail all day, explore beaches, lighthouses, islands as you wish. All meals aboard. Gather with other boats for evening, sleep at anchor.

Sunday: Large group communion service in morning. Sail until mid-afternoon. Return to Port Superior 3-4 p.m., clean out boats and leave Bayfield in late afternoon. Have dinner in Bayfield or on way home at your own expense. Arrive Mpls 10 p.m. or so.

DRIVING TIME & DIRECTIONS:

Mpls to Bayfield... about 4½ hours, if you drive like I do. Kinda fast... It's a nice drive. I-35 to Duluth, across to Superior on Hwy 2, then just beyond Superior, WI take Hwy 13 South (but it starts out heading north, go figure) across the tip of Wisconsin to Bayfield. Port Superior is 3 miles south of Bayfield on Hwy 13. There is only a small sign there, and it is only a marina. You can also stay on Hwy 2 East out of Superior and turn north (left) on Hwy 13 just before Ashland. Port Superior is about 3 miles before you get to Bayfield, just after the fish hatchery.

At the Marina look for the bulletin board beside the double glass door entrance of the Port Side Restaurant for information about where the boats are and where we all might be. Those doors are also the side entrance to the Superior Charters office in the same building.

STUFF YOU NEED TO BRING

• A soft-sided duffelbag for gear.
• 1 pr. white or crepe soled shoes to wear when aboard (absolutely required).
• 1 pr. shoes for shore; tennies, Tevas, or day-hikers, etc.
• 2-3 prs warm socks. Polyester is best.
• Rain jacket or suit (ponchos don't work well), rain pants or wind pants too if you have them!
• Sweatsuit, sweater or jacket (polarfleece is great!).
• Shorts, T's, 1 turtleneck, pair of gloves for warmth and handling lines if you would like that, and a knit hat (especially for September trips).
• At least 1 pr long pants. (Warning: Jeans dry slowly. Bring light pair or windpants.)
• Sunblock 30+, sunglasses. The light reflection off the water can be intense in all seasons.
• Swimsuit, Hat with brim.
• Toiletries, towel, washcloth, flashlight. (For environmental reason we'll have biodegradeable soap/shampoo for use on board. You can use your own shampoo on shore or at the marina before we leave on Friday a.m.)
• Book to read, pen, pencil, playing cards, cribbage board, whatever you want.
• Camera, film CDs tapes (all optional). Boats have radios, cassette/CD players.
• Sleeping bag & pillow. (Need not fit in duffel bag).
• Seasick prone? Bring some non-drowsy Dramamine or patches. Many people have reported that the wrist pressure bands work well for them, but don't worry, we will work hard to avoid conditions that promote seasickness.
• Beer & wine are welcome in moderation, but respect those who choose to not have any alcohol by not presuming everyone wants to drink.

There is no shopping available once we leave the marina. Souvenirs available in Bayfield.

Remember to layer clothing, temperatures vary widely and quickly on the lake. September trips are likely to have cooler temps than August. But boats are warm inside at night. You will receive a heavyweight, cotton Bethlehem Sailing long sleeve mock T-shirt. You can count on it as part of your clothing for the trip.

STUFF I NEED TO KNOW FROM YOU

Email, call or use on-line registration:

• Your name, phone and email (if possible) and which trip.
• Payment in full is required to hold your reservation. Total cost: $350/person.
• Is there a person(s) that you want to be sure to be on your boat? Let us know.
• Do you have any special dietary or medical needs? Let me know. None of these should be a problem, but I need to know in advance.
• Will you be arriving at Port Superior on Plan #1 or #2? (see above).
• Can you drive and can take other riders? Or would you like a ride with someone else?
• What size shirt do you want? Let us know your best guess. We'll bring extras.

MISCELLANEOUS: EMERGENCY CONTACT

is possible while we are sailing. For real emergencies you can call Superior Charters, Inc. (1.800.772.5124) and have them radio to any of our boats, they will know which ones the Bethlehem group is using. If no answer at Superior Charters call the Apostle Islands Marina in Bayfield or the National Park Service headquarters in Bayfield or the U.S. Coast Guard in Bayfield (715.779.5100). They can all radio our boats, which monitor radio broadcasts throughout the day.

This trip will be fun and exciting, but also very safe. Every boat has all necessary navigation and safety equipment, and every skipper has plenty of experience in the Apostle Islands. There is always some awesome sailing, and we have some fabulous places to show you, including some neat surprises!