Gray's Reef Shortcut

[JohnGordon]

Has anyone used the shortcut? Two weeks ago we went to Mackinac Island and I was tempted to take the shortcut, but chickened out. Of course, I always chicken out here and take the safe route. I remember when I was young taking it with my Dad in our sailboat, but he was quite familiar with the area and I think the water was up like 20 feet or something :wink:. Anyway, from what I understand it cuts a few miles off the trip and since it was so windy when we went it would have made less time that the kids were seasick. Also, it made me a little nervous trying something new like that with 3-4 foot beam seas.

 

[play dough]

I've seen it done but have never tried it. Talked to the harbormaster at Mac City Municipal once about it several years ago and he advised against the practice. Since then, the water has been down so there's no way I'd take that risk now...but I always like to err on the side of caution.

 

[JohnGordon]

On our way back from the island we passed a sailboat that took the shortcut. We went through the channel and by the time we came around to head towards Harbor Springs they had almost caught up to us. But, they probably know more about it than I do. I am with you and like to error on the side of caution.