Last Sail in the Great Lakes: Chicago to the Calumet River | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 21

Sailing into Chicago was pretty surreal for us. We first began hatching cruising plans while living in the city ten years ago. Now, looking back at the shoreline we used to walk along, a sailboat floating only in our imaginations, it feels like we’ve come full circle, our dream now a very real 20,000-pound vessel underfoot, carrying us past the same Chicago shoreline - and beyond, wherever we desire to go.
After our family and friends gathered in Chicago to send us off in our previous episode, we depart Belmont Harbor with a plan to reach Skyway Yacht Works at the Calumet River mouth (where our mast will be unstepped). But the wind is whipping 20-25 just off the bow, much too strong for our 155% genoa, and we’re forced to turn on the engine. Instead of motoring all the way to the river, we decide to duck into the Playpen, an anchorage right next to downtown, with the most incredible view of the Chicago skyline.
The next morning even though the winds haven’t abated, we can’t delay any longer. We put up a double reefed main and a heavily furled headsail. The going is tough, but we really want to sail one last time before our 1300-mile journey down the river as a motorboat. We even sail backwards (on purpose!), which is the last step of the boat renaming ceremony, intended to be performed during your first sail back on the water.
We enter the Calumet River, and are immediately confronted with our new cruising environment: bridges, barges and commercial industry abound. It’s a whole new world with a new set of rules. The journey is just beginning.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
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sailingsoulianis, sailing, lake michigan, great lakes, sailboat, travel, cruising, sailing couple, sailboat, boats, cruising, Chicago, Belmont Harbor, Chicago Yacht Club, sailing around the world, sail blog, sail vlog, sailing vlog, sailing lifestyle, adventure, minimalist, tiny home, blogs, digital nomad, go pro

[@johnbolongo9978]

After watching how u two interact with such love and respect there's no wonder I'm divorced. I've had it wrong all these years. Never to late to learn to do it right like u two.. Thanks

[@MrRourk]

The Chicago Tourism Board owes you a favor! Great shots of the city and beach.

[@furtherahead5867]

Did that trip last year. DON'T rush for miles. There are so many free things to see and do. Your going to enter a way of life that's full of peace and beauty. Live today, there's no control over tomorrow.

[@daverichmond3228]

I drive ships on the Great Lakes and am regularly in and out of the Calumet River. Been doing it 12 years now. I still don't know wtf those bridge tenders are saying half the time. And that stupid NS5 rail bridge is ALWAYS a pain in the ass. Also, it's pretty neat to be able to see all of the little ports like Charlevoix and Pentwater that I can't ever visit on the big boat. I'm looking forward to making the same trips in my own boat in a few more years. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Dave, laughed out loud reading your comment. The owner of Skyway Yacht works was throwing a fit when we were there because of that stupid NS5 bridge, haha. Very happy to have you along for the journey, thanks for watching! -L

[@ldirk58601]

This was so good. Loved all the shots of the city and can't wait to see the journey down the river! Never knew that about sailing backward after a name change. The superstitions of sailors are​ long, I love hearing about them. Thanks!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekdysart1037]

Those drone shots off of Oak St. Beach are money. Nice work you two.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Derek!

[@johntripp2028]

Sailing on a whim is the best way to sail.

[@Josh-of-all-Trades]

You guys are doing what we all want to do.

[@nick.caffrey]

BRILLIANT cinematography 4.5 mins in!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Nick. It was fun shooting too.

[@nick.caffrey]

@@SailingSoulianis Music was just right as well.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Glad you liked it! Found that song a while ago and was waiting for the right montage to pair it with. ;) -L

[@rictus7222]

Gosh it's felt like forever since your last video y'all got me captivated can't wait until the next

[@chashague8479]

"What a big weight" @ 11:08. If you were looking at the east structure, that was the counterweight and support for a Strauss trunnion bascule bridge. About 12 years back, a freighter got loose and ran into the bridge sideways, knocking it down. My Company had to figure out how to get it free and demolish the bridge.Good Luck on your trip!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Very cool, thank you for adding some history and context to our journey!

[@rundown48]

Ive been looking forward to this part of your adventure...but ,also cant wait to see you both sailing the Bahamas and more ..... Best wishes and ........ Cheers .

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, David! We're excited to show the river, because there's not many videos about it. There does seem to be much more coverage of the Bahamas, so happy to hear you still want to see more!

[@rundown48]

Ive never seen anyone do the big ditch on a sailboat ...I think it'll be great adventure ..and both y'all are the perfect crew for the task !! ;)

[@hansjensen7823]

Glad you two are back on the water and starting your adventure! Looking forward to it!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Hans

[@billroberts3864]

Glad you are finally starting your big sailing adventure. Enjoy and have fun each day as you make memories.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Bill

[@svdoinitright7519]

Congratulations, big milestone!

[@davidtaylor2777]

I love the shot of the Chicago skyline with only your boat in the harbor. Nice!

[@jhs6056]

The Journey begins... proud of you both! Southerly heading to fair weather and adventures ahead. Left New York this morning at 32F, arrived in Miami and it was 80F 😊 Cheers, J & D

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@davidinafrica8898]

Well done! Agree with you that you are going to need to replace that head sail before you arrive in the Gulf. 135% should make it easier to balance the sails. Thanks for posting and really looking forward to seeing you go down the ditch.

[@Ruffway64]

Great job you two!! I cannot wait for the next vid. Good Luck, take care

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you! The next one is out tomorrow!!

[@larrykramer6057]

My old stompin' grounds as I lived Halstead/Armitage for 15 years. Of course, that was 20 years ago when I was young. My friend Denis had a 30' sailboat at Montrose, and one time he sailed that thing right into his slip. Everybody was watching that.

[@UweBehrendt]

I am so looking forward to this trip because a lot of sailors talk about it but no one has documented this type of trip I want to do the same trip Thanks

[@SailingSoulianis]

Good to hear. We thought the same thing before we started. There was a lot of written material but it was hard to get a good sense for what everything was going to look like.

[@dmzflightmedic]

Look forward to following this adventure... Best of luck!

[@AdventureOtaku]

The abandon comfort couple sailed down the Hudson, from Canada. Lots of locks and bridges. (Edit, actually, I think it was Shaun and Julia sailing...so many sailing couples.

[@UweBehrendt]

Now i remember that they stopped due to engine problems

[@mkrennick]

The next season, they bought another boat (also a Tarton 37) in Quebec City, then travelled the canal systems to NY City and the ICW.

[@stephenbirks6458]

Hi there - Looks great where you are ! - is that the veiw that was put on the record labels of old ? - going back to 1978 or so ? -Obviously the 'profile' will have changed a little over the years ! - Thank you for sharing you trip ! Just like to say "Beware of pirates" ! - When you introduced yourself & your boat at the start of this video ! You told everyone the electrical goodies you are carrying aboard - Any Pirates watching - you would be in trouble ? Just be careful ! Part 2 here we come ,

[@sunmoonstars8471]

I am a Michigan guy always was interested in the trip ur making this for video.

[@stevecrombie5357]

Geesh. I'm all excited. Here we go!!! Hope you get to post on a regular basis. Good luck.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yewww! We're excited to share it with you 🙌

[@petethecatable]

I have owned my Tartan 37 for 27 years and sailed it extensively including a multiple year trip from San Francisco to Maine via the Panama Canal. You are going to need a much smaller head sail than a 135. I suggest a 110 or 125 max for upwind work. You do not want to “reef” your headsail much because the shape will disgust you (even with a foam luff) and you will distort the thing so it will look like a shopping bag in short order. You do not gain much speed for the hassle, wear on the boat and yourselves with giant headsails. Folks who weekend club race will find a 150 or 135 nice and may get by with bigger sails. If you are cruising you want something that works over time, not for a short sprint-as you will discover.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Pete, that's the general feedback we've been getting from other t37 owners as well. We're currently aiming for a 115%. We're hoping that will keep us comfortable and happy up to about 30kts true. On the low end we're hoping it will still keep us moving down to about 6-8 kts of wind, and we'll look at getting a lightwind sail at some point to take over in the single digits.

[@CheersWarren]

Hi I was going to make a similar comment but the voice of real world experience has spoken. Watch for Precision sails fall special! Cheers Warren

[@belledetector]

Awsome footage...

[@chitownxring1444]

Great video of my back yard and it's great to see it from a different prospective for sure. I have also thought of sailing south from Chicago and I can' t wait to see how well your conversion goes from fresh water to salt water as far as the boat goes.. I will follow along and wish you safety, fun and fair winds.. (once your mast is back up that is) LOL

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!

[@guilhermefurgler8866]

Hy guys, i wish you a very good trip to the gulf of Mexico. Great videos. Keep sailing!!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@stulora3172]

I guess for now, it's "keep motoring!" O_o

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Ready to be unstepped,and a totally different adventure begins.I'm guessing you'll be seeing some lovely areas on your passage down the river😊

[@pocketchange1951]

Beautiful drone shots, well done

[@thebabbler8867]

Chicago is the best. You can do anything there. It's like no other city in the world...

[@oldmanflyer1]

great video guy's.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Robert

[@danielhoyle3546]

Really enjoy your videos. Great to watch your adventure. Thank you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Daniel!

[@rrh1305]

Be brave, don't do anything real fast. think twice and both need to agree. Good luck.

[@gideonewers1786]

You might want to try moving the reef tie off points as bit further back since this will give you the flatter shape you are looking for when overpowered, for the same reason might want to try a little more main halyard tension (got to get those scallops out!) As others have said you probably don't want to have much more than 125/130 % for the Genoa once you get into open waters. Alternatively you could go for an removeable inner forestay from which you use a 95% to 100% jib...but whatever you do don't throw out the 150%er if you have a twin groove headfoil you can pair it with the 125/130 (or indeed the jib whichever solution you go for) and set wing and wing they make a great tradewind sailing set up

[@c208captain]

Another awesome video you two! You make me miss Chicago. And now you have me wondering about my own 150 Genoa on my Jeanneau 40. It came with the boat when I bought it and I’m wondering why people are going to these huge head sails? Mine also just seems way to big. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yeah a 150 is definitely is huge. And worked really well for Lake Michigan sailing, because if you're a chill cruiser, you don't really want to be out in anything over 20, because the Lake is a mess anyway. Whenever the wind was aft of the beam often we'd run with full genoa alone in anything from 8-22 knots, and it was awesome not needing to mess with the main. But getting into the Gulf and Bahamas we really need something smaller, since we'll want to be able to comfortably sail in 15-25+ kts. -L

[@nick.caffrey]

Lauren has a beautiful smile!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks ☺️ -L

[@andrewwilliams9419]

Breathtaking

[@brewz1000]

It won't be long and you'll be seasoned ditch bank (sailing) okies !! Good luck, I hope you document it all

[@gregschaff]

hopefully the next video comes sooner

[@duathlete827]

I don't know what equipment you're shooting with but the detail and sharpness are incredible.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Brian, glad you think so! Our list of camera equipment is actually in the info section just below the video.

[@Bleemus]

Have a sailmaker add foam to the luff or cut it down to a 135%. Pretty easy on those crosscut jibs.

[@billfournier6114]

Very cool!

[@RechargeableLithium]

Last Chicago meal. I'm crying in "deep dish pizza" :D

[@SailingSoulianis]

😂

[@rondejoux8006]

Nice, Thank you.

[@kevinfisher1345]

I miss Chicago, was nice to see such lovely video of it.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Kevin, so glad you enjoyed it :)

[@nealsnapp7730]

Hey guys! I want to point out that this video has some of the most stunning cinematography I've seen yet! I really encourage you guys to use the drone in future videos! Also, super glad you did the POV camera some more during the sailing procedures, and even added the names of the ropes and what not. Really appreciate all the hard work! Are you guys nervous at all to be starting this long voyage? And how long are you expecting it will take you? Thanks! Neal

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Neal, I was thinking of you when I was editing those POV clips together in this one! Glad you liked the names too. We were definitely a bit nervous at the start of the trip. There were so many 'firsts.' First lock passage, first time maneuvering around a tow (barge), first time anchoring in a current, the list is long! But you'll see soon... (: After the first week or so we started getting the hang of things. It took us about 6 weeks to get to Mobile, AL.

[@alan6832]

@@SailingSoulianis You can't just sail on the main in heavy air? We never had trouble with that in any sloop I sailed. It might want to point upwind a bit, but we never had any trouble controlling that. Also, didn't someone give you a little jib? I did try to sail on just the jib once and that pointed the nose downwind, regardless of helm.

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for sharing. Too bad about the head sail. I am looking forward to the journey down the river :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Jeffrey!

[@davidmilitz2275]

Did you pack some Kringles? Safe passage!!!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

We definitely considered them, but everything on a boat hast to serve a dual purpose, and Kringles only give you a sugar high. 😂

[@tomblack9202]

If you gave your fans a tentative schedule, maybe some of us could meet you along the way and treat you to dinner!?

[@akn0w]

Footage is great

[@sailingeden9866]

Great view as long as you don't get off of the boat

[@snakeplisken4278]

We got ours changed to a 130% and much better, hopefully your sailmaker can do something for you too.

[@Skarletbloom]

You going down river all the way? My wife and I did it, you'll love Alabama. Good luck - SV Reprieve

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yesiree. Thanks!

[@Skarletbloom]

@@SailingSoulianis we're both women but no problem

[@pumacat1637]

Been up the calumet many times aboard a Great Lakes freighter unloading salt and then load coal very narrow river in a 732’ long 78’ wide ship

[@SailingSoulianis]

Can't imagine trying to maneuver one of those beasts in that little waterway.

[@tonypoulos1187]

Wait till you see the flying Asian Carp in the Illinois River!

[@pocketchange1951]

You two look like a rogue Navy Seal team approaching the beach

[@Ra-zor]

Crazy how you just leave your tender moored up like that, in most cities kids would have it away within minutes and you would be swimming back to your boat! Especially here in the UK over the last 10 years, if it's not bolted down its gone!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Oh we locked it up. There’s no way we would have just left it there. But to be honest that’s a totally unexpected place to leave a dinghy and especially at that time of year. We were the only boat around. The only people hanging around those parts were people out running or biking.

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

You've reached the same conclusion as me about a 150% or bigger heavy cruising head sail. It's too big for strong wind and too heavy for light air. I've switched to a 125% Genoa and my boat is much easier to sail. I have an asymmetrical spinnaker which does well for reaching in light air. I still need a large light air option for beam and upwind. But the huge heavy Genoa will stay in the bag and be cut down to maybe a 135%.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yep yep! We're considering a Code Zero for light air. Then we just need a bowsprit...

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

I’m also considering a Solent Jib which can be rigged when needed. I would fly a heavier and smaller Solent Jib sort of like a storm jib and then have a lighter weight 135% or larger genoa for light air sailing. Sail magazine did a good article on Solent Stays.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

I’ve been to that restaurant!

[@cprdnick81]

You guys have so many cities between Chicago and the Gulf that you'll have no problem eating like a "spoiled city brat". Especially on the Gulf Coast. You'll love it down there... unless there's a hurricane... but still.

[@clambake3293]

some T37's have a stay-sill rig added to quickly and safely reduce the front sail windage

[@clambake3293]

a stay sail w/ added baby stay just behind the fore-stay

[@SailingSoulianis]

We’ve looked into this. For a while it was our goto option. However to do it right we’d need to beef up the bulkhead and deck fitting. We’d also need to add some hardware for the mast. And we’re thinking for the near future where we’re headed. Just going with a smaller jib will be more appropriate for our needs.

[@windborne8795]

Look forward to meeting up with the two of you in the keys. What is your plan and ETA?

[@SailingSoulianis]

We’re thinking we will be down that way late Dec/early Jan.

[@windborne8795]

@@SailingSoulianis We're going to be in the mid to upper keys on our 51' 1974 Formosa "Windborne" by Christmas. However, we plan to hit Key West and the Dry Tortugas sometime this winter..

[@stulora3172]

A question from a novice sailor: Why don't you just use the (maybe reefed) main when the winds are unfavourable for the Genoa? And on a musical note (does that count as a pun? I am not a native speaker;) ): The voyage from Chicago to the Mississippi Delta is like a reverse blues history adventure! Make sure to listen to some fine delta blues (if you're into that....)!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Stu, Typically a headsail is quite necessary on an upwind leg, it really helps keep the boat pointed into the wind and making headway against any seas that may be building. We did actually try to go under main alone and it was ok, but definitely not ideal. On our boat a complicating factor is that the headsail is the main driver, since our main is actually quite small.

[@slrs3908]

Why did you wait until October to start / leave Chicago? Seems very late in the year when you consider the northern weather. It is unlikely, but at that date, Chicago could be having a snow storm in October...and it will take months to get south. Right?...or am I missing something?

[@Skarletbloom]

Anchoring at a 5-1 ratio will always work on the river BTW

[@CheersWarren]

Just wondering about what time of year this was , I know video are usually quite a bit behind Oh and can you leave the subtitle up a little longer ? Thanks & Cheers Warren

[@GlobalSwans]

Great video! We're curious about something, when you tie up the dingy in town do you secure it somehow or just hope it's ok?!

[@SailingSoulianis]

We did we locked it. :)

[@GlobalSwans]

@@SailingSoulianis ah ha! We thought it was a bit risky...!

[@suzanneouimet6977]

Seemed reluctant to leave

[@spinnaker5514]

It looks like you only tied your dink up with a small piece of rope? If that's true, I'd think of investing in a small length of chain and a good combination look. (incase you loose keys) I've had to retrieve my dingy a few times from kids taking a joy ride, actual thieves and even an elderly couple who thought it was their dingy....LOL!

[@SailingSoulianis]

We did actually use a steel cable and key lock to tie it to the steel ladder in Chicago. Since then we haven't locked it up every time, but whenever we get "that" feeling we make sure to lock our dinghy up.

[@PuntBamaPunt1972]

It is kind of weird hearing these two talk so happily about Chicago. I hated every minute I was stuck there at various times, but then again I am a Southern country boy, so there is that. 😏

[@moderngod1]

wait wow this is crazy i just ran up on this channel i too live near chicago in the southwest suburbs. wish I could sail or atleast learn to. what, who, or even where would yall recommend? im by Joliet

[@SailingSoulianis]

There are sailing classes offered on Lake Michigan. I’m sure there are some on the smaller inland lakes near you as well. Go take ASA 101 and when you’re ready for some big boat experience contact the yacht clubs and ask about any boats looking for crew. Captains often need extra hands when out sailing and are looking for people with some experience to go out with them.

[@moejrbig]

I would like to see life jackets on these two!

[@RulgertGhostalker]

youz are going down to the gulf ? subbed on... that's going to be a fuel bill. EDIT: that was 4 years ago ... wait a minute here, i have to figure this out.

[@RulgertGhostalker]

you can get through most stuff better with a smaller working jib .... as soon as you get a big genoa, you need to also get a storm jib. oh wait, you have a furling jib, well, huh? 26 knot winds who cares if it loses it's shape a little?....oh upwind....yeah, yeah, ok.

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Every one needs a working jib

[@SailingSoulianis]

Ya the 155 was great in the lakes, but it’s going to be way to much in the trades.

[@MrRourk]

You can sail in Kentucky Lakes

[@SailingSoulianis]

We could if we had our mast! Based on our research there are not many places that could handle stepping the mast midway down the river, and we were not 100% sure of the bridge heights through the end of the river. So, we opted to ship ours from Chicago, straight through to Mobile via truck.

[@airportsmanchester]

Hi lovely people. please leave your text up a little longer many thanks Dave

[@alphasxsignal]

Number one Crime town.

[@johnjanetcourant7517]

Spoiled!