Weather

If you see small craft warning flags like these flying from the flagpoles, stay in the shelter of the bay. The red triangular flags may be flown singly or in pairs, depending on the wind speed.

The great thing about Sandusky Bay for sailors is that you can enjoy the steady lake breezes on a windy day without having to brave the four- to six-foot waves that such breezes create out on the lake. In fact, if your seamanship skills are up to it and your boat is sufficiently robust, sailing the bay on a very windy day can provide the same level of safe excitement as any of the roller coaster rides at Cedar Point.

As anywhere on western Lake Erie storms can come up suddenly and be quite severe, although they usually blow through quickly. Bad weather generally comes from the west, so monitor your marine radio several times a day with an ear toward severe weather in Detroit or Toledo. Be particularly cautious if a small craft advisory has been issued (yes, if you towed your boat in on a trailer, you are most definitely considered a small craft) and stay within the safety of the bay until the advisory is lifted.

One specific word of warning to sailors: If you do get caught out on the lake during a storm, it is generally not advisable to attempt to enter the harbor until the storm has passed. Sailboat motors--both outboard and inboard--have an unnerving tendency to fail in rough seas, and the channel into the bay is protected by a long stone breakwall extending out from the peninsula. Since storm winds are generally from the west, you stand an excellent chance of being blown into the rocky breakwater with injury or death a likely outcome. It is much safer to seek shelter on the leeward side of the breakwall and ride out the storm from there.

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