bayfield wi sailboat race

Published on April 16th, 2024 | by Editor

Don’t drink too much coffee

Published on April 16th, 2024 by Editor -->

Darrell Pendergrass shares for the Ashland Daily Press his introduction to sailing:

The idea was that I would sail aboard the Chewbacca during Bayfield Race Week (Bayfield, WI) and write a first-hand account of my experience. As I was not even 30 years old, I thought it sounded fun. It couldn’t be that difficult. I was wrong.

The sky was dark and overcast on this day 30 years ago, rains spit angrily from above, and Lake Superior was wild. I arrived early and had several cups of coffee. On the boat I was given rain gear and asked if I could swim. “Yes. I can swim.” “No,” the captain said. “CAN YOU SWIM?” I had no intention of needing to swim, but I assured him that I would be fine.

Now, I had never met any of the crew before. I had never been sailing, either. I had no knowledge of sailboat racing. I had no idea what was going to happen. I knew nothing.

But now I know the Chewbacca races to win; they aren’t looking for participation ribbons. Now I know that sailboat racing is akin to having dozens of houses with sails and little ability to steer, going as fast as possible from one buoy to another within confined spaces.

Now I know there’s a lot of yelling and hollering of instructions between crew members, between boats and seemingly at the heavens above. And when you’re going into the wind, and zig zagging back and forth, there’s a good deal of climbing back and forth, up and down and across the deck of the boat. It’s chaos. I know that. Now.

And I know now you shouldn’t drink a lot of coffee before racing sailboats.

At noon there was a break in the racing. Which was good because I needed to pee, badly. The weather was still rough, and the lake boiled. We were bouncing around pretty good. I informed the captain what needed to be done. “Go over the side.” Well, between the proximity of eight or so strangers, the juggling of the boat, and the fact that some ‘shrinkage’ had occurred in the cold and dampness of the morning, that wasn’t going to happen.

So, I asked if there was an actual bathroom down below. The tiny bathroom had what amounted to a small PVC plastic pipe that came up from the floor with a small bowl mounted on top. I got my rain gear off and surmised that I wouldn’t be able to do this standing up as the weather and the lake had me careening off the walls. If I can only get turned around and have my backside on that bowl, I can get this mission done. Which is what I prepared to do.

At about the time my butt was to hit the bowl the boat took a giant lurch to one side, and I fell onto the toilet, snapping it off at the floor. Sprawled out on the floor, with my pants down, I had broken the toilet to smithereens. Oh no. Oh no. Disaster.

I turned a lever to get the water to stop coming in. I put my rain gear on and went up and informed the captain what happened. After a minute or two of panic on his part he got back behind the wheel of the boat and yelled for everyone to get ready to race, which we did.

I had not peed at noon.

After an afternoon of more screaming and yelling, sails up and sails down, climbing and anger, sea spray and broaching twice — which required me to dangle like a marionette from the railing — I had no idea how the Chewbacca had done. Truthfully, I didn’t care. My mind was afloat with other thoughts.

Back at the marina, I crawled from the boat to the public restroom and relieved myself of two gallons of coffee and the pain of embarrassment of the day.

End of story. Or so I thought.

Years later, I was covering an event at the Washburn Cultural Center. There was a modest crowd of people enjoying themselves with artwork, and wine and conversation. Everyone was having a good time. Except for this one guy, who kept staring at me, sort of menacingly I thought. Each time I turned around, I would find his eyes upon me, until eventually he approached.

“Remember me,” he said, looking closely into my face. He even pulled his hair back so I could see his profile better.

“No, I don’t. Sorry.” I spoke.

It was quiet for a moment. Then he smiled. “I’m the captain of the Chewbacca.”

Oh man. I sheepishly grinned at him. “I remember.” It was briefly quiet.

“I tell everybody that story,” he chuckled.

I haven’t sailed since and I’m not sure I ever will. But if I do, I’m not drinking any coffee beforehand.

Tags: Ashland Daily Press , Bayfield Race Week , Darrell Pendergrass , growing the sport

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Event Details

Bayfield Race Week Regatta

Monday, july 3, 2023.

26th Annual Bayfield Race Week Regatta by Tom Shilson

Ah, July 4th! Picnics, the outdoors, brats, hotdogs, beer, fireworks and RACE WEEK! The week of July 4th in Bayfield, WI is Race Week and 30 or more sailboats showed up for a week of racing, relaxing and fireworks.

It all started on Sunday night with registration, a social hour, a beer and brats dinner and a live band. Racing starts Monday - Friday at 11:00am or when the wind fills in, whichever is later. On Thursday there would be a medium distance race planned. The other days two buoy races were scheduled except Friday, which would have one buoy race. (A buoy race is from one inflatable balloon-like thing about 3 for 4 feet high to another one a mile or two away. The buoys are placed by the race committee to be lined up with the wind.)

In addition to being a long-standing tradition, Race Week is a fund raiser for the sponsoring club - Wayzata Yacht Club. There were several ways to help out - raffle tickets, clothing purchases, dinners, etc. The raffle was different this year - the tickets were more expensive ($5.00 each) but the prizes were better. There was no prize under $50 value. I spent about the same amount as usual on raffle tickets and won my usual amount - none! Many thanks to Mount Gay, West Marine and the other sponsors.

I would be racing on my usual boat. It is a C&C 44 owned and skippered by Mike Spence named Voyager. We had usual crew members but we also had Pete Kulenkamp, the local UK sailmaker. Voyager has a couple of new UK sails and Pete was going to help us learn how to get the most out of them.

The 30 or so boats were divided into 4 classes, each class having its own start. The two faster classes had a longer course than the other two classes but we all shared the same start and finish line. There was a mix of local boats, boats trailered up from the Twin Cities and boats sailed or trailered from Duluth and Thunder Bay.

John McQuillan and his father Bill had come to Bayfield. They had decided to not race their boat, Dunluce, this year. John has his own business to attend to and Bill's maturing body doesn't enjoy racing. They decided to put the boat up for sale and perhaps do some quiet cruising. Their plans for Race Week were to work on the boat, socialize, and, perhaps, cruise.

Keith Stauber of the Duluth Yacht Club had entered his boat in Race Week. During the Around the Islands race the Saturday before Race Week, he lost the top of his mast at the top spreaders. No one was hurt but his boat was definitely out of commission. He was looking for a boat to charter for Race week. He stopped by Dunluce but saw all the paint and tools aboard and decided to pass on it. He ended up chartering Second Wind, an NA 40 that had also done the Duluth-to-Bayfield race. If you look at the results and see Second Wind, you will know that it is Keith Stauber and his usual crew from his boat Papa Gaucho.

Dunluce was chartered to another group with John McQuillan as skipper. John didn't get as much work done as he had planned but I am sure that he had more fun!

Monday had light wind. We got one race in but the second race was canceled.

Bayfield is a small town with some pride. It won the title of "The Best Small Town in America" a few years ago. It was originally a fishing and lumber town. The lumber is gone but there is still some fishing. There are a lot of cute shops and it is a sailing center. Race Week is always over the week of July 4th, so fireworks are a part of the event. They used to be fired from the end of the breakwater. This caused a rain of hot cinders on the boats in the marina, so this year the fireworks were fired from a barge about 100 yards offshore. There were some very nice displays, followed by a creshendo of light and noise and then nothing. It had been only a few minutes. People started drifting away. I heard later that the fireworks were ignited electrically and because of a malfunction they had all gone off at once! Oh, well! Next year!

On Thursday there was a military type of aircraft flying pretty low over Bayfield. I looked on the web later and it was an Air Force A-10 Warthog. We found out after the race about the bombings in London. The overflight was probably a reaction to that. One of the good things about vacations is that one is not pestered with the news. Sometimes one may wish for just a bit more.

That day we raced from Bayfield up around Hermit Island (big boats) or Basswood Island (small boats) and back to Bayfield. It was a pleasant race except at the end when we ran out of wind.

As you can see from the results at <http://www.bayfieldraceweek.org/results2005.asp> , we had mixed results. We had 5th place solidly sewn up. We did get a second and a third so that I know we can do well when we get it all together. One of the races we had a halyard jam at the masthead and we couldn't get the spinnaker down. We hauled Pete, our sailmaker, up the mast. He popped the shackle to release the spinnaker and it gently, but quickly, floated to the deck. This amused several of the other boats that were watching and was the topic of many questions at the social hours later. We did the rest of the race without incident, but minus one halyard.

Friday was a typical leaden Race Week windless day. The lake was flat, except for the occasional powerboat wake. The sun was high and hot.

 Some sailors were actually swimming! (Br-r-r-r) They said it was refreshing, but you know how they are. Some hardy (perhaps foolhardy) souls were spreader jumping. They would climb up the mast to the spreaders and step out into nothing. Ker-splash!

After the race committee had enough of baking in the sun, the race was called. There were cheers all around and we headed back to shore. Another Race Week was history. Tom Shilson, a St. Paul resident, has been crewing at the last 9 Race Weeks. He also races the rest of the season at Bayfield and Wayzata Yacht Club.

Bayfield Race Week 2022

This sailing opportunity expired on 10/10/2021. You may want to take a look at our current sailing opportunities instead.

Information

Financial arrangements.

Shared contribution

Availability

July 1 through July 8 2022

Travel expenses

Paid by crew

Bayfield Wisconsin USA

Date posted

Destination, expiry date, qualification level required (or equivalent).

• RYA Competent Crew

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Description

Day racing on Lake Superior in July 2022.

We plan to do sight-seeing by cycle during the week and sail on the weekends.

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Join the thousands of skippers and crew that come back year after year. discover chartering in the apostle islands with superior charters..

Superior Charters offers the largest selection of sailboats for charter available at one harbor in the United States. We are located in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Family owned and operated since 1979, Superior Charters has built a reputation of providing impeccably maintained yachts and superior service so you can have the best possible experience while booking your charter, taking a sailing course, or letting us manage your yachts and sales.

Situated among the 22 islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Superior Charters & Yacht Sales offers a unique sailboat cruising experience on Lake Superior by offering almost 30 sailboats to choose from to make your charter exactly how you imagined. Whether you are new to sailing or an experienced cruiser, the crew and staff at Superior Charters will help you create an enjoyable and carefree sailing and boating experience!

So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your next charter and sail into a dream getaway on the water!

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Our Guests Have Excellent Experiences on our Charters!

Please allow me a moment to thank Superior Charters. Our family has just completed a five day charter aboard Liberty. Sailing Liberty was everything we hoped it would be. The safety equipment, navigational aids. B&G electronics, equipped galley, deck grill, and numerous other additions aboard this beautiful Lagoon 40 did not disappoint. Our expectations were high, and Lake Superior's Apostles Islands exceeded with abundant beauty and natural wonder. Last, but not least, was Superior Charters staff. Cara, Alec, and Bravo were consummate professionals. You are blessed to have them on your Team. Thank you for enabling an unforgettable memory.

We have been chartering with Superior Charters for several years. As before we had a great experience with the team. The boat was ready on time and in great shape. We moved up to a larger boat this year and did a short checkout sail with Dave. He was very helpful and made the process a snap. Sailing the Apostles is a fantastic experience.

We have chartered with Superior Charters for the last three years and have known Cindy Alpha and Cindy Bravo for a long time. Superior Charters is a first class organization with first class people running it. If you want to enjoy sailing, learn to sail or just take a sailboat ride, Superior Charters is the way to go. First class all the way.

Had a wonderful experience with Superior Charters...Clean, modern yacht; easy check-in and check-out; nice people. I will definitely charter here again - probably next month!

Our experience with Superior was top notch. Everything was perfect, from initial phone discussions to figure out what would be best for us (novices), to the friendly staff, to the clean boat, to the simple check in and check out process.

Just finished my fifth charter with Superior a little over a week ago. This is a well run, professional charter company. The boats have always been in good shape. Friendly. Reliable. Superior's check-out captains are reliable and ready to answer any of your questions.

Our boat was in excellent condition. The staff was professional. Booking the boat and trip was easy and their communication was excellent. They have an unusually large fleet of boats to choose from and they are all fairly new. Giving you the option to clean the boat yourself to save money is nice. If you are looking to charter a nice boat this place is a no brainer.

We chartered two sailboats from Superior Charters for our Wedding Reception!!! Our friends and family got to experience going out into the islands on sailboats, something me and my new husband love doing. Everyone at Superior Charters was AMAZING in helping our dream wedding come true. Thanks to their dedicated maintenance and cleaning staff the boats are perfect, and if something isn't right, they always go out of their way to fix any issues. They helped us figure out so many of the detailed logistics and also worked with us on timing and schedule to make for a wonderful experience for our guests. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect! THANKS SUPERIOR CHARTERS :)

We did a 3 night charter sail with Captain Christine. It was everything I hoped it to be and more! We had never been sailing so were not sure what to expect. Christine was patient with our lack of knowledge and let us be involved as much or as little as we wanted with the sailing experience. We had all types of weather and made the best of them all. The ability to pull up to an island and row up to the dock and hike was perfect along with jumping off the back of the boat into the water for a swim!!! It's the perfect social distancing trip. I can't say enough about it - we will definitely be back.

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White Bear Lake, MN (55110)

Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 53F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Partly cloudy skies. Low 33F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

Updated: April 18, 2024 @ 1:17 am

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Kim and Ryan Drake at the start of the Trans-Superior International Yacht Race in Sault Ste. Marie.  

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Ryan and Kim Drake were married on the Nyx in May 2020 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Ryan is the son of Gloria and Craig Drake of White Bear Lake.  

Ryan works on rewiring the boat after it was struck by lightning a year ago, which fried the electrical system. They also had to repair burn marks on the sails and a 6-foot diameter hole in the hull (luckily above water level)

Trans Superior Yacht Race: Duluth or bust

• By Debra Neutkens/Staff Writer
• Aug 25, 2021
• Aug 25, 2021 Updated Aug 25, 2021

Dense fog was a worry to Kim and Ryan Drake as Lake Superior freighters sounded their warning horns in the distance.  

They could hear the heavy cargo ships but couldn’t see them, knowing the 1,000-foot behemoths were following the same shipping lanes as they were on a lake infamous for wild weather.

"We watched weather reports whenever we had cell service and kept a close eye on the sky," Drake said, after he and his wife successfully completed the Trans Superior International Yacht Race earlier this month.

The couple raced their 35-foot C&C, Nyx, 326 nautical miles (about 375 miles) from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Duluth. It took three days, 14 hours and 2 minutes to make the journey, placing them second in what’s called the double-hand division (two crew members).  

They started the race at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and finished at 3 a.m. Aug. 11, taking turns sleeping and sailing by rotating every three hours.

Despite the heavy fog, there was still wind. "It was kinda scary," recalled Drake. "We couldn’t see more than 100 feet."

Forty-six boats and crews raced from Whitefish Bay at Gros Cap Light. First held in 1969, the biennial Trans Superior is known as the world’s longest freshwater sailboat race.  

Both Ryan and Kim are experienced sailors who crew on the Asylum, an A-boat that races Monday nights on White Bear Lake. Kim also races an E-scow named Foxy. She told a local news station at the start of the Trans Superior that the two of them make a good team. "We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so we kind of tailor into each other," she said. Their goal, Kim added, was to make it across safely.  

Lake Superior’s water temperature averages 40 degrees during the summer and 39 degrees in winter. History of the race online explains how the cold water quickly and dramatically affects weather and sea conditions on the lake and along its shores. Sailors sailing in exposed areas of the lake, even during the more stable summer months, often experience dramatic wind shifts that can quickly build seas in excess of 10 feet. "Early August on the Big Lake has unpredictable weather as the rule, not the exception," the website states.

Although they tried to sleep in shifts, both sailors were awake when making sail changes. "You have to be on your toes all the time," Drake said, "to keep the boat moving in the right direction."

Thanks to their mothers, the couple were provisioned with good food to easily heat up and eat in the small galley. Hot soup was a welcome meal at night when temperatures dropped, requiring a wardrobe change to long underwear and wool hat.  

Gloria Drake pointed out that her son and daughter-in-law are the only known married couple to compete in the double-handed division. "And yes, they remain happily married after finishing the grueling event," she quipped.

Ryan, a 2007 White Bear Lake High School grad, has been sailing most of his life. Not surprisingly, he met Kim, originally from Luverne, about 10 years ago while sailing.

Will they compete again in two years? "We’d love to do it again," Drake replied. "It was pretty exciting at times, the racing was very tight."

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Sailing adventures from Bayfield, Wisconsin in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

True North Sailing Charters in Bayfield,  Wisconsin is committed to providing guests with a unique and safe Apostle Islands sailing experience. Help hoist the sails or sit back and relax as we navigate the gorgeous waterways of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands under sail. We look forward to helping create magical moments with you and sailing into the sunset!

Sailing Adventures

Sailing trips depart from our slip location in Bayfield, Wisconsin

or Schooner Bay Marina.

Bayfield Adventure Sail

A 2 hour, 15 minute sail out of Bayfield, Wisconsin aboard "Starling" a 33' Cheoy Lee Clipper.  Set sail on Lake Superior and enjoy the sights of the North or West Channel, LaPointe, Madeline, Basswood and the surrounding islands.

Enjoy the original teak decks, two sitka spruce masts and the elegant lines that make for a classic maritime experience.  Meet at our dock located in Bayfield.

$85  per person  

$25 Children's Discount

(Private Boat Options Available) 

Apostle Islands Excursion

A 5 Hour sailing experience in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.  Trip routes are dependent on wind and weather conditions that day as well as your preference but possibilities include visiting the sandstone shorelines, sand-spits and lighthouses in the surrounding area on Hermit, Oak, or Long Island.  Half day trips depart from our Bayfield location.

Typically we use our catamaran, Piper on half day trips. The shallow draft allows us to access secluded beaches and explore remote island coastlines. The spacious shaded solon leads to the forward trampolines that are great for sun bathing and watching the water rush past beneath you. 

$695  

Full Boat Reserved 

(Includes up to 6 guests)

Full Day in the Islands

A Full Day Sailing Adventure in the Islands. Trips depart from Schooner Bay Marina just north of Bayfield. and depending on wind and weather conditions as well as your preference set sail for Stockton, Raspberry or Manitou Islands.  Visit the historic fishing camp, Stockton Island hiking trails, or the remote Raspberry Island Lighthouse.  

Typically we use our catamaran, Echo on full day trips. The shallow draft allows us to access secluded beaches and explore remote island coastlines. The spacious and protected cock pit area insures a dry and comfortable sail in all conditions. The deck is a great spot as well for sun bathing and hanging out.

$1095 

Full boat reserved

(Includes up to 6 guests) 

Multi Day Apostle Islands Expedition

Sleep aboard and explore the Apostle Islands with the newest boat to our fleet named Echo, a Gemini Legacy 35 catamaran. Trips depart from Schooner Bay Marina just north of Bayfield. This adventure offers a prolonged scenic experience in a comfortable and stable multi-day vessel. Explore the Apostle Islands' rugged sandstone sea caves, unique lighthouses, and pristine remote beaches.

The trip includes opportunities for snorkeling, paddle-boarding, dinghy excursions, beach combing and islands trail hikes. Board Echo the night before at 7pm and sleep aboard in Schooner Bay Marina. The following morning the captain will join your group as you set sails into the islands where you stay one night at anchorage among the islands before returning the next day. 

$1995 

Two Days and Two Nights

If we are not able to go out due to weather or if you do not think it would be a good experience (due to rain, cold, etc.) you have the option to either reschedule or have a full refund.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT TRUE NORTH SAILING

Our experience was amazing! Very relaxing! Captain Abe was very knowledgeable and even let us help him during our sailing tour. We would definitely recommend them to everyone!

It was a very pleasant time. Dusty was so helpful. The boat was in great shape. I could not have asked for anything more.

Our family of four enjoyed our sail outing tremendously. The skipper is kind and helpful, the lake and islands are beautiful, and sailing is too fun. Half of us helped crew the boat, and half of us just sat back and took it all in. Highly recommend.

Sailing Gift Cards! l Deals

Looking for an unforgettable gift for friends or family? True North Sailing Charters has got you covered. Our gift cards are the perfect way to give the gift of adventure and relaxation. Our sailing trips are a unique way to experience the beauty of the Bayfield area.  We offer a range of options for every type of sailor. Recipients can choose from a variety of trips, including day trips, sunset sails, and even overnight journeys.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ADVENTURE

Step aboard one of our sailing yachts and feel the outside world melt away. Close your eyes. Feel the sun on your face. Breathe in the fresh Lake Superior air. Listen to the wind fill the sails and feel the waves slap against the hull.

A sailing tour offers a unique and special experience you won’t find anywhere on land. See Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from a new perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I reserve a private tour? Yes! Private tours are available for up to six guests. Enjoy a romantic escape, plan the perfect anniversary, or create a one-of-a-kind family adventure. For larger groups, check out our group sailing charters. Choose your destination, and go!
• What about bad weather? Lake Superior is known for beautiful weather. Still, there may be the rare case where the weather takes a turn on the day of your charter. If it were up to us, every sailing day would be amazing. On days when it isn’t, we do our best to wait out the weather to see if it clears. Our boats will sail in light rain and other “safe weather”. Ultimately, all departures are at the sole discretion of the Captain. In cases where poor weather risks safety and we absolutely must cancel a scheduled charter, voyages will be rescheduled.
• What should I wear? On Lake Superior, the wind can add a chill to the air. Be sure to check the weather forecast on the day of your sail, and consider bringing a light jacket just in case. Storage for personal gear is available in the cabin. Light-colored clothing with long sleeves can help reduce the effects of the sun. Guests may wish to bring sunscreen along for their trip. Correct footwear is important while sailing. Decks can become wet with sea spray; we recommend comfortable, fast-drying shoes with good traction. White or light-colored soles are preferable, as dark soles can leave marks on the yacht.
• Will I get seasick? Seasickness is a reaction to unfamiliar motion while aboard a vessel. While most of our guests do not experience seasickness, a small percentage of people may be prone to seasickness. In our experience, this often includes people susceptible to other forms of motion sickness. If you do get seasick, it’s OK! Alert a crew member and we can help you overcome it. To help reduce your chances of becoming seasick: Stay above deck and breathe fresh air Look to the horizon, instead of into a phone or book Avoid the restroom and cabin area Get plenty of shade and avoid direct sunlight Sail on a full stomach, and avoid foods that may upset you

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OUR LOCATION

232 S 1st Street

Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814

HOURS OF OPERATION

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily

Open Seasonally May - October

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Recreation and Fitness Resources – Bayfield Rec Center

in Attractions , Clubs/Organizations , Health & Wellness , Recreation

Recreation and Fitness Resources Recreation and Fitness Resources is your Bayfield-based non-profit organization that brings you the Bayfield Rec Center and its programs and classes, Aspire Martial Arts, North Coast Community Sailing, Point to La Pointe Swim and Bayfield Winter Festival.

Bayfield Rec Center The Bayfield Rec Center is a true community center for the Chequamegon Bay region, hosting 50,000 visits a year. Features: a 6 lane-25 meter indoor saline swimming pool with a diving board, whirlpool, sauna, cardio & strength equipment, outdoor basketball hoop and small skate park the Rec Center is a vital resource for the health and wellness of our community.

North Coast Community Sailing program focuses on serving our whole community. We provide opportunities for youth, teens, adults and families to jump into the exciting sport of sailing and then develop their skills through classes, private instruction, open sailing, instructor and leadership training, workshops and other fun events.

Aspire Martial Arts program is structured to not only train students in the art of Tae Kwon Do but to also build focus and teach self-discipline and self respect. We teach our students to realize the importance of goal setting and personal achievement.

We host local events each year to support active living and promote the Bayfield area as a destination for recreation. Our races have become regional events and attract hundreds of participants to boost the local economy and help local businesses.

Check out our website, with all of our facilities, programs, and events in one place and on one calendar.   www.recreationandfitnessresources.org

Recreation and Fitness Programs for the whole family.  Join as a member or Drop In.

Programs and Classes in: Sailing, Swimming, Silver Sneakers,  AquaFit, Martial Arts, Kayaking and Water Polo.  For more information and schedules go to  www.recreationandfitnessresources.org

Ashland Chamber’s Business of the Week for May 14,  2018: Recreation and Fitness Resources – Bayfield Rec Center Each week the Ashland Chamber of Commerce highlights a business on Heartland Communications radio station WATW 1400AM.  The Chamber draws a name from our membership and the radio station writes a 30-second ad exclusively for that business.

Click the link below to hear the ad: https://www.visitashland.com/files/recreationnfitness.mp3

• 715.779.5408
• [email protected]
• http://www.bayfieldrec.org

140 Broad Street South Bayfield, WI 54814

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 The Zeeto

Zeeto is a 3-masted bald-headed Tern Schooner built by Ralph Zimmerman in Sarasota, Florida and launched in 1957. She is a replica of the mid-1800s fishing schooners that were common in New England. Ralph was renowned architect - the state architect of Illinois, as a matter of fact - who’s designs included buildings at Joliet Prison and several distinguished homes in Chicago and Sarasota. It is said that his attention to detail went into the Zeeto .

Ralph was in his 60's when he launched the boat, and he and his 25 year old girlfriend sailed to the Bahamas and spent a great deal of time in Hope Town. While there, he designed some houses on the island. Zeeto also made several voyages from Tampa Bay to Havana, Cuba in the days of Batiste.

Sometime in the early 1960’s, the Zeeto was sold to Mick and Eileen Jones, who lived aboard full time in Savannah harbor, but did not sail too far from port.

Carol Joyce and her first husband Brian purchased the boat in 1980 and sailed her up the coast to her new home in Boston where they lived aboard full time.   Zeeto (w Carol aboard) starred in a Boston Bright from the Start ad campaign, and Liz Walker, a reporter for WBZ-tv , did a short program about Carol living aboard and being a Clerk/Magistrate at Boston Juvenile Court.

In 1985, Carol got her captain’s license and became the first female charter captain in Boston Harbor. One of the highlights of her time in Boston was sailing with the other three-masted ship in the harbor, the USS Constitution, every Fourth of July. When asked how to differentiate the Constitution from the Zeeto, Carol would tell folks that the Zeeto was the “one without the guns!!!”.

In 1986, with her second husband Marty Vogt and other friends, Carol and the Zeeto joined a half dozen American Schooner Association Vessels in a historic race from Boston to Halifax, to participate in the International Schooner Festival. Navigating with only a sextant and a radio direction finder, the Zeeto was “first across the starting line, but last to finish”. The fleet enjoyed fine weather in the Gulf of Maine and only encountered fog as they closed on the coast of Nova Scotia. Carol remembers the Zeeto as “stout, kind and very forgiving”.

In 1988, Carol and Marty swallowed the anchor and moved to a farm in western Massachusetts. The Zeeto was donated to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in hopes that she would be used as a sail training vessel. However, it wasn’t too long before the schooner was listed for sale again.

Mass Maritime sold the Zeeto to Dr Alex Kramer, a dentist from Duluth who sailed the schooner from Baltimore, MD to Cornucopia, WI with his good friend Jerry Deering of Washburn, WI. The Zeeto came to Bayfield in 1997 when Dave Strzok added her to his Apostle Islands Cruise Service fleet. Sailing under the command of Captains Jerry Deering, Matthew Kroll, John Blomquist, and Dick Coleman, with various deckhands including Nancy Trapp (the current president of Lake Superior Tall Ships, Inc.) the Zeeto became a prominent fixture of the Bayfield waterfront.

Doug Hanson purchased the Zeeto in 2003 and the vessel underwent a major five year refit with the help of Duluth's wooden boat guru, Douglas McEnany. Frames were repaired and replaced, and the original yellow pine strip planked hull was completely cold-molded with marine plywood and epoxy. During this process great pains were taken to maintain the wood planked look of the original hull. New Yanmar 3GM engines replaced the old Volvo MD2Bs. The lead & iron ballast keel was removed, painted, weighed and replaced. A new teak deck was added in 2012 and the mizzen mast was replaced in 2015. The interior was refreshed and trimmed with cherry wood.

Zeeto has a gaff headed main and foresail, a Marconi mizzen, and a club footed jib. She sleeps 8 in two double midship berths, 2 singles in forward cabin, and 2 in the salon where the settee folds down to a double berth.

Lake Superior Tall Ships purchased the Zeeto in 2023 to increase our sail training capacity and take more kids (of all ages) on Lake Superior adventures.

Zeeto means “long live the king” in Greek

ZEETO SPECIFICATIONS

Year Built : 1957 Designer : Howard I. Chapelle Builder : Ralph Zimmerman Model : Three-masted bald-headed Tern Schooner LOA : 65' 00”     LOD : 44' 6"      LWL : 44'00" Beam : 14' 6"     Draft : 7' 2" Displacement : 35 tons     Ballast : 10,000 lbs Tonnage : 23 Gross, 21 Net

Sail Area :  1,375 sq ft Gaff headed main, gaff headed foresail, a Marconi mizzen, and club footed jib

Engines :  Twin Yanmar 3GM30F inboard diesels @ 33 HP

Tanks :      Diesel 2 @ 35 gallons, Water 1 @ 60 gallons, Waste 1 @ 50 gallons.

Accommodations : Sleeps 8 in two double midship berths, 2 singles in forward cabin, and 2 in the salon where the settee folds down to a double berth. 1 Head

Acquisition of the Zeeto is made possible by generous Plankowner contributions!

Five Planks In memory of Robert & Evelyn Trapp, Nancy Trapp. In memory of Tom Trant’ Louise Trant Dobbe, Gregor Matthews and Deb Varner Three and a Half Planks In honor of Bernhard “Ted” Ringberg, Butch & Janet Ringberg, David & Sherry Ringberg, Tracy Ringberg, Adam Ringberg, Bob & Kristine Door, Mark Wariakois, Gordon & Mary Brigh Ringberg In memory of Al Matthews, Mary Ellen Matthews, Patricia Varner, and Stephen T. Matthews, Gregor Matthews and Deb Varner Two Planks Bartholic Family Foundation, Michael & Donna Anderson, Sea Scout Ship 336 “Luna” Matthew Collins One Plank Aaron Fund for Special Needs Children of the Minneapolis Foundation In memory of Justine Ringberg , Gordon & Mary Brigh Ringberg In memory of Herman and Lillian Selz, Maureen & Frank DeRosa In honor of Kathleen Kolias , Brigid Ognibene In memory of Steven R Olson , Laura J Olson Michaeleen & David Bellows Markel Marine; Pewaukee Underwritng Team Half Plank In memory of Mervin E. Hites, Kaern Hites Dean Rau & Sarah Lund Jane Halvorson Quarter Plank Szczecinski, Stephen Matching Gifts Markel Corporation Veritas Technologies 3M Foundation

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Cross-Country Skiing

Breathe in the fresh, crisp air and take it all in. Experience the magic of winter while gliding through mature forests that hug the shoreline of Lake Superior. For Nordic enthusiasts, the trail systems around Bayfield offer classic and skate skiing trails that are groomed and tracked regularly. The combination of spacious hardwood, hemlock and pine forests, and plentiful lake effect snow provided by Lake Superior make for a premier Nordic ski experience. Come wander in winter in Bayfield. 

Cross Country Skiing at Mt. Ashwabay   (3 miles south of Bayfield) - Access 40K of groomed classic and Nordic trails 24/7 with a trail pass. Take the 7.5K loop up to the Sugar Bush Cabin or to the top of the ski hill via the Northern Lights Trail. You'll ski through snowy canopies of hemlock, maple, and evergreen forests. Passes can be purchased at the Chalet or at the trailhead with your smartphone, cash or check. 

Valhalla Recreation Area (8.5 Miles from Washburn on County Hwy C) - The Valhalla Recreation Area is nestled amongst the tree-covered rolling hills of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. This recreation area encompasses both motorized and non-motorized trail systems meandering through hardwood and pine forests. The Valkyrie and Teuton Trails are primarily managed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. It offers 10.2 Miles of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing on Teuton Trails. Annual or Day pass required. 

Winter Recreation Report

Check our winter recreation report for updated trail conditions.

Summit Ski Race

February 3: Signup for the Summit Ski Race at Mt. Ashwabay! It's a great community ski race for any level of skier.

More Winter Adventures

Downhill skiing and snowboarding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing.