Erie Canal Transit Southward

This is based on my log of Prism One as we headed south from Toronto into a dream. It is important to note that the chronology of this story follows the various waterways and Erie Canal Lock system, which is commonly used for southward transit from Lake Ontario.

We begin at Oswego NY at Lock 8 of the Oswego Canal, then proceed southward to Lock 1 where the Oswego canal joins the Erie Canal at Three River Point Lock numbering once again runs in reverse order beginning with Erie Canal Lock 23 and ending at lock 2 where we join the Hudson River. It should be noted that the Hudson river has no lock numbers after Lock 1, located at Waterton NY.

This was to be a working vacation as I had committed myself to spending several years in the USA, building new equipment and bringing another post production laboratory on line in the Atlantic Highlands. Faced with the option of living ashore or living aboard, my great adventure began. I decided I would sail south to New York, find a harbour, work , and live aboard my new boat Prism One a 42' LOA traditional ketch.

Setting sail from Toronto in fabulous weather mid August settled into a sedate 5.5 knits under full sail with light winds, knowing that this was going to be a cruise of indeterminate length. Prism One loves the open water even as heavy as we were., but unfortunately as with so many newly refitted yachts the shakedown was far from complete. In stiffening winds we set about to shorten sail only to find that the main halyard was jammed, and in order to set the reef took two of us dragging downward on the main. Our intended destination that day was Rochester but with a glowering storm looming we turned instead for Oshawa to make the necessary repairs in the calm of a protected harbour.

A quick trip aloft resolved the trapped line and we were under way early next morning. The wind had backed to the NW and stiffened to 25 knots. With a double reef in the main and a #1 jib with full mizzen we picked up our heading for Rochester. Throughout the day thunder storms darted across our course, never delivering much more than a shower on deck. Approaching Rochester somewhat west of our charted landfall we made our way through the afternoon fishing fleet of small boats to the mouth of the Genesee River.

Somewhat wet and tired, after a strenuous day we availed ourselves of the Rochester Yacht Clubs exchange guest mooring and enjoyed a extremely pleasant dinner in their dining room.

Returning somewhat tipsy Boat Cat, known fondly as BC, , missing from her normal watch position of the dodger top was nowhere to be found. After several anxious minutes of searching a feint meow could be heard and, finally a very wet and disgruntled cat was found atop a stern mooring pole, almost 100 feet away, with a flock of ducks quacking happily as they circled her. Mounting a rescue mission for a mad and wet feline stuck 6 ' above water level was the first of many lessons we were to learn in cruising with cats.

Day 3 saw an uneventful passage to Oswego with favourable winds and clearing skies.

Oswego, via the Oswego River, is the most effective entrance to the New York State Barge Canal System. Much of Oswego has been restored and it is a recommended stop on the eastern shore.

For anyone considering the journey I would recommend obtaining a copy of NOAA's chart book since there are several sections where crossing the smaller lakes that charts become particularly important for a deep draft vessel such as we were with 6'3". The overall depth of the Canal is 9.5 to 10 feet. with overhead clearance limits of 15.5'.

A large image of this chart now available at a click.

Oswego is a well protected harbour, with considerable commercial traffic, but can develop a nasty swell if the wind is from the north..

Oswego Harbour is a recommended stop for Lake Ontario cruising and is extremely practical when heading south. On the Western arm of the, harbour The Oswego International Marina or Wrights Landing, and the Oswego Yacht club offer fine moorings and services. Oswego is a pleasant town with reasonable restaurants and eating establishments and large food stores. Much of the town centre is across the bridge on the western shore where there are all major banks , restaurants and theatres with lots to do and many stores to browse.

Because of the limited clearance of only 15' 6" we chose to drop our masts in Oswego at Oswego Marine, located on the East side of the harbour beyond the large commercial terminal. The masts came down easily and the professionalism of the marina's staff made short work of nesting them on their winter supports which neatly fit into the mast tabernacle. We then spent the next few hours stowing sailing gear and rigging the antenna for the canal.

This done, we decided not to delay at any of the more comfortable marinas or yacht clubs, but to pull away from the crane and around the bend in the river and tie up at the Municipal dock along side the quay just north of Lock 8 where moorings are available at this public dock, located on East First Street. Should you do not have full shower facilities on board the Best Western Hotel offers special rates for shower privileges.

This was a busy spot, being the prime times for cruisers heading. south so it was no surprise to find there were few economical moorings to be had. Bearing this in mind, future cruisers planning to use these facilities during the busy months should try to arrive at Oswego as early as possible.

Once tied up and letting Boat Cat out for her evening walk, we chose to eat at the Captains Lounge, just across the road from the Best Western and just a stones throw from Prism, moored by Lock 8 ready to enter the Oswego Canal..