Chagrin Lagoons Yacht Club

Wave after wave of boats left Ashtabula under the lift bridge on Sunday morning. We were able to leave the dock at 7:25, just before the bridge lifted on the half hour. Our hope was to make it out to Lake Erie before the next line of boats was set free. Lake Erie was boiling, with confused waters that tossed us around. We were able to slip through sailboats, and fishing boats to begin our day heading west in the rough waters. 

Ashtabula Arched Bridge

Ashtabula Lighthouse

We stayed closer to shore in about 30 feet of water where the lake was calmer. This kept us about a half a mile off shore, sometimes up to two miles to avoid shallow spots. A big storm was coming, so we worked our way to Fairport as fast as we could. Entering the breakwater past the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, we saw the boat we'd helped dock in Ashtabula. They yelled and waved to us. It always amazes us when we run into the people we meet, over and over again.

Fairport Harbor Light and Museum

Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

Osimo entered the harbor first, Bob battled his way past the breakwater then worked his way up to the anchorage just outside the Grand River pier. It was very busy with anchored boats but Bob was able to find a quiet spot in 15 feet of water. Mystic circled in the harbor while Bob set Osimo's anchor. Dave moved slowly up beside Osimo, we dropped our anchor about 100 feet behind us, then rafted off to the port side. We like this method of rafting because there are two anchors with one boat coming off the bow and one off the stern. In addition to being easier to move our boat in forward, it ensures that we won't tangle anchors. We could see the storm moving south of us but somehow, we managed to dodge the worst of it. We sat aboard Osimo and ate lunch, enjoying the calmer conditions.

After eating, we headed back out into a very tumultuous lake. As we moved west we watched as a woman raced by on a standing jet ski. She lost her balance and went into the water, her ski completely beneath her. She struggled to get back up on it. Dave and I thought she needed help. We pointed Mystic in her direction but before we could reach her she was up and on her way. A Coast Guard boat, with lights flashing came toward us but then passed us by. They approached Osimo, and stopped alongside. Later Bob told us they were looking for someone in the water. We wondered it it was the gal we had attempted to help.

We needed to get off the lake and find a place to stay. Our options were limited. Dave called the Chagrin Lagoons Yacht Club to see if they could help us out. He spoke to Aaron Bolton, the Yacht Club Fleet Captain. Aaron told us to come on in, he'd find us a spot. This was a pleasant surprise. Yacht clubs usually cater to Yacht Club members only.

As we approached the entrance to the Chagrin River, we were not sure of the water depths so we were moving slowly. A sailboat passed close by us. One of the sailors motioned us in and yelled, "You're ok! Plenty of water in this river!" We thanked him and proceeded forward with a little more confidence that we wouldn't run aground. It turned out that the sailor was George Raynor, an attorney and sailboat racer. He was returning from the Mentor Harbor Yacht Club Invitational Regatta. Later, we'd learn that he had won in his class.

CLYC view from the channel

Aaron told us to meet him at the fuel dock so both Mystic and Osimo could fuel up. The dock was busy, but we were able to slip in along the face after circling up river and back. While waiting for our dock assignment, I heard a splash. I saw a kayaker in the water. He'd fallen off a sit-upon kayak. He did not have a life jacket on and had lost his phone in the river. He was struggling, so I pointed out a ladder that he could swim to. I tried to get him to hand me his oar so I could pull him in but he ignored me. He was very upset at his friends who were laughing at him. He said he was done with kayaking and walked off in bare feet. One of his friends tied his kayak off to hers and they headed back up river.

Quiet fuel dock; view from our slip

After docking his sailboat, George found us at the fuel dock where Aaron was offering us options for an overnight stay. We chose to stay on the face dock so our departure would be simple. Aaron graciously let us stay for free, saying that it is their policy to allow reciprocating yacht club members their first night gratis. We do not belong to a yacht club. CLYC had no obligation to let us stay, but they did. This was a kind and generous gesture. We had no where else to go.

George drove down to our slip to meet us and help us each tie off. Once we were settled, he asked if we'd like a tour of the facility and a cold beer at the Club bar. CLYC is an amazing place. They have a pool that overlooks Lake Erie and a beach that runs along the lake on the east side of the Chagrin River. All the slips have Cabanas that are decorated by the members in a way that captures their unique personality. The facility was immaculate. Everywhere we went, we met members who welcomed us and wanted to hear about our adventure. We stopped in at the bar where George bought us all a cold beer. All night, club members stopped by to say hello and offer assistance. We sat there until the club closed. George had so many stories of his own to share. By the end of the evening, we felt like we'd known him for years. 

One of several canals at CLYC

The Cormorant Tree - Chagrin River

Ducks on Lake Erie at CLYC

Good morning CLYC

Osimo at CLYC

Mystic at CLYC

Our Dock

Directional sign at the Randall's Dock

Considering our entire Great Loop adventure, CLYC will remain forever in our memories, the best representation of boating community hospitality. All night long, we commented on how blessed we were to land here. These folks had no obligation to help out two random boats from Michigan and Minnesota; but they did. In addition, they opened their arms and accepted us into their private world as though we were family. Thank you George Raynor, Aaron Bolton, and everyone we met at CLYC. Meeting folks like you is truly the best part of cruising and our Great Loop Adventure!