On a Friday afternoon in late August the three Catalina 25s at our marina set out for a weekend trip to Vermilion, Ohio. We have membership in
ILYA as members of the
St. Mary's Boat Club so we were able to get docks and use the facilities at the
Vermilion Boat Club. Plus, this particular weekend the VBC was holding their Jimmy Buffet pool side party.
We started out motor sailing as there wasn't too much wind. By the time we had reached Marblehead there was at least enough to try with sails alone. This gave us a nice photo op (along with the tourists on shore) to get the Lane's
65 Roses passing by the lighthouse.
Eventually the winds picked up to the point we had a great sail for the last half of the 25 mile trip and we ducked behind the break water and headed up the river into Vermilion.
Motoring up the river is quite an experience as there are channels heading off like streets that are lined with houses with boats parked outside.
Mary Lou remarked that it looked like it would cost a 'Vermilion' dollars to live here. On the way up river we passed the French restaurant
Chez Francois.
Our itinerary included dining here (well at least upstairs at the
Touche Wine/Martini Bar as formal dress is required in the actual restaurant). We were not disappointed!
The VBC (and their docks) is situated right on the river. We docked
Evenstar and put up the pop-top and bimini as we would be staying for a couple of nights and rain was in the forecast.
Here the Lane's, Reddick's, and Clark's pose at the VBC club house before the party - yes that is my 'Jimmy Buffet' shirt.
Of course our trip to Vermilion would include a visit to the
Inland Seas Maritime Museum. When they asked 'Would you take her out, Mr. Reddick?' I answered "Sure!".
Vermilion is a cute river/lake side town with flower lined bridges and streets housing little shops and restaurants. (Oh, and lots and lots of trains running at high speed through town, blaring their horns at all hours!)
On Sunday we headed out into what would be some rough motor sailing in 4-6 ft. waves.
Here
65 Roses passes Cedar Point amusement park in the background.
This was another great mini-vacation and we will definitely plan to head back to Vermilion next year.
