Wildly Intrepid Sailingvideo

Cruising the ERIE CANAL | Buffalo, Tonnawanda, Lockport & Middle Port [E 280]

February 8, 2024 · 19 min · 2K views · Erie Canal, New York

What this video covers

A cruising couple transits the Erie Canal from Port Colborne, Canada, to Middleport, New York, with their two young children. After unstepping their mast at Sugarloaf Marina to clear low bridges, they encounter significant delays checking into the United States via the ROAM app, which repeatedly times out and fails to process their entry.3:41 Upon entering the canal, they navigate the Niagara River and multiple locks.7:11 Docking maneuvers prove difficult due to stern current and prop walk, which kicks the 30,000-pound vessel’s stern out when docking port-side.14:42 The crew concludes that they must dock on the starboard side to maintain control in stern-current conditions.14:58 They bypass commercial mast-stepping services in favor of self-rigging to save costs.10:48 The journey includes stops in Tonawanda and Lockport, where they utilize free wall-docking and public facilities.9:11 The crew notes that managing locks with two children under two requires careful planning, including moving infants below deck to ensure safety and focus during high-stress maneuvers.17:01

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