Flexibility Is the Operative Phrase Aboard DELIA
From 3-day weekend getaways to week-long cruising adventures see Destinations, we can leave from our Home Port of Sturgeon Bay, WI (preferred), or meet you at the port of your choice (additional charge). Bring your own food and beverages, or ask us to do all the provisioning for you. It's our goal to provide you with one of the most enjoyable, unique, and stress-free vacations you'll ever experience.
Personalized to the Finest Detail!
We'll tailor the adventure to the personality of your crew, right down to the finest detail: Music from Beethoven to Bach(man Turner Overdrive) ... Food from Breakfast Basics to Savory Snacks ... and Beverages from Perrier to Pinot Noir ... Just let us know and we'll "Make It So."
What Sets Us Apart
Enjoy the pampered treatment while Captain Dan man's the helm and guides you safely to your next Port of Call. His 30+ years of experience on the Great Lakes and the open sea, combined with his engaging, people-oriented personality, are certain to make you feel safe and right at home. Add to this DELIA's ocean-going design and her package of state-of-the-art marine electronics, including computer-assisted GPS navigation and RADAR systems, and you'll feel like the Master and Commander of your very own personal yacht.
How adventurous do you want to be? Do you like to "Island Hop" with short 2-3 hour sails between ports and lots of shore time? ... Or, are you a blue water cruiser eager for an "Offshore Passage" across Lake Michigan? With DELIA's size, speed, and equipment, you'll always have lots of options.
Destinations
Door County
Door County is by far our most popular destination. Ideally, it's nice to have 3 or 4 days to sail around the Door County Penninsula. However, the trip to Fish Creek and back can be made in a single day.
One of Door County's most popular locations (and best anchorages), is Fish Creek, approximately 18 miles north of Sturgeon Bay, about a 3-hour sail. We are often asked to stop at Chambers Island along the way, which offers a beautifully protected swimming beach and hiking trails around "the lake in the middle of the island." Great for photo opportunities and romantic hand-holding walks.
We usually drop anchor in the harbor at Fish Creek at about mid-afternoon to allow plenty of time for shopping or water-related activities. Evening plans can include dining aboard or back to shore, where you'll find several fine restaurants and lounges with live entertainment. The Penninsula Players Theatre is nearby and offers several excellent summer stock performances. You can check out what's currently playing at www.peninsulaplayers.com. Remember, we're flexible, and you can do as much or as little as you wish. Find out more about Door County's hottest happenings at www.doorcountynavigator.com.
Michigan Venues
The Northwestern Shoreline of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan is a sailor's dream when cruising. The state has helped develop a network of harbors and marinas that are ideally spaced about 30 miles apart, virtually guaranteeing a safe harbor within easy reach in the event of foul weather. Add to this some of the most beautiful natural topography in the Great Lakes, and you can understand why sailors flock to this area whenever the opportunity arises. From the Manitou Islands to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes to the Straights of Mackinaw ... Mother Nature has lots to offer.
The shortest passage across Lake Michigan from the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Channel is about 68 miles to Leeland, MI. The S/V DELIA averages between 7 - 10 knots when under full sail or around 6-8 knots when motor-sailing (in light or headwinds). So we usually plan for an 8 to 10-hour crossing. We often use Leeland's picturesque and protected marina as a base for travel to the more northern ports of the Manitou Islands, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petosky, and the area's crown jewel, Harbor Springs. For more information about any of these Michigan destinations, please see Northern Michigan Ports O'Call at www.mynorth.com
Cruises to the western shore of Michigan require a bare minimum of 4 to 5 days and ideally should be scheduled for 7-10 days to explore the many beautiful ports and attractions in this cruising area. We should also note that Westerly winds can make return passages rough and may require weather-related delays for those not comfortable in high seas. On the other hand, we have made entire crossings in completely flat seas, so it's up to Mother Nature to determine the kind of ride you get.
Home Port
Sturgeon Bay is the gateway to the beautiful Door County Penisula. Famous for its shipbuilding and related industries, the city of Sturgeon Bay is the perfect launching point for your sailing adventure into the pristine waters of Northern Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
The Sailing Vessel DELIA is docked at the Center Pointe Marina, located on the North side of the channel in between the Michigan Street Bridge and the Maple Street Bridge. Their address is 77 South First Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235. You can drive right down to the waterfront and park directly in front of our boat to unload your gear. There is plenty of long-term parking reserved for guests at no charge. The marina offers charter guests a full array of services, including showers and laundry facilities. The marina also offers free "Wi-Fi" service at the dock.
Recent Charters
