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Sailing on Lake Michigan
Wind / Waves
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Results

July 30 - August 4, 2001
Highland Park, IL

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Conditions on Lake Michigan off Highland Park range from furious wind and waves to flat water in absolute calm with biting bugs.  Following is a list of typical conditions based on wind speed and direction.  

1- West to Northwest wind 10-20:  Flat water, gusty shifty winds coming off the bluff.  The shore is a bluff about 50 feet above the water.  Steadier breezes are found further out in the lake however a close-in mark can be a challenge with gusts, wind shifts, and dead spots.

2 - South to Southeast wind 10-15:  This is the best as the waves are not large, the wind is steady with occasional shifts.  As the wind picks up the waves become choppy (1-2 ft.)  and wet.

3 - East wind 10-20:  Similar to Southeast except for bigger waves.  Launching from the beach can be a challenge as waves increase.  There is a breakwater with a cove protecting from NE or E waves.

4 - North to Northeast 10-20:  Bigger waves as wind approaches high teens.  Waves of 6 feet are not uncommon.  The wind is usually steady from this direction and easier than the gusty West winds.  Big waves with a dying wind is difficult - no power to sail through the waves.

5 - Variable Winds 5-10:  This is the late summer doldrums and usually means periods of calm and periodic slight breezes from any random direction.

It can blow more than the above examples but these are typical conditions in late July and early August.

Water temperature in late summer approaches the low 70's so wetsuits are not necessary.  However the waves can stir up the surface water and lower the temperature so wetsuits may be desirable because you will get wet.

 Check on the Today's Forecast link for the current Near Shore Marine forecast.