In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, host Bela Musits is joined once again by fellow sailor Mike Malekoff as they continue their journey aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. Recorded live during their relocation trip from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this installment captures the challenges, surprises, and rewards of their leg from Whitehall, New York to Chipman Point on Lake Champlain.

The episode opens with Bela and Mike reflecting on the previous day’s struggles. After pushing through the Champlain Canal locks in steady rain, they thought the hardest part was behind them. Instead, Mother Nature had other plans. Strong winds, unpredictable weather, and narrow passages tested both their seamanship and patience. As they share firsthand accounts, listeners get a true sense of what long-distance coastal and inland cruising can be like when conditions don’t go as planned.

Throughout the conversation, Bela and Mike highlight the unique challenges of lock navigation, including the fatigue that sets in after a long day of line handling, motoring, and waiting for water levels to equalize. They describe the relief of finally leaving the canal system behind, only to be met by rough conditions on Lake Champlain, which demanded constant attention at the helm.

The discussion also showcases the camaraderie and teamwork that develops on extended passages. From managing sail trim in shifting winds to coordinating docking maneuvers at the end of a tiring day, Bela and Mike emphasize how essential trust and clear communication are aboard a cruising sailboat. Their storytelling makes it easy for listeners to imagine themselves in the cockpit—feeling the spray, watching the clouds build, and plotting the next safe anchorage.

Another highlight is their arrival at Chipman Point Marina, where they reflect on the day’s challenges and rewards. The stop marks not only progress in their voyage north but also a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Champlain Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills and calm waters, the marina provided the perfect respite after a long push. Bela and Mike talk about the satisfaction of tying up securely, enjoying a warm meal, and planning for the final leg toward Burlington.

For sailors, cruisers, and boating enthusiasts, this episode offers both practical takeaways and relatable experiences. It covers topics like:

• Cruising the Champlain Canal and transitioning from river to lake sailing.
  

• Handling locks in rain and variable weather.
  

• Strategies for staying safe and efficient during long days underway.
  

• The importance of seamanship, patience, and preparation on extended passages.
  

• The beauty and challenges of sailing Lake Champlain, one of the premier cruising grounds in the Northeast.
  

Listeners who are planning a trip through the Champlain Canal, considering cruising Lake Champlain, or simply dreaming about sailing the East Coast will find this episode informative and inspiring. Bela and Mike’s journey is a reminder that sailing is as much about adapting to unexpected conditions as it is about enjoying fair winds and calm seas.

Join Bela and Mike on this leg from Whitehall to Chipman Point and experience the mix of endurance, humor, and joy that comes with cruising America’s inland and coastal waterways.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Join host Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon as they continue their incredible voyage up the East Coast of the United States, relocating the boat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. This episode captures their journey from Schuyler Yacht Basin to Whitehall, New York, a leg that highlights the beauty, challenges, and joy of extended cruising.

Bela and Mike start the episode with a lighthearted story about waking up to wet feet after an overnight rainstorm revealed a small leak in the forward cabin. The two sailors reflect on the realities of life aboard, including quirky boat design features like the windlass placement, which—unfortunately—channels drips right into the berth. Their good humor underscores a theme that runs throughout the voyage: the ability to laugh at inconveniences and embrace the unpredictability of cruising.

As they recount the day’s sail, Bela and Mike describe the serene conditions the Champlain Canal. They note the unique blend of rural scenery, historic towns, and quiet stretches of water that make this region a hidden gem for sailors. From the tree-lined banks to the glimpses of wildlife, the passage feels more like a river journey than an open-water crossing, offering a peaceful contrast to earlier, more challenging legs of the trip.

Listeners will enjoy the duo’s storytelling as they detail the sequence of locks they navigated, the friendly conversations with lockmasters, and the careful boat handling required in narrow channels. For sailors planning a similar voyage, Bela and Mike share practical observations on timing, line handling, and communication—essentials for smooth transits through canal systems.

Beyond the technical aspects, this episode captures the camaraderie that develops over weeks at sea. With more than three weeks aboard at this point, Bela and Mike reflect on the rhythms of cruising life: anchoring, marina stops, cooking aboard, and evenings spent recounting the day’s adventures. Their partnership and shared enthusiasm for sailing shine through, giving listeners a window into the rewarding blend of challenge and relaxation that long-distance cruising offers.

The conversation also touches on the natural beauty of upstate New York, the anticipation of reaching Whitehall, and the excitement of approaching the northern end of their journey. As they near Lake Champlain, both sailors express appreciation for how diverse the East Coast cruising grounds are—from the tidal waters of Georgia and the ICW to the freshwaters of Vermont.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor, a cruiser planning your own East Coast voyage, or simply someone who enjoys stories from the water, this episode offers both practical insights and entertaining anecdotes. Bela and Mike balance seamanship with humor, making their reflections relatable and engaging for anyone drawn to the cruising lifestyle.

Keywords for discovery: sailing podcast, cruising East Coast, Champlain Canal, Schuyler Yacht Basin, Whitehall NY sailing, Lake Champlain sailing, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, long-distance cruising, sailing life stories, liveaboard sailing.

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, host Bela Musits takes a break from his ongoing trip recap with Mike Malekoff to welcome a special guest: Bob Lattanzio. While recent episodes have chronicled Bela and Mike’s relocation of a Hunter 44 Deck Salon from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation shifts focus back to the podcast’s interview format, bringing in fresh insights from another experienced sailor.

Bob shares his background, his sailing experiences, and the many lessons he has learned on the water. Together, Bela and Bob dive into what makes sailing such a unique pursuit: the combination of technical skill, patience, problem-solving, and the deep connection to nature that comes with time aboard. For Bob, sailing has been not just a pastime but a way of life that shapes how he sees the world and approaches challenges.

Listeners will appreciate the blend of storytelling and practical advice that emerges during the conversation. Bob and Bela talk through memorable experiences, from the highs of perfect sailing days to the lows of unexpected repairs and weather challenges. They reflect on the adaptability every sailor must develop, whether cruising long distances on the East Coast or handling the day-to-day realities of maintaining a boat.

The conversation also touches on the community aspect of sailing. Bob explains how friendships formed on the water can be some of the strongest and most enduring. Bob discusses his involvement with the Baldwin Yacht Club and how joining a yacht club can enhance your enjoyment on the water. Key Topics

Covered in This Episode:

• Reflections on a lifetime of sailing experiences.
  

• The challenges and rewards of cruising on the East Coast.
  

• How adaptability and problem-solving define the sailor’s mindset.
  

• The importance of preparation, seamanship, and safety.
  

• Stories of memorable days on the water—both good and bad.
  

• The unique friendships and community bonds formed through sailing.
  

• What keeps sailors like Bob returning to the water year after year.
  

For anyone passionate about sailing, whether you’re just starting out or have logged thousands of nautical miles, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Bob’s perspective enriches the ongoing themes of the podcast while standing on its own as a valuable conversation about cruising, connection, and the enduring allure of life under sail.

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike