lorain ohio
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
|
Lorain, OH Lat: 41° 28.667 Long: 082° 11.362 |
|
Quick Reference:
|
Important Numbers
|
|
DISTANCES
|
|
DESCRIPTION Lorain Ohio was established around 1820, at the mouth of the Black River. For decades, Lorain Ohio had a thriving ship building business. Since 1895, one of the major economic pillars of Lorain Ohio has been the stell industry. The harbor is an active, busy commercial harbor but there is lots of room for recreational vessels. Lorain has invested substantial funds in make sure that visiting sailors feel welcome and at home. |
|
APPROACHES The harbor of Lorain Ohio is formed by two converging seawalls plus a third breakwater that protects the entrance. This outer breakwater is marked with the Lorain Harbor Light (Fl WHITE, visible approximately 12 mi/10.4 nm in good weather, with a horn). FROM THE NORTH and WEST The outer protective breakwater has two other lights - a Fl YELLOW in the center and a Q YELLOW at the east end. Leave the Lorain Harbor Light on your port and make your approach to the main entrance. The main entrance to the outer harbor is about .3 nm ahead and marked with a Fl RED and Fl GREEN light on your starboard and port respectively. The main entrance is wide (approximately 183 yds/168 m) and deep. FROM THE EAST You can enter the main channel from the east between the outer breakwater and the east seawall. There is a Q YELLOW light on the end of the outer breakwater on your starboard and a Fl GREEN light on the end of the east seawall on your port. Once you clear the Fl GREEN light, alter course to port approximately 090oT to enter the main channel. Once inside the channel, the mouth of the Black River is dead ahead on a course of approximately 139oT. On your port bow, you will see the breakwater protecting the entrance to the east basin. This breakwater can be rounded at either end. BRIDGES If you intend to go up the Black River, there are three bridges that you will encounter. The first is the Charles Bessry bascule bridge - the second largest bascule bridge in the world. The bridge opens on the hour and half hour from 077 until 1800, except at 0800, 1500, 1600 and 1700. The bridgemaster can be reached at either (440) 244-2137 or VHF 16. The second bridge upstream is the Norfolk and Western Railway Bridge with a charted clearance of 35 feet. The bridgemaster can be reached at (440) 244-4248 or VHF 16. The third bridge is Henderson Bridge. It has a charted clearance of 120 feet. |
|
MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Spitzer Lakeside Marina (440) 228-3667 VHF 9, 16 The east basin is home to Spitzers Lakeside Marina. This municipal marina has over 600 slips with about 3 dozen slips available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There is water and power available at the slips. There is a mechanic on duty. There are restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Other amenities include a swimming pool, playground and recreation area and two restaurants. There is no internet access. Lorain Sailing and Yacht Club (440) 288-0500 LSYC is located in the Lorain Yacht basin, approximately 380 yds/350 m up ther Black River on the east (your port) side. The club is one of the oldest on Lake Erie. There are several slips available for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only) and a pumpout station. There are restrooms and showers. There is no internet. Spitzer Riverside Marina (440) 288-1234 VHF 9, 16 Run by the same company contracted to operate the municipal marina, Spitzer Riverside Marina is located up the Black River, past the Charles Berry bascule bridge, on your port side. There is transient docking for about 2 dozen boats. There is no fuel dock. There is a pumpout station. There is water and power available at the slips. There is a recreation area with picnic areas and BBQ grills. There is no internet access. Westlake Yachting Club (440) 288-4801 VHF 9, 16 WYC is located at Spitzer Riverside Marina. They have several slips available for transient sailors, on a reciprocal basis. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at the slips. Restrooms, showers and laundry services are available. |
|
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's Spitzer Lakeside Marina (See above) Parker Marine is located well up the Black River, beyond Henderson Bridge. This is a long-established, full-service marina. They can carry out a full range of engine, mechanical, electrical, hull and rigging repairs. Gene's Marine is located up the Black River, just beyond the bascule bridge on the east side. They provide maintenance services for engine, mechanical and electrical systems, prop repairs and painting. The closest grocery store to the east basin is Fligner's Market, about 2 mi/3 km south. Lorain National Bank is the closest bank to the east basin. |
|
MEDICAL SERVICES Mercy Regional Medical Center (440) 960-4000 is located about 5 mi/8 km west of the east basin. Discount Drug mart (440)-288-0191 is about 2 mi/3 km from the east basin. |
|
PLACES TO EAT The Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant is located at Spitzer Lakeside Marina. They have a patio that overlooks Lake Erie. The menu carries a range of seafood, steaks and pastas. The Wheelhouse Restaurant and Lounge is located at the Westlake Yacht Club. It is a relaxed, family-style restaurant with great views of the river. |
|
THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Lorain Ohio has invested millions to create the Black River Landing,a recreational facility that has pavilions, picnic grounds, walkways and outdoor seating areas. It is the site of many community events such as the International Festival (late June), Port Fest (July 4th) and boat cruises. There are Lighthouse tours most Fridays or Saturdays through the summer. Sunset River Cruises take place every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the summer. This Lorain Ohio tourism and visitor's site will give you more ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return to Lake Erie Return to Home Page |
