Any issue going through St Clair during the races next wknd???
 

Just curious. We're traveling up the river on Saturday July 25th and coming back on Sunday the 26th. Are there any issues going through the St Clair area with the races going on? Ive never attended to see how they handle the boat traffic.

I am a volunteer patrol boat for the St. Clair Races. However, I have never been to this race before. I did patrol the Detroit River race last year. On Sat & Sun the Detroit River was completely closed to traffic, unless commercial. They only allowed recreational boats to pass thru once on Saturday and that was about the mid-point of testing and was a window of about 15 minutes. After that the river was once again closed. On Sunday, pretty much the same thing. I am not sure how they handle traffic at the St. Clair site, but I would imagine it would be very similar. So you will probably spend a good portion of your day waiting to pass thru. With that said, I believe testing on Saturday will begin around Noon and end at around 3:30-4:00pm. So to avoid any issues, maybe try and get thru there before 11-11:30. On Sunday, I believe the racing program will begin around 11:30-12:00 and will run till about 4:00-4:30. If your not on a tight schedule, it's not like you wait won't be entertaining... After all, they will be testing and racing Offshore Race boats. It could be worse.....

UGH, that would be the worst case scenario. While I would enjoy it.....I'll have 3 kids with me, one of which is only 2. Spending hours sitting on the boat not moving will not work out.


Anybody else know about getting through? I guess I could call the chamber up there to find out.

Just called the riverfest company. They said they do not completely close the river and that boats can get through during the races......although she didnt sound like an expert.

Got an answering machine at the COC.

I wouldn't believe that.. That area is much narrower than the Detroit River. Plus I am watching a reply of last years race at lunch an they stated in the internet broadcast that the area was closed to all traffic other than freighters.... At which point they put the entire race under caution until the freighter clears the course.

This is from a guy I know that was working patrol last year for the St. Clair race.
"It's dependent on the amount of traffic. Sunday it will generally be closed 11-5 with periodic openings between races. Saturday is dependent on weather and how many boats are testing"

Well, thats not too bad. Im still going to try and reach the chamber for clarification but on Sunday we should be able to get back through St Clair before 11am.

Anytime we have gone, the coast guard will allow you to run up the outside of the course only in between races and right up until the race starts. Definitely cannot go through during the race. And they make you stay pretty far away, so viewing the race from your boat is not that much fun.

The river will be closed to through traffic as it always is. They will allow freighters and boats through- only between races.

Yeah, I found the rules from the 2014 race stating exactly that. It sounds like going up on Saturday we should be able to get through during testing...with a slight delay. Sunday I'm just planning to be back past St Clair before 11am. The extra boat traffic will be a pain but it should all work out.

Sounds like Im actually going to have to monitor the VHF for the first time in a while.

Go to the OPA website and pull up the racers packet. It will tell you everything you need to know. Saturday all of us racers are told to use the rules of the road for testing as the river is still open to normal boat traffic but the course is still set up with the turn bouys. On Sunday the coast guard shuts the river down around 10ish and you will not be able to get through unless there is a break to let a freighter though. If that is the case they usually let the river traffic idle through the course to get through. Usually the last race of the day is done around 5ish and the river is open to normal traffic again.

Good way to keep attendance up:party-smiley-004:

You could always put some numbers on your boat, make a partial lap WFO, then just continue on down the river....I'd love to hear the commentator cover that!
DISCLAIMER- I'm being facetious, DO NOT try this manuever.

ST. CLAIR RIVER PLEASURE CRAFT TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
The United States Coast Guard, Sector Detroit, Waterways Management Division has issued a Marine Event Permit. There
will be a Special Local Regulation issued by the Coast Guard establishing a restricted area and other controls. which also
establishes a local safety zone, and slow no-wake area during any testing and active racing.
Course area is roughly from north of the St. Clair Shoal upper limits (Light 54) south to an area just below the Pine River
(Light 48).
Mariners are advised to listen to the regular marine information broadcasts on their VHF-FM marine radio; and for further
information can contact U.S.C.G. Patrol Commander by contacting Coast Guard Station Port Huron, or on event days, contact
the Coast Guard Patrol Commander on VHF-FM Channel 16
River closure for Saturday, July 25, 2015 - Testing
 This closure applies to ALL non-commercial vessel traffic (pleasure and fishing craft)
 Coast Guard PATCOM can begin enforcing the established safety zone at 11:00 AM
 River closures may be in place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time
 Pine River traffic will be restricted during active testing operations
River closure for Sunday, July 26, 2015 - Racing
 This closure applies to ALL non-commercial vessel traffic (pleasure and fishing craft)
 Coast Guard PATCOM will begin enforcing the established safety zone at 11:00 AM
 River closures will be in place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time
 At the decision of Coast Guard PATCOM, traffic may be allowed between races
 Pine River traffic will be restricted during active racing operations
Golf

I love this idea....kids would have a blast.....until Dad gets arrested!

Looking to attend for the first time, what is the spectator area like on shore?

While I havent been to the races myself, St Clair has a very large municipal park area right on the river. I would imagine there isnt a "Bad seat in the house" so to speak.

Thank you, bparsel