port sanilac

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Port Sanilac, MI

Lat: 43° 25.830   Long: 082° 32.180

Quick Reference:

  • Port Type: Village
  • Monitors VHF: 9, 16
  • Charts: NOS 14862
  • Customs: No
  • Coast Guard
  • Transient Docking
  • Anchorage
  • Diesel
  • Gasoline
  • Potable Water
  • Pump Out
  • Washrooms
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Repair Services
  • Provisions
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospital/Clinic
  • Banks/ATM
  • Restaurants/Pubs
  • Shopping
  • Internet
  • Amenities
  Important Numbers

Area Code810
Emergency911
Police(810) 622-9131
Hospital(810) 648-3770
Pharmacy(810) 622-9631

DISTANCES


Port Distance (nm) Port Distance (nm)
Port Huron, MI 29 S Port Franks, ON 34 SE
Harbor Beach, MI 25 N Goderich, ON 39 NE
Mackinac City, MI 204 NW Tobermory, ON 126 NE

DESCRIPTION


Port Sanilac is one of the oldest recreational harbors in Michigan. It is certainly one of the prettiest. Named after a Wyandot war chief, the village is a gem along the Lake Huron coast. The harbor of refuge was constructed in 1951 to provide a safe shelter for pleasure craft transiting along this part of the Michigan coastline.

The village was originally settled in the early 1800's and grew as a lumbering community. It has an active calendar of event all year long and prides itself on its welcoming attitude to visiting sailors. There are good beaches, good fishing and interesting wreck diving here.

APPROACHES


The approaches to Port Sanilac are clear from all directions. The harbor was created by construction of 2 breakwaters that overlap each other. The entrance is on the south side. If you are coming from the east, it can be easy to confuse the lights and head straight in. Don't! You will collide with the breakwater. The ends of the breakwaters are on the south side and marked with a Fl RED on the east wall and a Fl GREEN on the west wall.

Once clear of the entrance, turn to port and head to the docks. The state public docks, run by the Port Sanilac Harbor Commission are on the north side and the Port Sanilac Marina are on the south side of the waterfront. This is a snug and well-protected harbor.

MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES


Port Sanilac Harbor Commission   (810) 622-9610   VHF 9, 16
This is the state harbor of refuge. There are 67 slips with 35 set aside for transient sailors. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. Water and power are available at all slips. There are restrooms and showers available. Amenities include a childrens' playground, nearby beach, picnic and BBQ areas and a courtesy vehicle. There is no internet access.

Port Sanilac Marina   (810) 622-9651   VHF 16
The marina is immediately south of the state harbor. There are approximately 100 slips with about 2 dozen set aside for visiting sailors. There is no fuel dock or pumpout station. There is water and power available at each slip as well as internet access. There are repair and maintenance services available. They can carry out repairs to hull/fiberglass, electronics, rigging and props as well as emergency repairs. There are restrooms and showers, a lounge area and kitchen facilities. Other amenities include a nearby beach, childrens's playground and BBQ grills.

Anchorage
Anchoring is an option in the harbor and there is good space and holding ground.

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's


Port Sanilac Marina (See above)

Foley's Foodland IGA can meet all of your provisioning requirements.

Exchange State Bank is located on the north side of the village. It has both counter service and ATM's.

MEDICAL SERVICES


The closest hospital is McKenzie Memorial Hospital in nearby Sandusky, MI, about 16 mi/26 km east of Port Sanilac.

Platt's Pharmacy (810) 622-9631 is located on the north side of the village, about .6 mi/1 km from the harbor.

PLACES TO EAT


There are a number of restaurants in and around the village. Uri's Waterfront Dining is located right at the marina building in the harbor. There is a chandlery downstairs and Uri's is upstairs with good food (seafood of course) and a great view of the harbor. Blue Water Sports Bar & Grill is located in the original Blue Water Inn building dating from the 1850's. Its about 2 blocks from the harbor and serves standard pub fare in a relaxed, casual environment. Ice Cream lovers (just about everyone) will enjoy First Mate Ice Cream Shop, located on the ground floor of the marina building, below Uri's or Creations By Karen Ice Cream in the village. Van Camp House offers outstanding fine dining.

THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT


There are community events happening every weekend throughout the summer. The Barn Theatre offers community theatre productions most weekends. Every Saturday evening, the popular Music At The Harbor program run with a wide selection of music and music groups. Port Sanilac Summer Festival in July has something for everyone. August sees the Antique Boat Show. The Sanilac County Historic Village and Museaum gives you the chance to step back in time as you enjoy the historic buildings on its grounds. Diving excursions are available and divers can enjoy exploring some of the wrecks offshore.

All-in-all, Port Sanilac is a lovely village for a stopover and they genuinely welcome visiting sailors. This Port Sanilac community site may give you some ideas on getting the most of your visit.


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