Tom, There are several ways to get from Detroit to the Tennessee River. However, the shortest and probably the best way for you in a sail boat is to proceed up Lake Huron and down Lake Michigan to Chicago. There are no height or depth restrictions on this portion of the trip except in harbors (watch your charts). Through Chicago you will have to have your mast taken down. There are a number of places to do that including Crowley's Yacht Yard at mile 332.2 on the Calumet River, Burnham Park Yacht Club in Chicago, or Larsen Marine Service in Waukegan. Passing through Chicago depth restrictions are not a problem for your vessel, but height is restricted to 19' 1" at mile 300.5. In any event, since you have to take your mast down before passing through Chicago you can go either through downtown (17' clearance) or via the Calumet River/Sag Channel (24' clearance). Shortly after these two waterways meet you hit the 19' 1" bridge and that is the limiting clearance for your route. If you have a 31' air clearance on your sailboat you can either keep the mast on the deck until you get to your home waters where it may be cheaper to put the mast back up. Or, once you have cleared mile 231.0 southbound on the Illinois River the clearance is 52' at normal pool level until you get to your home waters. So you could put the mast back up anywhere below that point. All of this information is covered in Cruising from Chicago to Mobile. Have a great trip. If you have any other specific questions do not hesistate to contact me directly off line. Bob Skipper Bob Publications Http://SkipperBob.home.att.net