The Operator piloted Vessel 1 in a roughly northern direction out of the main entrance of the Cleveland  Breakwall onto Lake Erie.  After clearing the entrance the Operator determined that the conditions on the lake exceeded his experience and he began turning Vessel 1 around to attempt to re-enter the main entrance back off of Lake Erie.  As Vessel 1 was being turned to port to attempt this maneuver, and as Vessel 1 came about to a position with the bow of Vessel 1 pointing east, the Operator became uncomfortable with the situation and instead decided that he would travel with the waves to the East Light to attempt re-entry into the harbor.  At aproximately half the distance to the East Light Vessel 1 collided with the breakwall due to the force of the waves.  The Operator held Vessel 1 off of the breakwall while everyone exited Vessel 1 onto the breakwall; in doing so, the Operator sprained his shoulder and hand.
Cleveland                     