Sailing

[BeaverIslandGuy]

I grew up sailing on this lake, first Sunfish and Lightnings and then onto bigger boats to my J-29. Sailed out of here and Winnipesaukee Yacht Club for years until I moved away.

This is a great lake to sail on, and the flukey winds make it challenging. If they are still doing it, the great overnight around-the-lake race should be coming up in about a week (normally August full moon). Goes Sat dusk until finish on Sunday noon.

As for the question about the 150 ft rule, in an organized sailboat race, there are rules of engagement between two boats (in terms of who has right of way), but the only distance rule is you can't hit the other boat under any circumstances. In all the years of racing (40+), I never even thought about the 150 ft rule when racing.

[hazelnut]

Sky, NoBozo and others.... I am not a performance boater and I have never been one. The most hysterical part of all of these debates is that most of the people that were "on the other side" are not "performance boaters." I own a BOWRIDER capable of 49MPH. That is the fastest boat I have EVER owned. My observations could not be more unbiased IMO. I support ALL activities on the lake. I own more NON powered boats than powered boats. (2 Kayaks, 1 Canoe to 2 Power Boats, 1 Bowrider, 1 50HP Whaler). So PLEASE SKY_NH and others do not lump me in with "performance boaters" as I am NOT one.

My comment stands. I am sorry but I felt the original post from elchase was misleading. If he/she really feels the need to claim that winni was UNSAFE for sailboats prior to the garbage legislature that passed last year that is B.S. In and inflammatory IMO. sorry if you disagree but that is my honest opinion. This is the statement is nothing but conjecture and unfounded criticism and biased opinion as far as I am concerned:
"We always knew there were hundreds of would-be sailors around would take to the water as soon as it became safe to do so again...Reading this forum, one would get the false impression that Winnipesaukee is of no use unless one has a performance boat and is allowed to boat as fast as he can, .... Hoping the sailing associations will see that Winnipesaukee is open for business again and start scheduling events here again."

As for the Sailing comments I agree... Great to see those beautiful boats out on the lake.

[bigdog]

Can anyone recommend a business/marina/sailing club on Lake Winni where I could rent a small sailboat for the day.

I know Fays Boat Yard in Gilford has rentals, are there other marinas or clubs you would know which rent?

Need something between 14-18 feet.

Wife recently took sailing lessons for a month, she/we would like to spend a day on the lake sailing.

Thanks,
Bigdog

Why are some people on this forum so sensitive and argumentative? I chose the wrong word. I was not PC. I apologized. I should not have implied that sailing seemed less safe when boats were allowed to drive as fast as they wanted. I should have put it a way that I think everyone can agree...it was crazy out there. I should have just said what I think we all agree on...the lake is much saner this year. I had lost my interest in fishing and sailing before last summer. I was just not enjoying these more passive activities in the aggressive environment that our lake had become. I had given up much of my boating too. Just as you are allowed to your opinion, I am entitled to mine, and that is it. Last summer, things started to seem more sane. I don't know why. The economy and weather were not excuses then. We did not have "the law" yet, although I suppose the MP test did have many boaters slowing down. But whatever the reason, last summer was great. This summer is better. I am sailing and fishing again and enjoying both. I'm hearing a lot of friends say the same things. Please don't put words in my mouth or try to make this into a speed limit debate so you can have me blackballed from the forum. I know from what I've seen in other threads how those who dare express disagreement with the "speed limits are bad" attitude are persecuted and branded trolls. That is not me. But that does not mean I have to wimp out and pretend I don't like the present environment on the lake.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by elchase

Last summer, things started to seem more sane. I don't know why. The economy and weather were not excuses then.

I would bet power boat traffic was way down last year due to the $4+ per gallon gasoline.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by elchase

Why are some people on this forum so sensitive and argumentative? I chose the wrong word. I was not PC. I apologized. I should not have implied that sailing seemed less safe when boats were allowed to drive as fast as they wanted. I should have put it a way that I think everyone can agree...it was crazy out there. I should have just said what I think we all agree on...the lake is much saner this year. I had lost my interest in fishing and sailing before last summer. I was just not enjoying these more passive activities in the aggressive environment that our lake had become. I had given up much of my boating too. Just as you are allowed to your opinion, I am entitled to mine, and that is it. Last summer, things started to seem more sane. I don't know why. The economy and weather were not excuses then. We did not have "the law" yet, although I suppose the MP test did have many boaters slowing down. But whatever the reason, last summer was great. This summer is better. I am sailing and fishing again and enjoying both. I'm hearing a lot of friends say the same things. Please don't put words in my mouth or try to make this into a speed limit debate so you can have me blackballed from the forum. I know from what I've seen in other threads how those who dare express disagreement with the "speed limits are bad" attitude are persecuted and branded trolls. That is not me. But that does not mean I have to wimp out and pretend I don't like the present environment on the lake.

Elchase, there is no question that the lake is saner this year. Unfortunately, a great many, myself included, believe that the real reason is the poor economy. We have all seen many boats that have never even been uncovered for the season- the owners just decided to leave them winterized. I think when the economy improves, we will see a return of most of the craziness.

I do disagree with your point about last summer- gas on the lake was pushing or exceeded $5/gallon, virtually everyone became more thrifty and boated less- I believe there was even a poll regarding it.

Many of us who are percieved as anti-speed limit don't even own or want to own boats that can break it (I almost got lapped by a pontoon boat a few weeks ago!). Most of us own and use canoes and sailboats (Lazer in our case). When not sailing, my 14 year old son and his 11 year old sister can often be found in his 12 foot skiff with an 8 horse Merc patrolling the Greens Basin end of the lake. I have a vested interest in keeping the lake as safe as possible.

The real us versus them needs to become the safe boater versus the bonehead boater, not slow versus fast. The answer is to rid the lake of bad boaters. There is no way that many boaters on the lake studied for and passed their boating certificate course. Even though my son is not old enough to take his safety course, I had him study and pass the practice test prior to allowing him to boat alone.

I was sincere in my comment about sharing the lake- I want to do so with good boaters, slow and fast. I want to eradicate bad boaters, slow and fast.

I apologize if I misread your original post and hope you enjoy the fabulous weather we are supposed to have today.

[VtSteve]

VB on target as usual. The vast majority of boaters, at any given point in time, are doing between 20mph and under 40 mph. If you get a lot of boats going every which way, it can, and often does, look like total chaos. Last year it was the high gas prices, this year it's unemployment and the economy. People get a little bent out of shape worrying about their retirements accounts and what lies ahead.

According to my dad, Winni was crazy in the 70's and never got better. It is what it is. If you really want to read something so true it's shameful, this is it.

The real us versus them needs to become the safe boater versus the bonehead boater, not slow versus fast. The answer is to rid the lake of bad boaters.

That's really the summation of threads from the last few years. None of us likes crazy, nor dangerous, on the road or on the water. We know the issues, and understand the problems. We try not to rationalize them, but identify them. There really is no us versus them. It's really more those that get it, and those that do not.

We were to go tubing today, not one of my favorite activities. First, I must navigate (zig-zag) around a hundred sailboats or so, deal with 15 to 20-knot winds, and stay within the bay because it's going to be a pretty rough day. Pretty much the deal all summer excepting the 90% rainy days. I only worry about other tubers, the usual boneheads that change course for no man, and the occasional fisherman that troll across the narrow channel.

The bigger and faster boats take to the open water and cruise out there. I wish I could, but the 2 to 5 foot waves slow me down a little bit Some of the real nuts, like myself, wish gas were $6 a gallon to cut down on the boneheads and we could selfishly enjoy the lake themselves. But alas, it's a big world out there, and they all share it. As a kid, I used to take my little 12' aluminum boat with trusty 5hp Gale Buccaneer engine everywhere. I went from Meredith Neck to Sally's gut, down to the Weirs and channel, many times out to Silver Sands area, sometimes even in the Broads My biggest problems were the Sophie, big cruisers, and a few bucks gas money.

I don't what what people's frame of reference is, but there's always been a tremendous difference between weekday and weekend boating, everywhere. Many of us that grew up on big lakes had to take the good with the bad, or be relegated to small puddles and ponds. As on the roadways, there are those that perceive danger at every turn, and may very well just lose their nerve endings as they age. Perceptions change, even if nothing really has changed. I'm sure many people would love to see Winni with only a few dozen boats tops, nice calm water, gentle breezes, and free lollipops for everyone. Not gonna happen.

As has been suggested many times, if someone's being a bonehead, call it in. If nobody responds, oh well. There are many opportunities to nail them, provided the MP has the desire, and the resources. Much of the "aggressive environment" on most lakes has evolved as people with little or no experience bring their attitudes out on the water. Education has little impact on these folks generally, but enforcement does. I assume if it were such a huge problem, as has been indicated over the last year, the State would have put much more funding into eliminating the wildness. They did not.

So I'll take a hint from Skip here. Until I start hearing and reading verifiable reports of mayhem and accidents all over the lake from aggressive boaters, I'll assume it's a "perceived" problem and not a real one. There was an accident with a PWC this year, the boat on island last year, and a bad one years before that. When you're reading about accidents and fatalities every week, boat wrecks all over the place, then there's an out of hand problem. If it's many witnessed close calls, swamped canoes and kayaks, actual intimidation and people fleeing for their lives, I'd be hearing from the marine patrol, the local news, and people would be calling the MP every minute of the day. Since they report none of that, I'll assume it's not occurring. How many times did you report dangerous boaters to the MP during the last few years? I know that if our neighborhood reports problems to the police here, they act.

[fatlazyless]

Anybody know if the cleaning product 'oxyclean' which is a paste will work to remove a few rust stains from a white dacron sail on a sailboat. It is expensive....so...maybe it will work? Any recommendations for removing rust stains?

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by elchase

Why are some people on this forum so sensitive and argumentative? I chose the wrong word. I was not PC. I apologized. I should not have implied that sailing seemed less safe when boats were allowed to drive as fast as they wanted. I should have put it a way that I think everyone can agree...it was crazy out there. I should have just said what I think we all agree on...the lake is much saner this year.....

You should have. But you didn't. That is why I got mad at the implication. That was your choice to bring speed into this and I and others merely replied. BTW- Nobody wants to get you or anyone "Blackballed." I think VB and Vt eloquently stated the real problems that plague the lake.

That said I really hope you continue to enjoy sailing this year. I hope the weather cooperates for August.

Originally Posted by hazelnut

I got mad at the implication.

Thanks, but I must say that I find it a bit weird that people would get "mad at the implication" that speeding boats were making him feel unsafe. People on this forum certainly seem encouraged to express their opinions about other things that bother or scare them without getting anyone "mad", but as soon as someone says he did not feel safe trying to sail and fish, others get "mad". Seems an awfully silly thing to get "mad" about. What other topics should I avoid to be sure that I don't get anyone "mad" at me?

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by elchase

Thanks, but I must say that I find it a bit weird that people would get "mad at the implication" that speeding boats were making him feel unsafe. People on this forum certainly seem encouraged to express their opinions about other things that bother or scare them without getting anyone "mad", but as soon as someone says he did not feel safe trying to sail and fish, others get "mad". Seems an awfully silly thing to get "mad" about. What other topics should I avoid to be sure that I don't get anyone "mad" at me?

Oh el... ha ha ha 9 posts and already trying to stir the pot huh. Well I am not "mad" at your post. I usually only respond to constructive members of the forum. Anyway I do welcome you and hope you contribute more to the forum in the future. I suppose I shouldn't have gotten mad as I said. My point was obviously lost on you so I could spell it out but I won't. You seem smart enough to figure out my point as well as others. I just wish that this thread was started on a different note is all. Oh well...... whatever will be, will be.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by elchase

Thanks, but I must say that I find it a bit weird that people would get "mad at the implication" that speeding boats were making him feel unsafe. People on this forum certainly seem encouraged to express their opinions about other things that bother or scare them without getting anyone "mad", but as soon as someone says he did not feel safe trying to sail and fish, others get "mad". Seems an awfully silly thing to get "mad" about. What other topics should I avoid to be sure that I don't get anyone "mad" at me?

Please avoid any threads that imply the HN and I like eating- other than that, game on!

[BeaverIslandGuy]

Originally Posted by bigdog

Can anyone recommend a business/marina/sailing club on Lake Winni where I could rent a small sailboat for the day.

I know Fays Boat Yard in Gilford has rentals, are there other marinas or clubs you would know which rent?

Need something between 14-18 feet.

Wife recently took sailing lessons for a month, she/we would like to spend a day on the lake sailing.

Thanks,
Bigdog

I don't know who else rents, but I can highly recommend Fay's. They took great care of everyone I know for all the years I spent in "bigger" sailboats (i.e. more than a sunfish).

The staff there is good. They have a variety of boats. If you want a nice little one, a J-22 is great. My only caution is on weekends the channel out of Fays and between Locke and the mainland is a bit busy and rough, so you might want to do the weekday thing.

B.I.G.

[garysanfran]

I have used Oxyclean on my sails and it has worked well. It can have an affect on metal if left in contact for a while. I would suggest watering down the boat under the area you will be cleaning the sail (if left on the boat). This will dilute the spillage. Then I would hose the area as-soon-as-possible after the sail cleaning. You can also assume that any hull wax will be gone after contact with Oxyclean so you may want to rewax those areas.

Sailed San Francisco Bay for 20 years. Sold my 34' Sabre this year...So sad!

[ApS]

Originally Posted by jrc

"...Being true sailors, they make the best of it and find away to have a good time..."

My solution has been to own enough sailboats.

My smaller sailboats will find 4-knots of wind even when "Common Sense" tells you there is only a flat calm out there.

Larger sailboats can handle most any wind: I'm reminded of a photo-shoot on one of our Great Lakes. Two photographer's powerboats started with the sailboat to be reviewed—but arrived two hours later than the sailboat due to the extremely rough waters that can only be found on "The Great Lakes"!

Originally Posted by elchase

"...I'm amazed at the lack of dialogue on this forum about sailing..."

The number of sailing threads here is about .003% of all boating threads—to exclude the sub-forum threads—where sailing is even more invisible.

Some pressure could be taken off this "Boating" forum with a summer "Sailing" forum at a time when the "Snowmobiling" forum is quiet.

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

"...Is this really about lack of sailing talk...?"

Compare the number of sailboat threads—here—versus "powerboat" threads? Sometimes this forum resembles the boating forums at SOS.

Originally Posted by jrc

"...For most of them Winni is a tough place to sail..."

What winds there are will come up about 8AM, and often diminish around lunchtime—even to zero. That, and strong gusts, are typical of all "lake" sailing: Ocean breezes are consistent.

What distinguishes a sunny day on Lake Winnipesaukee is the weekend encounters with boat wakes: Taken astern, they can swamp the cockpit. Taken any other way, powerboat wakes (particularly in light winds) "take the wind out of sails" and can stop the sailboat's progress altogether.

Wakes that disrupt the continuous flow of wind across one's sails can leave you wallowing in still more wakes: It can get very hot with your progress halted in the sun—sometimes even whomped into moving backwards!

Having had two catamarans simultaneously here, I'd say that "cats" get "wake-struck" the worst in light winds, and may account for the relatively low number of Hobies since 1974, when I brought my first Hobie here.

(And, except for the "wake-jumping", bigger catamarans didn't make it get any better).

Originally Posted by NoBozo

"...I'm just picturing a fleet of sailboats (Thursday night racing) approaching the downwind "mark" in a Stiff Breeze with spinnakers set and doing 8-10 knots...Maybe even faster if they are planing...and all the other boats in very close proximity as well..."

The World Olympics include large racing fleets of sailboats that are pushing 30-MPH. The Olympics' rules are even more comprehensive than New Hampshire's boating laws and help to keep things under relative control: Every infraction is observed and penalties assessed by sharp-eyed judges.

(Say, don't judges just "ruin" boating?)

BTW: On Winnipesaukee, most "cat" capsizes are results of an overloaded boat, inexperience in cat-handling in sudden gusts or attempts to "push the speed envelope". Righting a larger cat (though I've never needed to do so) is a boating skill all to itself.

Originally Posted by Dave R

"...I have not noticed any difference in the amount of sailboats this year as compared to years when sailing not "safe to do"..."

Speaking for myself, I won't even begin sailing when it looks hazy and calm (thunderstorm weather) or rainy (no shelter, even for the skipper).

And we've had some rains here.

Originally Posted by Dave R

"...I bet a lot of the power boat owners that post here also sail(ed)..."

Sailing is not for those with the need for speed; however, there's nothing quite like shutting off the engine and "listening" to the waters under sails alone. Just like surfers will describe their choice of the non-powered skills in surfing, similarly, sailing could be also be described as "being close to God".

Originally Posted by VitaBene

"...Interesting, I never saw a closed to sailing sign at ony point on the lake..."

The gradual increase in average size of powerboats (and expanding "valet-storage" of such boats) can make sailing on weekends unpleasant.

"Wake surfing" and "wake-boarding" have added still more sailing difficulties since the 80s.

Originally Posted by VitaBene

"...Its called sharing and the majority do it well. The others are what we call boneheads regardless if they are burning gas or filling sails..."

Sailboats, for some reason, are invisible to many powerboaters out there: Just yesterday, I didn't return waved greetings from a boat as it passed within 2 canoe-lengths of me at moderate speed. One elderly woman passenger stared at me until I pointed back to the wake I was about to get soaked by.

The skipper then got a message I couldn't hear.

Originally Posted by hazelnut

"...I own more NON powered boats than powered boats. (2 Kayaks, 1 Canoe to 2 Power Boats, 1 Bowrider, 1 50HP Whaler). So PLEASE SKY_NH and others do not lump me in with "performance boaters" as I am NOT one..."

But we can't lump you in with sailing, either.

Originally Posted by hazelnut

"...As for the Sailing comments I agree... Great to see those beautiful boats out on the lake..."

And sailboats constitute nearly 100% of boats appearing in lakefront real estate ads!

Originally Posted by VitaBene

"...We have all seen many boats that have never even been uncovered for the season- the owners just decided to leave them winterized..."

Check out the mooring fields: Some are only 30% filled—and this is August!

Originally Posted by VitaBene

"...I was sincere in my comment about sharing the lake- I want to do so with good boaters, slow and fast. I want to eradicate bad boaters, slow and fast..."

Sailboaters and other "slow boaters" can benefit from using my DIY (and free for the making) "Powerboat-Excluder-Device". (It's an adaptation for a highly-reflective CD).

I mentioned it last season, and have been training many "distracted powerboaters" with one. If only a few sailors adopt the use of one, much will be gained by every boater.

IMNSHO.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

...Sailing is not for those with the need for speed...

Then why does every sailing thread talk about racing?

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

...And sailboats constitute nearly 100% of boats appearing in lakefront real estate ads!
...

Sailboats are pretty.

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

....
Sailboaters and other "slow boaters" can benefit from using my DIY (and free for the making) "Powerboat-Excluder-Device". (It's an adaptation for a highly-reflective CD).

I mentioned it last season, and have been training many "distracted powerboaters" with one. If only a few sailors adopt the use of one, much will be gained by every boater.

Sailboats have a visibilty problem? Do you know how silly that sounds? If you shine one of those in my eyes, I will head over to see why you are signalling distress. How exactly does it exclude powerboats?

BTW a CD is not your best choice.

http://www.equipped.org/signal.htm

[ApS]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

"...there is no question that the lake is saner this year..."

You weren't on the lake last Saturday?

Originally Posted by VtSteve

"...According to my dad, Winni was crazy in the 70's and never got better..."

That's an understatement. I'm guessing that Cap'n Boneheads have a few things in common:
1) They are rentals, or
2) They are valet boaters, and
3) They have a "B" in their registration number. (Really!)

Originally Posted by jrc

"...why does every sailing thread talk about racing...?"

C'mon, we're not racing greyhounds.

Originally Posted by jrc

"...Sailboats are pretty..."

They're pretty, but more importantly, they're quiet—that's why sailboats are on those brochures!

Originally Posted by jrc

"...Sailboats have a visibilty problem? Do you know how silly that sounds...?

My catamaran had fancy sails and seemed to attract gawkers—as I wrote in 2004.

My present sail is nondescript, possibly accounting for how often I have a boat aiming directly at me—particularly on weekends.

Originally Posted by jrc

"...If you shine one of those in my eyes, I will head over to see why you are signalling distress..."

Nine out of ten times, the boat recognizes my distress and changes his direction to a safe course: I don't flash just anybody.

But...just last week in the Broads, a maroon-over-white Crownline continued his course directly at me in spite of my best efforts to warn him of his danger. As he passed (within about 80'), I saw that he was not at the helm (!) and was chatting with his passengers forward—in his bowrider!

(Registration # has a "B" in it).

The more "slow" boaters that put these free CDs to use, the more alert this lake's boaters will become.

Originally Posted by jrc

"...How exactly does it exclude powerboats...?

Those who have come to know which boat gives warnings by reflected sunlight alter their course long before any distress.

(That boat giving warnings?...would be mine )

Originally Posted by jrc

"...BTW a CD is not your best choice..."

I have a "first-surface" mirror that would be devastating in use: It's also expensive, and I'd hate to lose it overboard. However, blinding misguided boaters is hardly my goal.

CDs work for me: They're highly reflective, light in weight, free, can be selected for reflectivity, can be trimmed to size, and can attach easily to any baseball cap or golf visor. Instructions: Locate the reflection on your sail, tilt your head to align it with boom or deck, and a few flashes will do the job. It's no more offensive than the flash off a boat's windshield. Think of it as you might use a horn—responsibly—in traffic.

Lastly, when in sight of my residence, I can signal well ahead of my arrival, and lunch will be waiting!

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

....3) They have a "B" in their registration number. (Really!)

My scientific survey (with a sample size of three boats) Say that letter part of the hull number increments about every year. My samples are:

2002 NH XXXX BH
2005 NH XXXX BK
2008 NH XXXX BN

Working backwards, 1994 should have been the last year for boats without a "B''.

1994 NH XXXX AZ
1995 NH XXXX BA

So Capt Boneheads have "B" in their registration number because most of the boats on the lake have a "B" How many 15+ year old boats are there, 10%- 20%, I can only guess.

[ApS]

I've never mentioned before that your posts have always been analytical, reasoned, and thoughtful?

Yours would be called "an empirical study", though your sample size of three is...um...small.

And—like my long-time neighbors—a Lake Winnipesaukee experience of 15-years-plus with one's boat has a decent shot at staying a competent boater.

Great day out there yesterday. Fished four hours in the morning. Caught 7 salmon and 2 lakers. Then jumped in the day sailer for two hours in the afternoon. Very crowded and winds were sporadic, but no nonsense made it very enjoyable. Was back on the lake in the evening for two hours of bass fishing and a nice cigar. Winnipesaukee is such a great lake. No wind today.

[ApS]

Actually, the sailing has been great these past three days.

It's not unusual to see one loon in a morning flight: On Friday, however, you couldn't miss seeing three Loons calling to each other 100' overhead in The Broads, south of Welch Island.

This rare event (a first for me) had the three following one another, doing a huge circle—encompassing Welch and Rattlesnake Islands when they split up. The call was (as is usual for a Loon-in-flight), this rapid vocalization—"the tremulo"—given repeatedly:

"Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!—Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!—Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!"

Yes, I do seem to be "quoting" a bird.

Even when not calling, they were flying with their beaks open, something I also saw with a large Cormorant a few days later. (Sunday, while sailing). I saw my First-Ever-For-Life baby Loon, also, near Winnmiir Apartments.

On Saturday, I saw our "resident juvenile Loon" apparently eating something in the water. I turned the tiller to jibe (sailboat talk ) to see what was there. It was the front quarter of a large (4-pound) bass! Ever seen a Loon scavenging?

Another sight was a sad one: In the Marriott's vast lawnscape was a Canada Goose picking at the grass, but with a broken wing. She's still out there, but sometimes she's in the water there, in the thick of it all.

The wind, as usual, dropped at about 11:30, but I've learned the signs on these beautiful days ("flat" water in the distance—to windward—and shifty winds starting to appear) to head to home port just before then.

By 10-AM, and though the lake was busy, the count was still one sailboat to six powerboats (1:6).

That's a number that drops on weekdays, with sometimes more sailboats than powerboats! This count has been excluding sailboats under power, barges, immobile powerboats, MPs (if ever seen), anchored boats of all kinds, and trolling powerboats.

Elchase absolutely needs to use a CD! You don't have to attach it to a hat, as I do. You can slip it into a PFD pocket, then aim the reflected sun at the offender. I only used it a few times these past three days, though a certain Checkmate speedster needs "more rays".

(Half-speed, but only 75'—and did it twice! No sailing experience there!)

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

"...there are definitely sailors on this forum...!"

Maybe, but they're of the invisible sailor variety.

ETA: (Edited To Add).
Make that FOUR days of great sailing!

Monday:

"The wind was up", so I got out at 7:30 AM. The heaviest haze of the summer was everywhere. I could barely see past Welch Island and couldn't see anything of Castle in the Clouds at all.

I couldn't detect much of anything in the way of hydrocarbons or ozone in the breeze, so it was just "the summer haze of old".

Just as I shoved off, I heard the "tremulo call" of the Loon (that call is given in flight), looked up and saw a loon—no, three—no, SIX Loons in flight. A record from just yesterday! Once again, they flew a big circle around The Broads, and just three returned to my location to land. I've witnessed the landing of a Loon only once before. (A crash really, with beak, feet, and wings tumbling out of a big cloud of spray!)

The one landing I was able to witness Monday started as a gradual approach to the water's surface with wings held in an extremely deep "V". (An extremely high dihedral—airplane talk ). The Loon hit the water with his belly, and slowed to a stop just like a floatplane!

(Not bad for a waterfowl with a penguin-like torso—a "four-thumbs-up" landing). Remember, this is Earth's most ancient bird that's still around!

Over the course of a couple of hours, the wind kept building to whitecaps+, so with boat wakes already compounding the waves as well, I headed for home earlier than normal. (Having seen only one other sailboat and a handful of "normal" powerboats over those few hours).

In the afternoon, about 2:30, the wind reduced to about half of the morning's strong breeze, so I launched again. It was hot (83º at the house), but not too bad, as the breeze kept things temperate.

Off Wolfeboro, south of Parker Island, I saw a cluster of five large sailboats in the range of 20'-30'—perhaps in a race? Including my own boat, that made for a "count" of six sailboats in The Broads. Scanning then for powerboats, I saw just six powerboats, so the ratio was 1:1 for this weekday. (Up from the usual weekend count of about 1:6)

Towards 5:00, The Broads got really busy with boats running helter-skelter between Diamond and Rattlesnake Islands and Winter Harbor. (Into my "space"!)

About that same time, several Jet-Skis raced out into The Broads from several directions, turned around, and headed back the way they came. No GPS?

Except for the haze—which I think was harmless—Monday was a really good day for this sailor!

Tuesday was absent of wind at 7:30 AM, but due to a following post decrying the lack of wind, I thought I'd try to "find" some. I learned a lot on a day I wouldn't have normally tried: First, there's a lot of nature that is missed on the windy days.

I heard Mourning Doves, Blue Jays (for the first time this season), and the softer calls of Loons interested in one another's company and welfare. There were OSHA backup alarms, chain saws, and a very loud motorcycle on Tuftonboro Neck somewhere, but I digress.

It took a ½-hour to go one mile, but it wasn't hot at that early hour, and I was moving.

The handiest item to detect wind direction? A narrow strip of mylar ribbon—specially modified—at the bow. The usual "tell-tails" didn't move during this time. I found that what "wind" there was, was highly variable. It took a lot of attention to keep going forward.

Using the relatively huge mainsail, an occasional 360° turn would cause the mainsail to jibe automatically (flip) when the breeze couldn't be determined otherwise.

Consistent with my earlier observations, there were about five powerboats on The Broads and, except for mine, no sailboats. The wind never did get very strong all day.

Wednesday was a nice day, but the winds (20+ kts) and waves were more challenging for me than I'd want. I still took account of the sailboats-to-powerboats ratio on The Broads. (Still holding at ~1:6).

Afterwards, I toured a quiet part of the lake with fluky, (but adequate) winds in Tuftonboro Bay—visiting that baby Loon again.

Late Wednesday afternoon was remarkable in seeing a wooden sailboat race off the northern shore of Rattlesnake Island. The class was the old "Town" class, and all three hailed from "Camp Kabeyun". Their boats are easily recognizable by the letter "K" on their sails:

That afternoon, the ratio of sail to power was nearly 1:1 at one point! (Meaning there were six sailboats to six powerboats).

Thursday:
Upon first putting in, I saw a "bank beaver" heading north.

Attempting to see it close-up, I sailed (or rather, "ghosted silently" ) about ¼-mile when two fishermen slowly edged their bass boat absentmindedly towards me. I was forced to alter course.

From them, I learned that the beaver had outdistanced me, and was still moving in the same direction. They asked about my "CD hat" and, by a demonstration, made them Believers!

'Never did see that beaver again.

Thursday got gradually windier (and nicer) during the day and, after Noon, had swung to a moderate easterly. The week-long haze, which I've since learned is harmful to lungs, had abated somewhat.

Shortly after Noon, I received a nice visit from RG and RG. They took mental notes of my sailboat's "standby devise", and left for home to anticipate ForumFest on Saturday.

Friday:

Friday marks a full week of decent sailing weather.

Friday arrived cloudy, but sailable. After skipping any sailing due to a gloomy morning, the sun came out after lunch with a moderatately-strong breeze from the east. (Easterlies eventually mean rain).

The sailing was fine, but all afternoon Easterlies keep me from checking The Broads for a count. (Without auxiliary power, I may not get home in time to avoid rain). The haze was too intense to see far enough anyway. (The worst of the week).

Satellite view of the haze, below:

After about two hours, the skies started clouding-up, gradually building to much darker low clouds. There was no thunder, but I decided to quit for the day.

About ½-hour later, thunder was obvious. Large droplets started falling slowly for just a few minutes. Still later, the wind started building strongly from the NW, producing large, angry, waves.

I noticed an all-white 27' powerboat stopping to scan the skies (a bit late ). After a minute's discussion among the five or six juvenile males, they took off in a hurry in the direction the storm was coming from! (Which would mean Melvin Village).

Saturday:

Saturday dawned bright but we were surrounded by threatening clouds and later, thunder and lightning. I took a shot at The Broads anyway to get my "count". Traffic was very light for a weekend on the Broads, and I was the only sailboat out there—for a time. After another scan of the atmosphere, I skee-daddled home—skipping "the count" of The Broads overall.

Sailing closer to home later in the afternoon, I stopped at a neighbor's to chat at his dock. Ten minutes later, a medium-light rain shower arrived from over his tree line. I grabbed a poncho just for such occasions and, with no wind behind the rain, it wasn't cold! I secured the boat in the rain, and didn't venture out again.

Sunday:

Sunday had more boat traffic, but lots of weird cloud formations: There was no telling what treachery the weather was up to, but a large hole of sunlight opened in the cloud cover, so I launched the boat.

The wind was a perfect 12-knots, and the number of sailboats increased to six individual boats (big and small) during my 2-hour sojourn. The "count" on The Broads was all over the map, going from 1:1 to 1:4 mostly due to a "flock" of Jet-Skis.

I may give them only a ½-point each in future counts. It's like counting seagulls at the beach.

I managed to get home with a decent wind, but the skies never looked as good the rest of the day. It eventually rained lightly—off and on—starting around 4-PM, with skiers still getting in some fun in the rain.

A third landing by a Loon was witnessed by me in the middle of the afternoon. (!)

That rapid "tremulo" call (described above) is good sign that a Loon is in flight.

Monday, August 25th:

Another perfect morning followed Sunday's great weather, though rain showers were all around the lake and there were plenty of "climbing" cumulus clouds. Noon-time quieted again, but the afternoon ended up a "gentler clone" of the morning.

'Ratio of sailboats went from 1:6 to 1:2 when suddenly The Broads "grew" two more sailboats in addition to my boat!

A full, and fairly mellow, day of boating out there.

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26th and 27th:

Too windy to sail.

Thursday, August 28th:

Still too windy, but a guest wanted an opportunity to recover some pride after last year's races where I beat him six-outta-six. We risked a high-speed run across open water to a quiet cove where the wind was manageable. Three races later, I had consistently finished 2nd, and he had finished next-to-last.

Saturday, August 30th:
A blustery and rainy day all day. Wind is strong—mostly from the NE—with heavy and fast-moving overcast skies. No chance of a sail today, and saw only one powerboat.

Monday, September 1st:

Clear, but very windy. Stayed on shore and saw only a few boats, who waited until afternoon to venture out.

Tuesday, September 2nd:

Early-morning fog cleared by 7AM to ideal winds, but too chilly for sailing. (Mid-50s).

By 9-AM, and bundled-up, I headed for Rattlesnake Island. For much of the next hour, I had all of The Broads to myself! One sailboat off Gilford raised his sails, then lowered them again. One large sailboat then appeared which made the ratio of sail to power on The Broads a rare 2:0. As scheduled, the winds diminished about Noon—but were still constant.

A few powerboats appeared south of Cow Island after Noon. It had warmed appreciably by then and had become a perfect sailing day. After lunch and a nap, I ventured out again. Winds were flukey, but there were no wakes to speak of. Mostly clear skies all day.

Wednesday, September 3rd:
Cool, but with ideal winds, I took a long sail to Sandy Island. (More about Sandy Island's interesting history later).

That ideal wind promptly slackened about 10AM, but was still enough to get me back home—and just in time for a doctor's appointment at 1:30PM. Very few sailboats out on this beautiful day, and very few powerboats.

Thursday, September 4th:
The day started with the strong odor of burning brush in the air. At first, I blamed a neighbor's unseen cigar. :embarrassed: The entire Lakes Region, however, was covered in a smokey haze.

The number of powerboats is "up", as is usually the case before a weekend. The ratio of sailboats never exceeded that 1:6 number.

Friday, September 5th:
The day started (and ended) with flukey winds. I checked the Broads and saw the ratio climb to 1:8, with three sailboats and many, many powerboats and Jet-Skis. The general lake noise went up considerably after Noon, and still climbed into the late afternoon. The winds varied between none and adequate, but the numerous boat wakes made the light-weather sailing "unfun".

An MP arrived in the late afternoon with a boat that was new to me. It appears like MP-7 and MP-11 (Centuries), with a low windshield, but without any canopy at all.

Yes, I've lost a day here somewhere. I'll fix it later.

Saturday, September 6th:

A great day for sailing. The powerboat count was really high, which is not too be surprising due to the holiday weekend.

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

"...there are definitely sailors on this forum...!"

Maybe, but they're of the invisible sailor variety.

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26th and 27th:

Too windy to sail.

Friday, August 29th:
With very high, thin, cloud cover, amid very moderate winds, I ventured out early at about 8:00. Just one little outboard boat with two aboard was seen fishing in the Broads. An hour later , there were five sailboats, no powerboats, and three floatplanes seen!

One large community camp (40 families) was bringing in its dock flag, and there were other indications that this season was over for them (!).

Sailing once again in much weaker winds in the afternoon, powerboat traffic was still very slow. I noted MP-11 had stopped for amid us three sailboats. After a five-minute communication with the dispatcher, he took off at high speed in the direction of Melvin Village.

Shortly afterwards, a ~40' Formula GFBL raced right through us (at top speed, of course) in the same general direction. This was his third violation I'd witnessed in just one week! (Stars and stripes "graphics").

Saturday, August 30th:
A blustery and rainy day all day. Wind is strong—mostly from the NE—with heavy and fast-moving overcast skies. No chance of a sail today, and saw only one powerboat.

Sunday, August 31st:
At 8AM, the wind started calm, then increased to about 14-kts. Because it was chilly (at 55 degrees), I quit after about an hour, then went out again better dressed. Wouldn't you know that the temperature would shortly soar into the 70s! It got HOT!

Saw several Loons trying to take off in the cool morning air, only to "crash" back into the water. Saw an Osprey with a caught-fish later in the afternoon.

Off Rattlesnake's most northern shore, a nice sailing chat was had with a "landed gentleman" from Rattlesnake. (We were talking between our identical sailboats). He'd heard of our forum here, and I asked that he sign up.

As usual, the wind dropped to near-nothing after Noon, but was enough to get me home within an hour. The most sailboats seen today at one time was eleven, so the ratio to powerboats swung between 1:1 and 1:2 most of the day.

A different ~40' Formula GFBL flew by (Checkered-Flag motif), heading perhaps to Braun Bay? Is that where they all are going?

It clouded up after dinner, with heavy rains coming in—and the clouds and rainfall were "backlit" by the setting sun: A super ½-rainbow appeared afterwards.

Sunday, September 6th:
It started out just fine, with an average boat ratio of 1:6. Since the wind was from the north, the waves couldn't build, and weren't too large. In the afternoon, the wind freshened, and changed to the south, with boat wakes making things extremely difficult for sailing.

I found my own powerboat could be made to "surf" the largest wakes, possibly exceeding the engine's designed RPM limit!

A pair of identical cruisers sped into my neighborhood side-by-side!

Later, I counted 18 sailboats (including a 420 class, and a Farrier 27 trimaran!) That number of sailboats even eclipsed the number of powerboats—for a rare-ratio of 2:1.

Monday, September 7th:

The lake rapidly became a zoo, so I stayed in and had guests over for a BBQ lunch instead. As the late afternoon approached (and the books were closed on this Labor Day Weekend), I noticed that the wakes gradually became quieter along the shoreline and boats were more sedately cruising about. Most were well below the 25-MPH limit.

Tuesday, September 8th:

Chilly, but nice morning breeze for sailing. The wind dropped at 11AM.

I managed to get home early though, even after having cruised the Broads shoreline of Rattlesnake island while having chats with a few residents enjoying the new quiet.

Wednesday, September 9th:

A.M. doctor's appointment cut off my sailing—totally.

It was a mostly sunny day, with a strong East wind. (Good sailing).

I'm especially glad not to have missed this boat sailing out front of my place. That neighbor, who doesn't consider a Hobie "fast enough", didn't quite get the hang of it, but did OK. The wind was really too strong to try this boat, (which is new to him) so he stayed in a sheltered area known for "changeable" winds. The first run wasn't too pretty, and the guy had all different sorts of problems staying upright. (Similar boat, below).



Thursday, September 10th:

A bit chilly and windy (E) this morning for a sail. This may indicate the approach of the end of this season's sailing.

Waited until Noon, when conditions were just fine. Some bright sun, anoher look-ee at the Bladerider on shore, and another count, with me being the only boat out there for long stretches at a time.

Friday, September 11th:

Intermittant sunshine poking through the clouds and nice winds from the East. It "feels" like rain.

A few more powerboats on the Broads, but a J-80 sailboat kept the count down to around 1:2 or 1:3. The J-80 was headed north. Maybe races in the northern part of the lake?

Saturday, September 12th:

Only scant wind this morning, and later it rained. (So didn't go out).
For a Saturday, there were hardly any boats running around. (And, among sailboats, only a Santana 20 went out in the drizzle).

'Did manage to see a Peregrine Falcon do a "stoop". Couldn't see if it caught anything, but a bunch of crows announced their displeasure at its presence! Could it have been someone's "falconry" pet who used the open spaces here for training?

Saw two Loons in flight and tried to catch them in a landing. Both soared together for several seconds with their wings held in an extreme "V" dihedral (for a bird).

Sunday, September 13th:

Partly sunny, so I got out in a mild wind at 9AM, and saw 17 sailboats! (Not as many powerboats). Saw and heard a small Osprey being attacked in the air by a large seagull.

Went out again at Noon, and counted 33 sailboats! The sailing was great, but I didn't like the "long-fetch" nature of the waves, so headed for home. The wind freshened a whole lot more, with very strong gusts: That had me wondering if I should wait out the weather at a lee shore until things improved. Taking advantage of a lull, and noticing that the clouds began to look even more threatening, I took a chance and zoomed the last ½-mile to the dock. (My BIL was there to slow my docking speed—fortunately).

Monday, September 14th:

A nice sunny day, but stayed ashore. A bit on the windy side for me. A Cooper's Hawk paid a brief visit to my shoreline.

Tuesday, September 15th:

'Way too windy!

Wednesday, September 16th:

A still-strong wind changed to the East, but a cool, heavy overcast and a hint of sprinks in the air kept me off the water. 'Saw a (probable) Golden Eagle soaring over Tuftonboro Neck.

Thursday, September 17th:


By the time the winds died down (and the temperature went up) my 3-PM appointment with the optometrist was due.

Friday and Saturday, September 18th and 19th:
Sailboats twice my size would turn back home seeing today's winds!

Sunday, September 20th

Loon activity is still high. 'Saw two loons make a big circle overhead, finally making smooth landings (for Loons ) in the middle of Winter Harbor.

A sunny sailing day with moderate, but changeable wind velocity. 'Saw that the number of sailboats (at 18) consistently outnumbered the powerboats 2:1 on the Broads this afternoon. There was a stream of 30+ footers heading NW from the south end of the lake. Leading the stream was a Pearson, a Hunter, and a C-36. All were about 35' long. Sailed with a Bucaneer-class for a time. (A small, but very capable design).

One GFBL (purple accented graphics ) decided to "let-er-rip" in front of me (at about 90), but was the only offender on the Broads south of Welch Island this afternoon.

Monday, September 21th

Went out in a nice E to NE breeze, and had the lake to myself for some time. There was one other sailboat, and only one or two other powerboats at any one time. About 11-AM, the wind slackened, so suspecting my voyage to Sandy Island would take all day, I turned for home in variable light breezes. Seeing that it was clear—and the wind was slackening to zero—I proposed to the household that we all head for Castle in the Clouds for lunch! :lipsmack:

From there, I could see only two boats on the whole lake!

Later in the afternoon (with very limited boating) we saw a Black-Backed Gull. Even among that species, this was a large one!

Tuesday, September 22nd

The rain forecast for Tuesday never materialized: Winds were variable, but never strong. There was a little sun, but the clouds were those vertical/fluffy clouds that I associate with snow flurries! It eventually got humid and actually hot while remaining in the high 60s.

Including my boat, there were two sailboats on the Broads at that time, and never more than two powerboats. The other sailboat was off Welch Island, and very fast: a catamaran, perhaps? I saw a Bald Eagle soaring overhead off Marriott's compound. Later, I saw a previously-unseen "Force-5" sailboat enjoying a breeze off a lee shore of Tuftonboro Neck.

A Loon family of four were behaving in a "migratory-mood" (hyper-active) this afternoon. As it was calm in the PM, there were a lot of feathers to be seen on the lake's surface. (Consistent with the Loon-moltings that occur before migration).

Wednesday, September 23nd

Dentist appointment in the AM.

Thursday, September 24nd

Tree trimmer kept me busy in the AM. Heard the B-17 at 9:30 AM. Saw the B-17 fly really close-by before lunch.


Friday, September 25th

'Way too windy for most everybody.

Saturday, September 26th

Sailed in the nice breeze of the cool (55°) calm AM. Never saw more than a few boats, and none were sailboats. Loon feathers are everywhere on the surface. Selected some for fashioning into wind indicators. Maybe add them to my sail's tell-tales?

Sailed again in the fluky winds of the afternoon. 'Got hot out there. Saw a bald eagle land high in a tree just north of a Rattlesnake camp with woodstove smoking. (If Rattlesnake Island appears to you like a snorkeler, he landed at the shoulder of the snorkeler). A large Osprey flew directly overhead from (once again) Camp Ossipee.

There were 18 sailboats out—most (that were moving) were near Lakeshore Park. Perhaps because there were more clouds there, they had much more wind than the east side of the lake. Sailboats outnumbered powerboats even with a surge in powerboat numbers towards about 3:30-PM, when I quit for the day. (Scant wind, and getting stalled by wakes).

Got a big wave (hello) and cheer (!) from a smallish antique Laker.

Sunday, September 27th

The 100% rain chance promised did appear, and foreclosed on any possible sailing.

Monday, September 28th

Discouraged by the "strongish" winds of mid-morning, I elected to spend the day away from the lake. "Big mistake", as the wind and weather turned beautiful.

Tuesday, September 29th
No more good sailing days.

October has been mostly too windy for sailing. Now that the water has cooled, I think I'll pull the boat for the season.

Had a great weekend. Sailed in the Broads for two hours on Saturday and over three on Sunday without a single scare or conflict. Many boats and plenty of wave action, but civility reigned. It was like a return to the pre-GFBL era. Those boats were out there, but isn't it nice to see them sharing the lake with us instead of trying to chase us off? I just cannot get over the huge improvement such a simple law has made. How can anyone object? Hoping we get a couple more of these summer weekends before the leaves fall. Most importantly, hoping the civility we are enjoying this summer is not allowed to "sunset".

[Justenuff]

Originally Posted by elchase

Had a great weekend. Sailed in the Broads for two hours on Saturday and over three on Sunday without a single scare or conflict. Many boats and plenty of wave action, but civility reigned. It was like a return to the pre-GFBL era. Those boats were out there, but isn't it nice to see them sharing the lake with us instead of trying to chase us off? I just cannot get over the huge improvement such a simple law has made. How can anyone object? Hoping we get a couple more of these summer weekends before the leaves fall. Most importantly, hoping the civility we are enjoying this summer is not allowed to "sunset".

For the past nine years we sailed all over Winnipesaukee until this summer. We needed to put the sailboat in storage for the season for personal reasons, and do we miss the lake. I read the forum regularly and saw the initial post for sailors, but didn't respond.

Fays is the only place on the lake that we know of that works with the sailboats. Wayne is great and always has been helpful, if sometime very busy.

In the past, we have dedicated one weekend day for sailing, and depending on conditions we had a great time. Many times we got skunked by light and variable winds, but in general we loved the time on the water.

We avoid sailing on days where the gusts are strong, due primarily to the boats tendency to want to turtle. Many times during the day we went out with a great wind and came back in a gale, tired, but happy to have gotten in another day.

We'll just have to see if the conditions are right for us to return next summer.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Justenuff

We'll just have to see if the conditions are right for us to return next summer.

I hope you can make it back. soon I had to give up going to the lake when I was a kid and my parents divorced. That made me sadder than the divorce (in my defense, my biological father was a real piece of work and I do not miss him). It was years before I got back regularly.